Senior Associate (Solicitor), Employment, Public Sector

TN United Kingdom; Bamber Bridge; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job description

Senior Associate (Solicitor), Employment, Public Sector, Bamber Bridge

Location:

Bamber Bridge, United Kingdom

Job Category:

Other

EU work permit required:

Yes

Job Reference:

bac28568b7f8

Job Description:

UK Employer of the Year 2024: Silver (250+) - Investors in People Awards

The Role

Forbes Solicitors LLP are seeking a Senior Associate to join our Employment (Public Sector) team at our Walton Summit, Preston Office. This is a full-time role working 36.25 hours per week, Monday to Friday, with the possibility of hybrid working.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an ambitious Employment Solicitor to progress their career and bring their experience and knowledge into a collaborative and professional team. While the role demands the fast pace, customer focus, and high standards of a law firm, it also ensures a sustainable work-life balance, reflecting the regional area it serves.

As a key member of our team, you will be responsible for achieving successful outcomes such as:

• Managing a varied caseload of employment matters primarily consisting of Education, Housing, and Local Authority matters.
• Attending/Representing at Tribunal hearings for a wide variety of hearings, including:
  • Unfair dismissal
  • Discrimination
  • TUPE
  • Redundancy
• Representation at internal client hearings such as disciplinaries, dismissals, grievances, appeals, and conducting investigations.
• Provision of written and verbal advice in litigated and non-litigated matters.
• Communications with clients, opponents, Courts/Tribunals, and third parties to progress files.
• Provision and supervision of value-added services e.g. client helpline calls/emails, legal surgeries, briefing notes, etc.
• Supporting the Head of Department, Partners, and other advisors on their own cases, and the delivery of the departmental strategy and business objectives.
• Management, supervision, training, coaching, and mentoring of (and delegation of work to) Solicitors, Caseworkers, and Paralegals to facilitate the achievement of their business objectives and professional development goals.
• Ensuring compliance with internal and external business requirements including ISO:9001 quality control, SRA Principles / Code of Conduct, Court & Tribunal deadlines.
• Monitoring and reporting on own financial and business performance, and of colleagues under the Associate’s management/supervision responsibilities, to deliver work in a profitable manner.
• Contributing towards internal continuous improvement, innovation, and knowledge sharing.
• Inter-departmental support and collaboration on joint files, projects, and events.
• Contributing to the development of the departmental business plan.
• Building positive relationships with current/prospective clients and enhancing the firm’s profile, to drive business growth.
• Contributing to business development including training events, articles/newsletters, Chambers & Legal 500 submissions, etc.

The Person

We will be progressing applicants to the next stage based on their demonstrated knowledge, experience, and skills in:

• Qualified Solicitor (or CILEX equivalent) with minimum 5 years PQE.
• Previous experience working within the Employment legal sector is essential.
• Desire to conduct advocacy in Courts or Tribunals is essential including ability and willingness to travel throughout England.
• Good client care skills, providing professional and competent legal advice in accordance with SRA Code of Conduct.
• Proven experience of handling own caseload, working to and managing deadlines, alongside the capability to generate fees in accordance with agreed targets.
• Strong presentation and client handling skills and be commercially astute.
• Good knowledge of IT systems, including Word, Outlook, and case management systems.
• Excellent organisational and communication skills.
• The ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• The ability to supervise, manage, motivate, and inspire others effectively.
• The ability to work collaboratively as part of a supportive team and be reliable and enthusiastic.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Align with the Firm's values.

If you are interested in this role or in joining Forbes Solicitors, please visit our website to learn more about us.

The Firm

At Forbes Solicitors, we believe in creating a supportive and collaborative environment where our team members can thrive and develop themselves and others. We offer a comprehensive range of legal services and have offices across the North, with deep roots in Lancashire. Our team is known for its genuine, practical advice and passion for achieving the best results. We are real people who listen to each other and work together to deliver exceptional service.

We are proud to have been awarded UK Employer of the Year: Silver (250+) at the Investors in People Awards 2024 and the Firm is ranked as a Legal 500 Top Tier Firm and a Chambers and Partners Leading Firm.

We are a values-led Firm and are looking for people who embody our values: authenticity, striving for exceptional results, and unity in teamwork to join our award-winning Firm.

The Benefits

We are dedicated to supporting our people and offer a range of benefits, including:

• 33 days annual leave, including bank holidays.
• Annual leave purchase scheme (Subject to T&Cs).
• Celebration leave.
• Progression opportunities.
• Company pension.
• Long service awards.
• Subsidised tuck shops.
• Health care benefits (Health Cash Back Plan and Mental Health Counselling Services).
• BUPA (Solicitor positions only, for self, not dependents).
• Retailer and gym membership discounts.
• Recruitment and legal department referrals (Subject to T&Cs).
• Annual Events.

Forbes is an equal opportunities and disability-confident employer, accredited by Investors in People and ISO 9001 quality management systems. We are committed to equal opportunities in employment, service provision, and supplier engagement, and strive to maintain a workforce that reflects the local community.