Senior Employment Lawyer

Yolk Recruitment Ltd; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 76,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A boutique employment law firm in Bristol is looking for a Senior Employment Lawyer with over 8 years of PQE. This role offers a chance to manage a diverse caseload, including tribunal litigation and advisory work, in a highly flexible environment with genuine partnership opportunities. The firm values autonomy and client relationships, and offers a competitive salary up to £90,000 along with a bonus scheme, private health insurance, and a supportive team atmosphere.

Benefits

Salary up to £90,000

Bonus scheme

Private health insurance

30 days' annual leave

5% employer pension contribution

Exceptional flexibility

Qualifications

• Must have 8+ years' PQE in employment law.
• Experience advising on complex matters required.
• Interest in mentoring and business development needed.

Responsibilities

• Handle varied employment caseload covering contentious and advisory matters.
• Manage employment tribunal litigation.
• Contribute to client training and practice development.

Skills

8+ years' PQE in employment law

Advising both employers and employees

Excellent client-care skills

Pragmatic and commercial approach

Job description

Senior Employment Lawyer (8+ PQE)

Location: Bristol

Salary: Up to £90,000 + bonus

Working pattern: Highly flexible / hybrid / remote options available

The Opportunity

• This is a standout opportunity for a senior employment lawyer to join a top-tier, specialist employment practice in Bristol that genuinely punches above its weight.
• The firm is consistently ranked in both Legal 500 and Chambers, competing directly with much larger commercial firms yet offering something refreshingly different: autonomy, flexibility and a people-first culture where quality of work and quality of life genuinely coexist.
• With a strong pipeline of work and exceptional retention, this role is ideal for an experienced employment lawyer who wants intellectually stimulating work, meaningful client relationships and a clear route to partnership - without the rigid structures of a traditional large firm.

The Firm

• This is a highly respected boutique employment law practice, led by one of the South West's most experienced and hands‑on employment specialists, who is personally recognised in Chambers UK for tribunal advocacy and senior exits.
• Despite its size, the firm has been ranked for over a decade, praised for delivering City‑quality advice with a pragmatic, human and commercially astute approach. Client feedback is outstanding, with consistently top‑tier reviews highlighting responsiveness, clarity and expertise.
• The ethos is simple: do brilliant work, treat people like adults and build long‑term relationships - with clients and colleagues alike.

The Role

You'll handle a high-quality and genuinely varied employment caseload, typically split 75% employer / 25% employee, covering both contentious and advisory matters, including:

• Employment tribunal litigation
• Senior exits and executive advisory work
• Discrimination, whistleblowing and complex disputes
• Restructuring and business change projects
• Restrictive covenants and post‑termination issues
• Delivering client training and management workshops
• Contributing to thought leadership, seminars and practice development

You'll work closely with national and regional employers, as well as senior executives, and play a visible role in shaping client relationships and the wider direction of the practice.

Importantly, billable hours are not viewed in isolation - overall contribution is valued and targets are set collaboratively, not imposed.

What They're Looking For

• 8+ years' PQE in employment law
• Strong experience advising both employers and employees
• A pragmatic, commercial and confident approach to complex matters
• Excellent client‑care skills with a relationship‑led mindset
• Interest in mentoring, business development and contributing to the wider firm
• Ambition to progress, with partnership firmly on the table

What's In It for You

• Salary up to £90,000 (depending on experience)
• Bonus scheme
• Genuine partnership prospects, with potential for equity
• Private health insurance
• Cashback health scheme
• 5% employer pension contribution
• 30 days' annual leave
• Exceptional flexibility - hybrid, remote, part‑time or flexi‑time all considered
• A senior, collegiate team with outstanding retention
• Exposure to top‑quality work without big‑firm politics

Why This Role

This is a rare chance to join a firm where senior lawyers are trusted, supported and given space to thrive - professionally and personally.

Yolk Recruitment is an equal opportunities employer and embraces diversity in our workforce. We employ the best people for the job at hand and actively encourage applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, age, race, religion, sexual orientation, disability, educational background, parental status, gender identity or any other protected characteristic. We champion and celebrate diversity at Yolk allowing our team to bring their whole selves to work.

Please note, whilst we do our best to contact all candidates, due to the high number of applications we receive we cannot guarantee this for every role. If you have not heard anything from us within 7 days of applying - then unfortunately you have been unsuccessful. Please keep an eye on our website for more opportunities.