Senior Employment Lawyer

yolk recruitment; Gloucester; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A top-tier employment law firm in Bristol seeks a Senior Employment Lawyer with 8+ years' PQE. This role offers exceptional flexibility including hybrid and remote options. You'll handle a diverse caseload, from tribunal cases to executive advisory work, while enjoying a collaborative, supportive environment. With genuine partnership prospects and a comprehensive benefits package, this is an opportunity to thrive both professionally and personally.

Benefits

Bonus scheme

Private health insurance

5% employer pension contribution

30 days’ annual leave

Exceptional flexibility in working pattern

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years’ PQE in employment law with a strong advisory background.
• Confidence and pragmatism in handling complex employment matters.
• Relationship-driven with a focus on client care.

Responsibilities

• Handle a high-quality employment caseload across various matters.
• Manage employment tribunal litigation and senior exits.
• Deliver client training and workshops.

Skills

8+ years' PQE in employment law

Strong experience advising both employers and employees

Excellent client-care skills

Pragmatic, commercial and confident approach

Interest in mentoring and business development

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.

Contact

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.