Solicitor - Employment

Irwin Mitchell LLP; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health & wellbeing

Pension plans

Volunteer days

Discounts & benefits

Job summary

Irwin Mitchell LLP’s Birmingham Employment team seeks an associate with 1–4 years PQE to handle contentious employment matters for individuals and businesses. You will advise on issues from unfair dismissal to discrimination and represent clients in Employment Tribunals and higher courts.

Join a collaborative team, mentor paralegals, and take part in ongoing training and development opportunities. A strong commitment to client service and managing a varied caseload is essential.

Qualifications

• 1–4 years PQE in employment law.
• Experience representing Claimants and Respondents in Employment Tribunal is desirable but not essential.
• Strong enthusiasm for contentious employment law and client-focused outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Advise clients on contentious employment issues including unfair dismissal and discrimination.
• Represent Claimants and Respondents in Employment Tribunal and higher courts with a focus on insured cases.
• Manage a varied, fast-paced caseload and supervise junior team members.
• Contribute to training and development within the team.

Skills

Employment law

Tribunal litigation

Case management

Mentoring

Job description

As one of the UK’s leading law firms, we’re here for the people and businesses who rely on us at life’s important moments - made possible by our colleagues who bring the expertise, judgement and care that makes the difference.

Our colleagues bring Irwin Mitchell to life every day, so it matters that you feel valued from the very first day and aretrusted with the responsibility, in the right culture, to do the best work of your careers. Everyone’s path here is different, but we share a desire to help our business make a real impact.

Where possible we will support our colleagues to work in a way that works for them, for us and most importantly our clients.

Your Role and What You'll Be Doing

You’ll join our highly regarded Birmingham Employment team, led by partners Donna Seferta and Elaine Huttley . As a key member of the team, you’ll support individuals and businesses across a variety of sectors, specialising in contentious employment matters.

In this role, you will:

• Advise clients on a broad spectrum of contentious employment issues, including unfair dismissal, unlawful deductions from wages, breach of contract, whistleblowing and discrimination.
• Represent both Claimants and Respondents in Employment Tribunal claims and higher court proceedings, with a focus on cases funded by Legal Expenses Insurance.
• Manage a varied and fast-paced caseload of contentious matters.
• Mentor and support paralegals and apprentices, contributing to their development and the overall success of the team.
• Participate in our dedicated training programme, designed to further your professional growth.
• Collaborate with colleagues to deliver high-quality, client-focused service and contribute to the ongoing development of the team.

About You

We’re looking for someone who brings both technical expertise and a passion for Employment Tribunal litigation:

• 1-4 years PQE.
• Experience representing both Claimants and Respondents in Employment Tribunal Claims is desirable, but not essential.
• Enthusiasm for contentious employment law and a commitment to achieving the best outcomes for clients, even under pressure.
• Ability to manage a substantial and varied workload.
• Experience working with clients funded by legal expenses insurance is desirable.
• Strong mentoring skills and a willingness to support junior team members.

You’ll be joining a collaborative, forward-thinking team that values innovation, integrity, and impact. If you’re ready to take the next step in your career and contribute to a thriving practice, we’d love to hear from you.

Our Approach to Reward and Wellbeing

• 25 days' holiday as standard, rising to 28 days depending on role level, plus bank holidays and the option to purchase additional leave.
• Opportunities to share in our success through annual pay and bonus review processes for eligible colleagues.
• Health and wellbeing support, including Westfield Health and Digital GP access.
• Competitive pension arrangements to help you plan for the future.
• Two paid volunteering days every year to support causes that matter to you.
• Access to a range of colleague discounts and lifestyle benefits to support you both inside and outside of work.

We also offer a wide range of well-being initiatives to encourage positive mental health both in and out of the workplace and to make sure you’re fully supported.

In 2026, Irwin Mitchell was recognised in the Sunday Times Best Places to Work guide and was the only law firm included in the 'Very Big' organisation category

Our responsible business programmes are fundamental to who we are and our purpose. We’re committed to being a diverse and inclusive workplace where our colleagues can flourish, and we have established a number of inclusion network groups across our business to support this aim.

Our commitment to Social Responsibility, community investment activity and tackling climate change is a fundamental part of who we are. It’s made up of four strands: Our People, Our Community, Our Environment and Our Pro Bono.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming an increasingly common part of modern working life. If you choose to use AI tools as part of your application or interview preparation, please review our AI in Recruitment Candidate Guidance AI Candidate Guidance

As part of joining the Irwin Mitchell Group, all successful applicants are required to complete our employment screening process. We carry out pre employment screening to establish your eligibility to work in the UK, and understand any criminal records or adverse financial history.

Our onboarding processes are designed to help us maintain the high standards of trust, integrity and professionalism expected by our colleagues, to protect the interests of the Group, clients, partners and other stakeholders.

Checks are conducted by trusted 3rd parties and the employment screening process will fully comply with Data Protection and other applicable laws.

Irwin Mitchell LLP is an equal opportunity employer.