Solicitor - Employment

Irwin Mitchell LLP; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days holiday

Annual pay and bonus review

Health and wellbeing support

Competitive pension

Two volunteering days a year

Discounts and lifestyle benefits

Job summary

Irwin Mitchell LLP in Birmingham is seeking a solicitor to join the Employment team, handling contentious matters for individuals and businesses across sectors. You will advise on unfair dismissal, whistleblowing, discrimination, and more, and will represent both Claimants and Respondents in Employment Tribunal claims and higher courts.

You will manage a varied caseload, mentor junior colleagues, and engage in our training programme to advance your expertise in contentious employment law.

Qualifications

• 1–4 years PQE in employment law.
• Proven experience in handling contentious employment matters.
• Experience representing both Claimants and Respondents in Employment Tribunal Claims is desirable.
• Enthusiasm for contentious employment law and ability to work 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 willingness to support junior team members.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Job description

Your Role

and What You'll Be Doing

You’ll join our highly regarded Birmingham Employment team, led by partners and . 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.
• Proven experience in handling contentious matters
• 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

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.