Solicitor - Employment

Irwin Mitchell LLP; Manchester; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days holiday

Annual pay and bonus review

Health and wellbeing support

Competitive pension arrangements

Two paid volunteering days

Discounts and lifestyle benefits

Job summary

Irwin Mitchell LLP in Manchester seeks an Employment Solicitor with 1–4 years’ PQE to handle contentious and non-contentious matters. You will advise on redundancies, TUPE, disciplinary issues and settlements, and represent clients in Employment Tribunal claims and court proceedings.

You will lead client relationships, contribute to business development and mentor junior lawyers within a collaborative, forward-thinking team that values integrity and impact.

Qualifications

• 1–4 years PQE in Employment law.
• Experience in Employment Tribunal litigation and related proceedings.
• Ability to manage a substantial and varied workload with ambitious clients.

Responsibilities

• Advise on a broad spectrum of employment issues including redundancies, disciplinary procedures, TUPE and settlement agreements.
• Represent clients in Employment Tribunal claims and higher court proceedings.
• Lead client relationships and contribute to business development.
• Mentor junior lawyers and collaborate to deliver high-quality service.

Skills

Employment law

Employment Tribunal litigation

Client relationship management

Mentoring juniors

Education

Qualified Solicitor

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. Please speak to a member of our Recruitment and Onboarding team for more information.

Your Role and What You'll Be Doing

Our Manchester Employment team, led by experienced partner Helen Kidd , is growing and we’re looking for a talented Employment Solicitor to join us.

Helen brings extensive expertise in complex tribunal litigation, reorganisations, redundancies, and TUPE. She acts for both senior executives and businesses across sectors including retail, manufacturing, and logistics

You’ll be part of a dynamic and collaborative team that advises a wide range of clients on both contentious and non-contentious employment matters. You’’ be involved in:

• Advising on a broad spectrum of employment issues including redundancies, disciplinary and grievance procedures, TUPE, absence management, and Settlement Agreements.
• Representing clients in Employment Tribunal claims and higher court proceedings.
• Leading client relationships and contributing to business development initiatives.
• Supporting and mentoring junior lawyers, fostering their growth and development.
• Collaborating with colleagues across the firm to deliver seamless, high-quality service.

Our Manchester team have been involved many in high-profile cases and continues to grow its reputation for excellence. Recent work includes advising on large-scale restructures, defending complex tribunal claims, and supporting clients through sensitive workplace investigations.

About You

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

• 1–4 years PQE.
• Experience in Employment law matters.
• 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.

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.

Applying to Irwin Mitchell

We want every candidate to have a positive, fair and transparent recruitment experience. If you require any support or reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process, please speak to a member of our Recruitment & Onboarding team or contact [e-mail]

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.