Solicitor / FCILEX 2 – 6 Years’ PQE

Stephens Scown LLP; Exeter; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days holiday plus bank holidays

Private medical insurance

Flexible working model

Annual profit-share

Job summary

A progressive law firm in Exeter seeks a Solicitor with 2–6 years of PQE in employment law. In this role, you will manage a diverse caseload, offering commercial solutions for employers and participating in client training. The firm promotes a supportive work environment with employee ownership benefits, including a competitive salary, and encourages flexible working. Join a team committed to making a positive community impact and becoming an expert in employment law.

Qualifications

• Qualified solicitor with expertise in employment law.
• 2–6 years post-qualification experience essential.
• Strong abilities in communication and teamwork.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work independently as well as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Manage a varied, high-quality caseload including complex Employment Tribunal matters.
• Provide commercial solutions for employers on various legal issues.
• Contribute to client training and thought leadership.
• Grow your profile and influence by contributing to client training, thought leadership, and networking opportunities that position you as a go‑to employment law expert.
• Collaborate with colleagues in a team that values ideas, innovation, and shared success.
• Help drive the future of the team, supporting business development initiatives and growth of the employment practice.

Skills

Employment law expertise

Communication skills

Solution-focused approach

Client relationship development

Education

2–6 years PQE in employment law

Job description

At Stephens Scown, every day is what we make it. So we make it matter. Doing notable work for notable clients, building our skills with talented people and having a positive impact on our communities sits at the heart of everything we do.

We don’t just say it, we live it. Our commitment to our people, clients and communities runs through our DNA. We are employee-owned, we are a Certified B Corporation TM , and we are featured in the Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2025 list – ensuring our culture and ethos of going above and beyond for our people, our colleagues and our communities is recognised nationally.

The Role

• Take ownership of a varied, high‑quality caseload that will stretch your expertise, from complex Employment Tribunal matters to strategic HR advisory work that shapes how our clients operate.
• Be a trusted partner to employers across the region and beyond, offering commercial, creative solutions on everything from restructuring and TUPE to employee relations challenges.
• Play a key role in major projects, supporting corporate transactions and working alongside other specialist teams to deliver seamless advice on deals that genuinely make a difference.
• Grow your profile and influence by contributing to client training, thought leadership, and networking opportunities that position you as a go‑to employment law expert.
• Collaborate with talented, supportive colleagues in a team that values your ideas, encourages innovation, and celebrates shared success.
• Help drive the future of the team, getting involved in business development initiatives and shaping how we continue to grow our leading employment practice.

About You

• 2–6 years PQE in employment law (Solicitor or Associate level)
• Strong technical knowledge and a proactive, solution‑focused approach
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work independently as well as part of a team
• A genuine interest in developing client relationships and delivering high‑quality advice

What we can offer you

• We offer a competitive salary and an impressive array of benefits and rewards. Not least of these is through the Firm’s employee-ownership status, where every employee is listened to, helps to realise our vision and receives an equal share in our annual profit-share.
• Our hybrid working model and approach to flexible working enables our people to share their working time between home and the office to support a healthy work / life balance.
• Employee benefits – including 25 days holiday (plus bank holidays and your birthday), private medical insurance, group life assurance, access to a comprehensive range of wellbeing support, and three additional days’ paid leave to support good causes.
• Progression opportunities – including, regular training, qualification options, mentorship, and continued professional development.

Why Stephens Scown?

Working here is something else entirely. It’s a place where we can step up to tough challenges with people so good they inspire us to be better. We proudly work in a beautiful part of the country, go beyond expectations and achieve things that matter.

Owning It Matters…

We’re the UK’s first major employee-owned law firm. But more than this, we’re people-centred, people-powered. We do what it takes to help each other overcome every challenge. Whatever’s happening in the world, empowering our people is what matters.

Our communities and colleagues give us a lot to be thankful for. So we try to make them feel as valued as our clients. Whether we’re digging deep and giving our time and money, picking up rubbish from our streets and beaches, at Stephens Scown, if it’s right, it matters.

We might have the expertise of a top city firm, but outside our offices there’s not a skyscraper in sight. Whether we’re getting to know our clients on our local beach or having fun in the park with colleagues, we’re all about living a life enriched by work. Making the fun matter.

Apply for this position

If this sounds like you and you would like to be considered for this opportunity,please send your application by email enclosing an upto date CV [e-mail] or by post to: HR Department, Stephens Scown LLP, Curzon House, Southernhay West, Exeter, EX1 1RS

At Stephens Scown, we believe that a diverse workforce delivers better results for ourclients and creates a happier workplace where everyone feels valued and appreciated. Thereforewe welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds, abilities and beliefs.

All offers of employment at Stephens Scown are subject to Basic level of Disclosure and BarringService check. Any information gathered in relation to the DBS process is held in in accordancewith all relevant data protection regulations. Having a criminal record will not necessarilybar you from working with us. This will depend on the nature of the position and the circumstancesand background of your offences. At interview, or in a separate discussion, we ensure that an openand measured discussion takes place on the subject of any offences or other matter that might berelevant to the position. Failure to reveal information that is directly relevant to the positionsought could lead to withdrawal of an offer of employment. We make every subject of a DBSDisclosure aware of the existence of the DBS Code of Practice. This is available onhttps://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dbs-code-of-practice