Employment Solicitor

Senior Employment SolicitorLocation: ManchesterCareer Level: Partner/Senior Associate 10+ PQESalary: £75,000 - £100,000 + Bonus Lead and Grow a Thriving Employment PracticeAre you an experienced employment solicitor ready to lead and develop an employment practice in Manchester? Our client, a well-established and highly regarded commercial law firm with offices in Liverpool and Manchester, is seeking a Senior Employment Solicitor at Partner or Senior Associate level to lead their employment offering in Manchester.This is an exceptional opportunity to take ownership of a practice area, build your client base, and play a pivotal role in the continued growth of a forward-thinking firm. Whether you have an existing client following or a strong network of business and professional contacts in the Manchester area, this role offers the platform and support to build a successful and rewarding career.For non-partners, there are excellent opportunities for promotion to partnership, making this an ideal role for ambitious solicitors looking to progress to the next level. The RoleAs a Senior Employment Solicitor, you will lead the employment offering in Manchester, managing your own diverse caseload whilst also taking on managerial responsibilities for junior members of the team. You'll report to the firm's Head of Employment but will have the autonomy to develop and grow the practice in the region.You'll advise corporate clients on the full range of employment matters, from strategic HR advice to complex Employment Tribunal litigation. This is a client-facing role where your technical expertise, commercial acumen, and network will be key to attracting and retaining clients and developing the firm's reputation in the Manchester area.Your key responsibilities will include:Leading the employment practice in Manchester and driving business developmentManaging a varied caseload of employment law matters, both advisory and contentiousAdvising HR teams and boards of corporate clients on employment law, HR policies, and strategic workforce mattersHandling Employment Tribunal litigation including unfair dismissal, discrimination, whistleblowing, TUPE, and breach of contract claimsAdvising on complex employee relations issues, restructuring, redundancy, and settlement agreementsDeveloping and maintaining strong client relationships and delivering exceptional client serviceAttracting and retaining clients through business development and networkingBuilding your network of business and professional contacts in the Manchester areaSupervising and mentoring junior members of the employment teamReporting to the firm's Head of EmploymentPlaying an active role in the strategic development of the practice About YouEssential Requirements:10+ years' PQE (or equivalent experience)Qualified Solicitor in England and WalesProven experience in both advisory employment work and Employment Tribunal litigationDemonstrable track record of advising HR teams and boards of corporate clientsStrong technical knowledge across the full range of employment law mattersExperience handling complex Employment Tribunal claims including discrimination, whistleblowing, TUPE, and unfair dismissalProven ability to attract and retain clientsExcellent client care skills with a strong commercial approachAmbition and drive to lead and develop an employment practiceStrong managerial and supervisory skillsOutstanding communication, negotiation, and advocacy skillsHighly Desirable:Existing client followingStrong network of business and professional contacts in the Manchester areaBusiness development experience and a proactive approach to generating new workExperience in a leadership or senior role within an employment teamExperience advising on complex restructuring, TUPE transfers, and senior executive mattersKey Attributes:Commercially astute with a pragmatic approach to employment mattersConfident, personable, and able to build rapport with clients and contactsStrategic thinker with the ability to see the bigger pictureNatural leader who can inspire and mentor junior team membersAmbitious and motivated to progress to partnership (if not already at partner level)Proactive and solutions-focused approach to client matters What's On OfferOur client is committed to rewarding talent, ambition, and hard work with a competitive remuneration package and genuine opportunities for career progression.Benefits include:Competitive salary: £75,000 - £100,000 (dependent on experience and level)Firm-wide bonus scheme for all fee earnersExcellent partnership opportunities for non-partnersHybrid working: up to 2 days per week home/remote workingComprehensive contractual benefits packageAutonomy to lead and develop the employment practice in ManchesterSupportive and collaborative working environmentProfessional development and career progression opportunitiesModern, well-equipped offices in Manchester city centreAccess to a strong network of business and professional contactsOpportunities to contribute to the strategic direction of the firm About Our ClientOur client is a well-established, commercially focused law firm with offices in Liverpool and Manchester, serving clients across the North West and beyond. The firm has built a strong reputation for delivering high-quality legal services across a broad range of practice areas, including employment, commercial litigation, property and construction, corporate, insolvency, intellectual property, and sport.The firm acts for a diverse client base including SMEs across multiple sectors, institutional clients in the financial sector (including asset finance and invoice finance), corporate clients, and insolvency practitioners. With a pragmatic, commercial approach and a commitment to delivering excellent client service, the firm has established itself as a trusted legal partner for businesses throughout the region.The employment team advises corporate clients on the full spectrum of employment matters, from day-to-day HR advice and policy development to complex Employment Tribunal litigation, restructuring, TUPE transfers, and senior executive matters. You'll be joining a dynamic, ambitious firm that values collaboration, innovation, and excellence.The firm holds ISO 9001 and ISO 27001 accreditations, reflecting its commitment to quality and information security. LocationThis role is based at our client's Manchester office, located in the heart of the city centre with excellent transport links and access to local amenities. The office offers a modern, professional working environment with the flexibility of hybrid working (up to 2 days per week from home). How to ApplyIf you're an experienced employment solicitor ready to lead and grow a thriving practice in Manchester, we'd love to hear from you. Click apply now or contact lee.hawthorne-finch@ or 0333 996 2882

Created: 2025-11-19