At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team advising on global employment matters and handling strategic projects.
- Company: Be part of an elite US firm with a collaborative culture and international reach.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, training budgets, and opportunities for international secondments.
- Why this job: Gain real ownership of projects in a fast-paced, supportive environment with career development.
- Qualifications: UK-qualified lawyer with 2-6 years PQE; strong initiative and emotional resilience required.
- Other info: Opportunity to work closely with teams in New York and Australia.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 Β£ per year.
An Elite US-firm's London office is seeking a UK-qualified Employment Associate to join its growing Global Human Capital and Compliance (GHCC) practice. This is a rare opportunity to join a high-performing, genuinely cross-border employment team, advising multinational clients on complex workforce matters across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
The Role
- Broad international employment practice (90% non-contentious), including:
- Senior exits, DEI/pay transparency, hiring structures
- Global investigations, M&A integration, restructures, and mobility
- Live projects across Europe and Africa
- Opportunity to handle both strategic advisory and hands-on work (e.g. settlement agreements)
- High degree of autonomy, client exposure, and international collaboration (notably with NY and Australia)
- Career development supported β not an up-or-out track, but entrepreneurialism rewarded
- Very little corporate support
About You
- UK-qualified lawyer, ideally 2β6 PQE (exceptional juniors considered)
- Strong technical ability and initiative β someone who asks questions, takes ownership, and wants to get stuck in
- Open to in-house or unemployed candidates if the fit is right
- Financial services and/or contentious experience (e.g. tribunals, restrictive covenants, High Court) is highly desirable
- Emotionally mature and resilient β suited to small team dynamics and a fast-paced international environment
Whatβs On Offer
- Work on global matters with real ownership, not just editing advice from local counsel
- AmLaw 100 firm
- Internal budgets for international secondments, BD, and training
- Hybrid working
- Collegiate office of ~90 people β highly visible and collaborative culture
Application Process
- Two interview rounds + short written assessment at second stage
- One strong candidate currently in play β apply promptly
Contact Detail:
MRA Search Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Employment Associate
β¨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in employment law, particularly those affecting multinational companies. This will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and the firm's practice areas.
β¨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the employment law field, especially those who work in global firms or have experience in cross-border issues. Attend relevant seminars or webinars to make connections and gain insights that could be beneficial during your application process.
β¨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by thinking about specific examples from your past experience that showcase your initiative and ability to handle complex employment matters. Be ready to discuss how you've taken ownership of projects and contributed to team success.
β¨Tip Number 4
Research the firmβs culture and values, particularly their approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Being able to articulate how your personal values align with theirs can set you apart as a candidate who is not only qualified but also a good cultural fit.
We think you need these skills to ace Employment Associate
Some tips for your application π«‘
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience, particularly in employment law and any international exposure. Emphasise your qualifications and any specific cases or projects that align with the role's requirements.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for employment law and your understanding of the firm's global practice. Mention specific skills that make you a good fit, such as your initiative and ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your application, focus on your experience with non-contentious employment matters, M&A integration, and any work with multinational clients. Use concrete examples to demonstrate your technical ability and ownership of projects.
Prepare for the Written Assessment: Since there is a written assessment at the second stage, practice drafting concise legal documents or advice notes. Familiarise yourself with common issues in employment law to showcase your analytical skills effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at MRA Search
β¨Showcase Your Technical Skills
As a UK-qualified lawyer, it's crucial to demonstrate your strong technical ability during the interview. Be prepared to discuss specific cases or scenarios where you've applied your legal knowledge, particularly in non-contentious employment matters.
β¨Emphasise Initiative and Ownership
This role values candidates who take ownership of their work. Share examples of how you've proactively tackled challenges in previous roles, whether through strategic advisory or hands-on tasks like settlement agreements.
β¨Demonstrate Emotional Resilience
Given the fast-paced environment and small team dynamics, it's important to convey your emotional maturity and resilience. Discuss situations where you've successfully navigated high-pressure scenarios or adapted to changing circumstances.
β¨Prepare for Global Context
Since this position involves advising multinational clients, be ready to discuss your understanding of global employment practices. Familiarise yourself with key issues affecting workforce matters across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa to show your readiness for international collaboration.