Solicitor/Associate Solicitor - Employment Education in Birmingham

Our Employment team provides commercial, practical advice to employers and senior employees on all aspects of employment law. The team comprises a number of highly skilled litigators and is known for its successful handling of Employment Tribunal litigation, including large complex discrimination cases. Our specialist Employment and Education team continues to grow and is one of the firm's leading practice areas. Recognised as a national leader, the team is ranked in Tier 1 by both Chambers and The Legal 500.

We are looking for a Solicitor or Associate Solicitor (3-6 PQE) with employment law experience to join our highly regarded Employment & Education team. This role offers the opportunity to work closely with sector-leading lawyers, advising predominantly Higher Education and Further Education clients, while also supporting Academy and School clients on a broad range of employment law matters. You will enjoy exposure to high-quality work from day one, taking responsibility for your own matters while collaborating with colleagues on larger and more complex cases. The role combines both contentious and non-contentious employment work and offers excellent opportunities for professional development and progression.

What you will be doing:

• Managing your own caseload of employment law matters with appropriate supervision.
• Attending and leading client meetings, taking instructions and building strong working relationships.
• Providing clear, practical and commercially focused employment law advice.
• Drafting and reviewing employment-related documentation, including contracts, policies, settlement agreements and correspondence.
• Advising on disciplinary, grievance, capability and absence management matters.
• Supporting clients through organisational change projects, restructures and workforce issues.
• Acting for clients in Employment Tribunal proceedings, including preparing case documentation and witness evidence.
• Liaising with and instructing counsel on more complex matters.
• Delivering client training and contributing to internal knowledge-sharing initiatives.
• Preparing legal updates, articles and client briefings on developments in employment law.
• Working collaboratively with colleagues on larger and more complex matters.
• Supporting business development activities, including networking events, seminars and client relationship initiatives.

What You'll Bring:

• Qualified Solicitor with employment law experience (typically 3-6 PQE, although candidates outside this range with relevant experience will be considered).
• Experience advising on both contentious and non-contentious employment law matters.
• A strong understanding of Employment Tribunal procedure and employment law principles.
• Education sector experience would be advantageous but is not essential.
• Strong drafting, organisational and client management skills.
• Confidence dealing directly with clients and managing matters independently.
• Strong IT and case management skills.

About you:

• A genuine interest in employment law and the education sector.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to delivering high-quality work.
• The ability to manage competing priorities effectively.
• A proactive and solutions-focused approach.
• Commercial awareness and good judgement.
• A collaborative mindset and desire to contribute to team success.
• Enthusiasm for business development and profile-raising activities.

Benefits, Agile Working and Additional information:

We embrace agile working and offer a blended approach to where and how we work. We appreciate that people have different needs and preferences and we’re keen to be flexible, after all, we value what you do, not where you do it. We have the following hubs across the UK: Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Leeds, Leicester, Lincoln, London, Manchester, Milton Keynes, Nottingham, Sheffield, Stratford upon Avon & Tunbridge Wells.

Shakespeare Martineau is a committed equal opportunities employer. We seek to attract, develop and retain talented people from a diverse range of backgrounds and cultures. We value and respect individuality and encourage a culture within our business where people can be themselves and be valued for their strengths and experiences. Everyone who either applies to or works for the firm is treated equally, regardless of their gender, age, ethnic origin, nationality, marital status, sexual orientation or religious beliefs.