Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic Employment Law team while managing your own caseload.
- Company: Join a well-established legal practice in Essex with a stellar reputation.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, health cover, pension, and regular cake breaks!
- Why this job: Shape a growing team and make a real impact in a supportive culture.
- Qualifications: 5+ years PQE in Employment Law with strong advocacy skills required.
- Other info: Office closure between Christmas and New Year; apply for a confidential chat!
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Head of Employment Law - Solicitor (5+ PQE)
Location: Essex | Hybrid Working | Competitive Salary + Benefits
Are you an experienced Employment Solicitor ready to take a step up in your career? A well-established and expanding legal practice in Essex is looking for a driven and personable senior lawyer to lead its Employment Law department. This is a standout opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping a growing team and delivering exceptional service to a diverse client base.
As the Head of Employment, you will work closely with senior leadership to oversee a high-performing team while continuing to handle your own caseload. The firm has built an excellent reputation locally and offers a supportive, collaborative culture that recognises and rewards talent.
The Role:
- Lead and inspire a close-knit Employment Law team
- Manage a mix of contentious and non-contentious matters for both individuals and businesses
- Act as the go-to advisor for HR and employment queries across a range of sectors
- Maintain and develop client relationships - both existing and new
- Play a strategic role in the department's growth, including business development and marketing initiatives
- Deliver high-quality legal advice with a practical, client-focused approach
- Contribute to the wider firm's goals and performance targets
What We’re Looking For:
- A qualified solicitor with 5+ years post-qualification experience in Employment Law
- Proven experience in managing employment litigation and advisory work
- Strong advocacy skills and the confidence to represent clients at hearings
- A natural communicator - approachable, clear, and commercially aware
- A positive leader who thrives in a team-oriented environment
- Ambitious, ethical, and motivated to contribute to a growing practice
What’s On Offer:
- Hybrid working arrangements
- Generous benefits package, including health cover and pension
- Ongoing training and development tailored to your career goals
- A friendly, sociable team culture (including regular cake breaks!)
- Office closure between Christmas and New Year
- Discounted parking and modern office facilities
If you’re looking to step into a senior leadership position and be part of a genuinely supportive and forward-thinking law firm, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today for a confidential conversation.
Apply below or contact Gemma at Austen Lloyd as soon as possible, quoting Role Ref: GL 59912 (Head of Department | Employment Law | Essex)
Employment Solicitor - Head of Department employer: Austen Lloyd Limited
Contact Detail:
Austen Lloyd Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Employment Solicitor - Head of Department
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the legal field, especially those who specialise in Employment Law. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and mentors who can provide insights into the firm and its culture.
✨Tip Number 2
Research the firm’s recent cases and their approach to Employment Law. Being knowledgeable about their work will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your genuine interest in joining their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you would inspire a team. Think of specific examples from your past experience where you successfully led a team or managed a challenging situation.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your business development skills by thinking of innovative ideas that could help grow the Employment Law department. Be ready to share these ideas during your conversations with the firm.
We think you need these skills to ace Employment Solicitor - Head of Department
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in Employment Law, particularly your 5+ years post-qualification experience. Emphasise your leadership skills and any previous roles where you managed a team or handled complex cases.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for Employment Law and your vision for leading a team. Mention specific achievements in your career that demonstrate your ability to manage both contentious and non-contentious matters effectively.
Highlight Your Advocacy Skills: In your application, be sure to mention your strong advocacy skills and provide examples of how you've successfully represented clients at hearings. This will show the firm that you have the confidence and capability to handle high-stakes situations.
Showcase Your Client Relationship Management: Discuss your experience in maintaining and developing client relationships. Provide examples of how you've contributed to business development and marketing initiatives in your previous roles, as this aligns with the firm's goals for growth.
How to prepare for a job interview at Austen Lloyd Limited
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a candidate for the Head of Employment Law, it's crucial to demonstrate your leadership abilities. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams or projects in the past, highlighting your approach to inspiring and motivating others.
✨Demonstrate Your Legal Expertise
Be ready to discuss your experience with both contentious and non-contentious employment matters. Bring specific cases to the table that showcase your advocacy skills and your ability to provide practical, client-focused legal advice.
✨Highlight Your Business Development Acumen
Since the role involves contributing to the department's growth, prepare to discuss your previous experiences in business development and marketing initiatives. Share strategies you've implemented to build and maintain client relationships.
✨Emphasise Your Communication Skills
As a natural communicator, you should be able to convey complex legal concepts clearly and effectively. Practice articulating your thoughts on employment law topics, ensuring you come across as approachable and commercially aware during the interview.
