At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and grow our vibrant Employment Team, providing expert legal advice.
- Company: Join Birketts, a top UK law firm with a rich 160-year heritage.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days holiday, private healthcare, and a flexible hybrid working model.
- Other info: Embrace inclusivity and diversity in a dynamic work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a supportive team while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified solicitor with at least 10 years PQE in employment law.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 120000 £ per year.
About Us
Birketts is a full service, UK Top 50 law firm. With a heritage spanning 160 years, we have more than 700 lawyers and legal professionals based in Bristol, Cambridge, Chelmsford, Ipswich, London, Norwich and Sevenoaks. We advise businesses, government and public sector organisations and individuals in the UK and internationally across four principal practice groups: Real Estate, Corporate Services, Dispute Resolution and Private Client.
Our Culture
We are defined by our Next Level Law proposition. We work with our clients as a proactive partner, horizon scanning and thinking ahead to the changes, challenges or opportunities that they may face. Next Level Law is also applied to our people. Our collegiate culture means everyone is encouraged to achieve their next level in everything they do. RollOnFriday recently ranked us as the 5th best law firm to work at in 2024. With our ambition to succeed, comes a strong desire to make a positive contribution to the communities we serve, and we are committed to delivering the objectives set out in our ESG strategy. Diversity plays an integral part in all that we do, with female partners comprising 40% of our partnership.
The Team
Our vibrant, energetic Employment Team boasts some of the best lawyers in the business specialising in all aspects of employment law facing a company's board or the HR professional – from everyday operational challenges through to advising on strategic issues. The team currently comprises over 30 specialist qualified employment law solicitors, including nine partners working across six offices, making us one of the larger employment teams in the country. We have the strength and depth of expertise to ensure we deliver the service you would expect in respect of technical quality, practical approach, and timeliness of advice. Birketts employment law team has experience in all areas of contentious and non-contentious employment law matters, representing clients from a broad range of public and private organisations as well as individuals and senior executives and we are proud to act for sector leading clients nationwide and some important and high-profile businesses and institutions across a number of key sectors. Ranked 1 tier in Chambers and Legal 500, you will join a highly successful Employment team which is seeing consistent and continuous growth, and which works and collaborates closely as a supportive team of colleagues. Our employment advice is supplemented by a well-developed in-house employment client training offering, a HR consultancy service, a workplace investigations service, an employee incentives group, a team of accredited mediators and an immigration team.
What We Are Doing
Our new, vibrant Bristol office is a fantastic opportunity for an established senior Employment lawyer at Legal Director or Partner level to launch our offering in the South West and build upon the work between supporting locations. The ideal candidate will have strong existing connections and the ability and desire to build and develop a team. Current sectors in which we work include education, financial services, construction, transport and private client/agriculture, charities and public sector.
Particular areas of expertise sought include:
- General employment issues ranging from maternity rights to general contractual issues
- Drafting service agreements, contracts of employment and staff handbooks
- Drafting and reviewing employment policies ranging from performance, sickness, and misconduct procedures to maternity and parental leave schemes
- Transactional corporate support work
- Wrongful and unfair dismissal
- Redundancy and restructuring
- Transfer of Undertakings
- Awareness of boardroom disputes and severance claims
- Employment litigation in the employment tribunal
- Discrimination (including sex, race, disability and age)
- Trade union work for employers
- Professional Discipline and conduct, including advising professional conduct/fitness to practice panels
What We Are Looking For
The ideal candidate will be entrepreneurial, enthusiastic, ambitious and will be actively involved in a range of business development activities, including attending networking and other BD events, supporting on tenders/pitches, and writing sector-relevant articles for our own and external publications. Strong technical drafting, research and communication skills, with good attention to detail and a commercial/pragmatic approach are essential qualities, as is the ability to deliver a strongly client‑focused service, giving clear, timely and practical legal advice on often complex, technical areas of Employment law.
Inclusivity and Culture
At Birketts, our culture is driven by ambition and a commitment to positively impact all the communities we serve. We are dedicated to the success, development, and wellbeing of our colleagues, helping them achieve their goals and seize the opportunities that come with our growth. Alongside a flexible and inclusive work environment, we offer the following core benefits:
- Legal Director only: 30 days holiday (FTE) plus Bank Holidays
- Long Service holiday award - 1 extra week every 10 years continuous service
- Private Healthcare with BUPA (offered after probation is passed)
- Scottish Widows Pension Scheme (5% employer / 5% Employee)
- Staff Profit Share and Individual Performance Bonus Scheme
- Salary sacrifice (Pensions, Staff Profit Share)
- Life Assurance - 4 x salary / Permanent Health Insurance
- Paid CSR Day
- Enhanced Maternity/Paternity Leave
- Subsidised gym membership
- Electric car scheme
- Agile/Hybrid Working Policy
- Dress for your Day Policy
Flexibility
Birketts is a flexible business which has embraced a hybrid working model where our colleagues enjoy a mix of home and office working. We welcome applications from people looking for flexible, agile, and part-time roles and we are happy to explore your preferred working patterns as part of your application.
Additional Information
Please note that this job profile is not an exhaustive list of duties but merely an outline of the key components of the role. You may be required by your line manager to take on additional responsibilities when requested.
Equal Opportunity
Birketts is committed to being an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our policy is unequivocal: we do not tolerate discrimination based on age, disability, sex, race, religion or belief, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, or sexual orientation. We pride ourselves on being an inclusive organisation that actively promotes equality of opportunity for all, valuing the right mix of talent, skills, and potential. We welcome applications from a diverse range of candidates, and selection for roles is based solely on individual merit.
Qualifications / Experience
We are looking to recruit an individual who has the drive and commitment to assist Birketts’ in the continued growth and development of our Employment practice and to become an essential core member of our team.
- Qualified Solicitor of at least 10 years PQE
- Proficient level of experience as an Employment law specialist
- A keen interest in business development and growth opportunities.
Employment Legal Director/Partner in Bristol employer: Birketts LLP
Birketts is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that prioritises the growth and wellbeing of its employees. With a strong commitment to professional development, flexible working arrangements, and a comprehensive benefits package, including private healthcare and generous holiday allowances, Birketts fosters an environment where legal professionals can thrive and make a meaningful impact in their communities. The new Bristol office presents a unique opportunity for ambitious Employment lawyers to lead and innovate within a supportive team, contributing to the firm's continued success in the South West.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Employment Legal Director/Partner in Bristol
✨Get Involved in Law Societies
Join local law societies and attend their events – they're often a goldmine for networking and job opportunities in the legal field. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other budding lawyers and experienced solicitors who could provide vital insights and connections.
✨Tap into Online Legal Communities
Don’t underestimate the power of online platforms like LinkedIn and specific legal forums. Get active in discussions or share your thoughts on recent legal developments – this not only builds your visibility but also showcases your passion and knowledge in law.
✨Attend Career Fairs and Workshops
Look out for career fairs and workshops specifically focused on law. Many law firms, including Birketts LLP, will be scouting for fresh talent, so bring your A-game and don’t shy away from making a memorable impression.
✨Leverage Your University’s Career Services
If you’re still in university or have recently graduated, latch onto your career services! They often have connections with law firms looking for graduates and can guide you through the application process tailored for the legal sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Employment Legal Director/Partner in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Birketts LLP, make sure to demonstrate your understanding of key legal principles and areas of law relevant to the position. Include any specific coursework, modules, or certifications, like LPC or BPTC qualifications, that showcase your legal expertise directly on your CV.
Showcase Your Research Skills:In the legal field, strong research skills are crucial. Use your application to illustrate how you've utilised these skills in past studies or work experiences – whether that's through past internships or significant projects. Mention any legal databases or tools you’re proficient in, as this can give you an edge.
Tailor That Cover Letter!:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make it personal by expressing your genuine interest in Birketts LLP and the specific role of Employment Legal Director/Partner. Talk about why you want to be part of their team, how your unique experiences align with their values, and why you’re passionate about the legal sector.
Stay Formal but Friendly:While we all know the legal world can be pretty formal, don’t be afraid to let a bit of personality shine through in your written application. Use a respectful tone, but feel free to inject a little warmth; this approach can help you stand out and show you're a great fit for Birketts LLP’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Birketts LLP
✨Know Your Legal Principles
Brush up on foundational legal principles relevant to the specific area of law you’re applying for, whether it’s corporate, criminal, or family law. We might get asked situational questions to test your knowledge, so being articulate about key concepts will make you stand out.
✨Be Ready for Case Studies
Full-time legal roles often involve case studies during interviews. Prepare to analyse a hypothetical case and discuss your approach to it. Practising this with a peer or mentor can help us refine our reasoning and articulate a solid legal argument.
✨Show Off Your Research Skills
As legal professionals, strong research skills are a must. Have examples ready of how you've effectively used legal databases or conducted thorough legal research in your past experiences. It's a great way to demonstrate your readiness for the role at Birketts LLP.
✨Exude Professionalism and Confidence
In the legal field, professionalism is key. During the interview, we should maintain good eye contact and communicate clearly to show that we’re not just knowledgeable, but also confident. This can make a positive impression on your potential colleagues at Birketts LLP.
