At a Glance
- Tasks: Advise on employment law, draft contracts, and represent clients in tribunal litigation.
- Company: Join a top UK law firm with a rich 160-year heritage.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous holiday, private healthcare, and a flexible hybrid working model.
- Other info: Embrace inclusivity in a dynamic environment with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a supportive team while growing your legal expertise.
- Qualifications: 3-6 years PQE in employment law required.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 € per year.
About Birketts
Birketts is a full‑service, UK Top 50 law firm with a heritage spanning 160 years, employing more than 700 lawyers and legal professionals and over 600 staff based across the UK.
The team you will join
The Employment 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 and senior executives. Ranking 1st tier in Chambers and Legal 500, the team is highly successful, growing steadily and collaborates closely as a supportive group.
The work you will be doing
- Advising on general employment issues ranging from grievances to disciplinaries to general contractual issues
- Drafting service agreements, contracts of employment, staff handbooks and settlement agreements
- Drafting and reviewing employment policies including performance, sickness, misconduct procedures and maternity and parental leave schemes
- Providing transactional corporate support work
- Advising on wrongful and unfair dismissal
- Advising on redundancy and restructuring
- Advising on TUPE
- Advising on boardroom and senior leadership disputes and senior exits
- Representing the firm in employment tribunal litigation
- Advising on discrimination (including sex, race, disability and age)
- Providing trade union work for employers
- Advising employees on settlement agreements
- Assisting with client training
Qualifications and experience
Applicants should have between 3-6 years PQE.
Hybrid working model: 60% office days and 40% home days. Flexibility is welcomed, and part‑time arrangements may be considered.
Benefits
- 25 or 30 days holiday (FTE) plus bank holidays
- Long Service holiday award - one extra week every 10 years of continuous service
- Private healthcare with BUPA (offered after probation)
- 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
- Dress for your day policy
Inclusivity and culture
Birketts is an equal opportunity employer. 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 welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds and select roles based solely on merit.
Associate/ Senior Associate - Employment in Kent employer: Birketts LLP
Birketts is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work culture within a prestigious UK Top 50 law firm. With a strong focus on employee growth, the firm provides extensive benefits including generous holiday allowances, private healthcare, and a flexible hybrid working model, making it an ideal place for legal professionals to thrive in their careers while enjoying a healthy work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate/ Senior Associate - Employment in Kent
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the legal field! Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to current employees at Birketts. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can’t.
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience in employment law. Share specific examples of how you've tackled grievances or handled tribunal litigation. We want to see your expertise shine!
✨Prepare for the Interview
Do your homework on Birketts and the Employment Team. Understand their recent cases and the types of clients they work with. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you’re genuinely interested in joining their successful team.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and serious about landing that Associate/Senior Associate role.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate/ Senior Associate - Employment in Kent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role at Birketts. Highlight your experience in employment law and any relevant achievements that align with the job description. We want to see how you can bring value to our Employment Team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about employment law and how your skills fit with our team. Keep it engaging and personal – we love to see your personality come through.
Showcase Relevant Experience:When filling out your application, be sure to showcase your experience with contentious and non-contentious employment law matters. Mention specific cases or projects you've worked on that demonstrate your expertise and problem-solving skills.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you get all the latest updates from us. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Birketts LLP
✨Know Your Employment Law
Brush up on key employment law concepts relevant to the role. Be prepared to discuss recent cases or changes in legislation that could impact your clients. This shows you’re not just knowledgeable but also genuinely interested in the field.
✨Showcase Your Drafting Skills
Since drafting is a big part of the job, bring examples of your previous work, like service agreements or employment policies. Discuss your approach to drafting and how you ensure clarity and compliance with the law.
✨Demonstrate Team Collaboration
Birketts values teamwork, so be ready to share experiences where you’ve successfully collaborated with colleagues. Highlight how you contribute to a supportive environment and how you handle conflicts or differing opinions.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions related to grievances, redundancies, or tribunal litigation. Think through your responses in advance, focusing on your problem-solving skills and how you would advise clients in those situations.
