At a Glance
- Tasks: Advise on employment law, draft contracts, and represent clients in tribunal litigation.
- Company: Join Birketts, 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 workplace that values diversity.
- 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 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 Sevenoaks employer: Birketts LLP
Birketts is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work culture within a top-tier law firm renowned for its expertise in employment law. With a strong commitment to employee growth, the firm provides generous benefits including flexible working arrangements, extensive holiday allowances, and opportunities for professional development, making it an ideal place for legal professionals seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate/ Senior Associate - Employment in Sevenoaks
✨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. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised!
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to meet potential employers or during interviews, make sure to highlight your experience in employment law. Share specific examples of how you've tackled grievances or handled tribunal cases. We want to see your expertise shine!
✨Tailor Your Approach
Every job is unique, so tailor your pitch to fit Birketts’ culture and values. Research their recent cases or initiatives and mention how your skills align with their needs. This shows you’re genuinely interested and have done your homework!
✨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 really keen on joining the team at Birketts.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate/ Senior Associate - Employment in Sevenoaks
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role at Birketts. Highlight your relevant experience in employment law and any specific skills that match the job description. We want to see how you can contribute to our successful 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 background aligns with what we do at Birketts. Keep it engaging and personal – we love to see your personality come through.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Whether it’s a successful case or a policy you implemented, we want to know how you've made an impact in your previous roles. Numbers and specifics can really make your application stand out.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, you’ll get to explore more about Birketts and our culture while you’re at it!
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 your passion for the field and that you’re up-to-date with current trends.
✨Showcase Your Drafting Skills
Since the role involves drafting various legal documents, bring examples of your previous work. Discuss your approach to drafting service agreements or policies, highlighting any challenges you faced and how you overcame them.
✨Demonstrate Team Collaboration
Birketts values a supportive team environment. Share experiences where you successfully collaborated with colleagues on complex cases or projects. Emphasise your ability to work well in a team and support others in achieving common goals.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills in employment law matters. Practice articulating your thought process when advising on issues like redundancy or discrimination, showcasing your analytical skills and practical solutions.
