Senior Associate

Broadfield UK is a law firm that serves mid-market clients, with deep expertise in multiple practice areas and a strong commitment to client service. As trusted advisors in navigating complexities of law, the Broadfield team is comprised of entrepreneurial experts and leaders who provide legal strategies and solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of each client. With offices currently in London, Cambridge, Reading and Southampton, the Employment team advises clients in industry on strategic global issues and helps employers to resolve disputes with employees as well as general HR advice. They also have expertise in immigration and work with senior level individuals at the start or end of their employment relationship.

Specific Duties

• To assist with a wide range of matters handled by the Team. Work is likely to include:
• Drafting and reviewing employment contracts, policies and handbooks.
• Advising on the full range of employment issues including recruitment, discrimination, disciplinary and grievances, managing sickness absence, family rights and leave, contractual issues, unfair dismissal, redundancy and restructuring, whistleblowing and benefits.
• Drafting, advising on and negotiating settlement agreements for employer clients and individuals.
• Advising on potential employment disputes on behalf of both employees and employers, including advising clients on day-to-day commercial strategy.
• Managing employment tribunal cases from start to finish, including drafting pleadings, disclosure, drafting witness statements, advising on litigation and settlement strategy, preparing hearing bundles, instructing and liaising with Counsel and all day to day preparation and advice.
• Advising on the employment aspects of corporate transactions including TUPE, employment indemnities and warranties and conducting and reporting on due diligence.
• Preparing seminar and marketing materials and participating in events.
• Participating in team training and update sessions.
• Taking a lead role in business development for the Reading employment team.
• Taking responsibility and playing an active role in business development for self and the team.
• Supervising junior members of the team and assisting in their development.
• Managing WIP and billing on files.
• Keeping up to date with all aspects of employment law.

Main Duties

• To carry out all client work allocated by the Head of Department or other Partner in accordance with the procedures and quality standards contained in the Firm’s Office Manual.
• To ensure that all client work is progressed expeditiously and that the client is kept regularly informed on progress and costs.
• To exercise at all times high standards of client care in a professional manner.
• To ensure the confidentiality and security of the Firm’s and client documentation and information.
• To achieve agreed billing and time-recording targets.
• To comply with the Solicitors Accounts Rules and the Rules on the Professional Conduct of Solicitors.
• To maintain clear and precise communications, and good working relationships with other members of the Firm.
• To develop and ensure good working relationships with clients, referrers, Counsel and other relevant third parties and stakeholders.
• To take responsibility for and attend to self-development.
• In conjunction with the Firm, to comply with the relevant training requirements of the Law Society.
• To be active in promoting the services of the Firm, its image, culture and ethos including participating in tenders and other business development opportunities.

Who we are looking for

• Experienced Associate, Senior Associate or Legal Director (ideally minimum 6 years PQE but other levels may be considered dependent on experience).
• Based in Reading with travel to other offices as required.
• Ideal role for ambitious candidate looking to progress their career and take an active role in managing our Reading based employment lawyers.