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- Tasks: Lead and grow our employment law team, advising on complex legal matters.
- Company: Top-tier UK law firm with a vibrant culture in Bristol.
- Benefits: 30 days holiday, hybrid working, private healthcare, and performance bonuses.
- Why this job: Shape a regional presence in a nationally recognised employment team.
- Qualifications: 10+ years PQE in employment law with strong business development skills.
- Other info: Supportive culture focused on career growth and diversity.
The predicted salary is between 95000 - 120000 £ per year.
Location: Bristol
Type of Role: Permanent, Full-time (hybrid and flexible working available)
Salary: £95,000 to £120,000 (dependent on experience and business case)
We are a top‑tier UK law firm seeking a senior Employment Law specialist at Legal Director or Partner level to lead and grow our offering in the South West, based in our vibrant new Bristol office. This is a rare opportunity to launch and shape a regional presence for a nationally recognised employment team.
The Role
- Advising on a wide range of contentious and non‑contentious employment law matters
- Leading on complex issues such as boardroom disputes, severance claims, discrimination, TUPE, redundancy, and employment litigation
- Drafting service agreements, employment contracts, handbooks, and policies
- Supporting corporate transactions with employment law expertise
- Representing clients in Employment Tribunals and advising on professional discipline and regulatory matters
- Building and managing a high‑performing team in the South West
- Driving business development and expanding the firm's client base in key sectors such as education, financial services, construction, transport, charities, and public sector
Candidate Requirements
- At least 10 years’ PQE as an employment law specialist
- Strong technical drafting, research, and communication skills
- A commercial and pragmatic approach to complex legal issues
- A proven track record of business development and client relationship management
- Entrepreneurial drive and the ability to build and lead a regional team
- Experience in both contentious and advisory employment law work
Benefits
- 30 days’ holiday per year (plus bank holidays), with long service awards
- Hybrid working and a modern, comfortable office environment in central Bristol
- Option to work abroad for up to two weeks per year
- Private healthcare with BUPA (post‑probation)
- Scottish Widows pension scheme (5% employer / 5% employee)
- Staff profit share and individual performance bonus schemes
- Salary sacrifice options (pension, profit share)
- Life assurance and permanent health insurance
- Paid CSR day and enhanced family leave
- Subsidised gym membership and electric car scheme
- Dress for your day policy and agile working culture
Career Development
The firm is committed to helping its people achieve their next level through a supportive, inclusive, and ambitious culture. With a strong focus on mentoring, business development, and leadership, this role offers a platform for long‑term growth and influence within a nationally respected team.
How to Apply
For a confidential discussion about this role, please contact: Olivia Reed
Email: oliviareed@chadwicknott.co.uk
Phone: 0117 917 1515 / 07711 799761
The firm is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates. Adjustments to the recruitment process can be made to support individual needs.
At Chadwick Nott, we are committed to developing a diverse and inclusive culture as well as supporting our large client network achieve the same. We are an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications of all qualified candidates regardless of their age, sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, disability, culture or anything other personal characteristic. We champion and celebrate diversity in the workplace.
Legal Director/Partner - Employment Law - Bristol-10+ PQE employer: Chadwick Nott - South West and South Wales
Contact Detail:
Chadwick Nott - South West and South Wales Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Legal Director/Partner - Employment Law - Bristol-10+ PQE
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the legal field, especially those who are already working in employment law. Attend industry events, join relevant LinkedIn groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out for informational chats. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! When you’re chatting with potential employers or networking contacts, make sure to highlight your experience with complex employment law issues. Share specific examples of how you've successfully handled boardroom disputes or discrimination cases. This will help you stand out as a top candidate.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget about business development! Since this role involves expanding the firm’s client base, think about how you can demonstrate your entrepreneurial spirit. Prepare a few ideas on how you could attract new clients in key sectors like education or financial services. This shows you’re not just a legal whiz but also a strategic thinker.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to see your application come through directly. It gives us a chance to get to know you better and understand how you fit into our vibrant team. Plus, it’s the best way to ensure your application doesn’t get lost in the shuffle!
We think you need these skills to ace Legal Director/Partner - Employment Law - Bristol-10+ PQE
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Legal Director/Partner in Employment Law. Highlight your 10+ years PQE and any specific experience with contentious and non-contentious employment law matters. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for our Bristol office and how you can help grow our employment law offering. Be sure to mention your business development experience and any entrepreneurial spirit you bring to the table.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Whether it's leading a successful team or winning a significant case, we want to know how you've made an impact in your previous roles. Numbers and specific examples can really make your application stand out.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Chadwick Nott - South West and South Wales
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest employment law trends and key cases. Being able to discuss recent developments shows that you're not just experienced but also engaged with the field.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a potential Legal Director or Partner, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams or projects in the past, especially in high-pressure situations.
✨Business Development Focus
Be ready to talk about your track record in business development. Think of specific strategies you've used to grow client bases or expand services, particularly in sectors relevant to the firm like education or financial services.
✨Cultural Fit Matters
Research the firm's culture and values. Be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their inclusive and ambitious environment.