At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team handling complex employment law matters for diverse clients.
- Company: Thriving Cardiff office of a nationally recognised law firm.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible benefits, and comprehensive learning opportunities.
- Other info: Empowering environment that values diversity and promotes work-life balance.
- Why this job: Take your career to the next level while making a real impact in employment law.
- Qualifications: 6+ PQE with experience in employment law and HR matters.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
We have an exciting opportunity for a talented and ambitious Employment Lawyer to join our thriving Cardiff office. This is a chance to become part of a dynamic, nationally recognised team working on high‑quality, complex matters for a diverse client base. If you’re looking to take the next step in your career, deepen your expertise, and play a visible role in a growing practice, this role offers both challenge and opportunity in equal measure.
The national team is headed by Marc Long with support from five other partners. Our Employment & HR team operates from Bristol, Cardiff, Taunton, Manchester, Southampton and Birmingham, providing a full range of services primarily to corporate clients.
Day to day, you’ll be successful in this role by:
- You will be involved in a broad mix of contentious and non‑contentious work primarily supporting our corporate employer clients, but we do act for some senior executives and claimants.
- Your time will be split between disputes and general advisory work with additional corporate support work.
- Our general advisory work allows us to advise on challenging and complex issues for our longstanding clients across all sectors.
- The contentious caseload can be complex with high value claims and, as such, you will have the opportunity to gain expertise on technically and strategically challenging matters.
- You will have a significant influence on how you want your experience and expertise to develop and you will be strongly encouraged and supported to get involved in business development work, taking an active role in seminars and networking events in addition to drafting guidance and articles.
- You will also benefit from the support and resources of the larger national team.
- We want to invest in your career and help you to become a recognised expert in your own right, so you will have plenty of opportunity for one‑to‑one development and encouragement from the wider team.
- We will ensure that you are involved in a high level of client contact and responsibility.
- It is an integral part of this role that you comply with information security and all firm policies and procedures.
This role is right for you if:
- You will be circa 6+ PQE.
- You will have good experience of handling wide ranging employment law, HR matters and tribunal cases for employers.
- You will have ready experience of advising clients on day to day employment issues, including disciplinary proceedings, grievances, redundancies and discrimination issues.
- You will have good experience of preparing contracts of employment, policies/handbooks and preparing and advising on settlement agreements.
- There is the opportunity to assist with some employment‑based data protection work.
- You will have assisted and prepared cases from their inception through to final hearing.
- You will be experienced in managing and complying with directions, including detailed discovery exercises and witness statement preparation.
- You will be an excellent team player capable of working with our solicitors in providing commercial solutions to our clients’ issues.
- You will be interested in business development and growing the practice and supporting the partners to do so.
- You will have developed solid drafting, research and advisory skills.
- Whether acting for claimants or respondents you will be able to demonstrate that your advice is practical and commercially minded, with excellent client care and organisational skills.
- Non‑contentious/corporate support skills would also be useful but guidance and support on these matters would be given to you over time.
A career at Clarke Willmott will feel different to other law firms. We thrive on our individual differences and diversity because as a team, we are united by our shared values and mutual respect. Working with us you will feel empowered, valued and free to be yourself in a safe and supportive environment. Our mission is to help you realise your full potential whilst maintaining a positive work‑life balance. We provide a comprehensive learning and development programme and a competitive salary. We expect the best from our people and the occasional extra mile. In return, your dedication and commitment to the continued success of the firm will be rewarded with a comprehensive range of flexible benefits.
Employment Associate/Senior Associate - Cardiff employer: Clarke Willmott
Clarke Willmott is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and well-being of its employees, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture in the vibrant city of Cardiff. With a commitment to professional development, you will have access to comprehensive training programmes and opportunities for client engagement, ensuring you can thrive as an Employment Associate while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Join a nationally recognised team where your contributions are valued, and you can make a meaningful impact on diverse client matters.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Employment Associate/Senior Associate - Cardiff
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend seminars, workshops, and networking events to meet potential employers and showcase your skills. Remember, it’s all about who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up. Reach out to firms directly, especially those you admire. A well-crafted email expressing your interest can go a long way in landing an interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your expertise! Write articles or blog posts on employment law topics that interest you. Share them on LinkedIn or relevant platforms. This not only demonstrates your knowledge but also helps you stand out to potential employers.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got a streamlined application process that makes it easy for you to showcase your skills. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team. Let’s get you started on this exciting journey!
We think you need these skills to ace Employment Associate/Senior Associate - Cardiff
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Employment Associate role. Highlight your relevant experience, especially in handling employment law and HR 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 passionate about employment law and how you can contribute to our dynamic team. Don’t forget to mention any business development experience you have!
Showcase Your Expertise:In your application, be sure to showcase your expertise in both contentious and non-contentious work. We’re keen to see examples of how you’ve handled complex cases and provided practical solutions for clients.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Clarke Willmott
✨Know Your Employment Law Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your employment law knowledge, especially around contentious and non-contentious issues. Be prepared to discuss recent cases or changes in legislation that could impact corporate clients, as this will show your expertise and enthusiasm for the role.
✨Showcase Your Client Care Skills
During the interview, highlight your experience in providing practical and commercially minded advice to clients. Share specific examples of how you've handled complex employment issues, such as grievances or redundancies, to demonstrate your client care and organisational skills.
✨Be Ready for Business Development Talk
Since the role involves business development, come prepared with ideas on how you can contribute to growing the practice. Think about networking events or seminars you could lead or participate in, and be ready to discuss how you can help attract new clients.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration
This position requires excellent teamwork, so be sure to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with colleagues in the past. Discuss how you’ve worked together to provide commercial solutions for clients, as this will align with the firm's values and culture.