At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead on diverse employment matters and build strong client relationships.
- Company: Respected regional law firm with a supportive culture and growth opportunities.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, generous holiday allowance, and healthcare benefits.
- Other info: Clear pathway to Partnership and commitment to inclusive recruitment.
- Why this job: Shape the future of employment law while enjoying a healthy work-life balance.
- Qualifications: 4-7+ years’ PQE in employment law and strong client management skills.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
Leading regional law firm | Strategic growth role | Clear progression pathway
Clear Wave Search has partnered with a highly respected regional law firm, who are enjoying a period of sustained growth. The firm is seeking an experienced Senior Associate to join its expanding Employment team in the Southwest. This is a strategic hire focused on strengthening and growing the firm’s employment offering across the region, with genuine scope to shape the practice and progress your career.
The firm offers a genuinely sustainable workload, with a billable expectation of around 5 hours per day, giving you the space to deliver high‑quality advice, build client relationships, and maintain a healthy work-life balance. The role can be based in either of the firm’s Southwest offices, with hybrid working available.
The Opportunity
As a Senior Associate, you will play a central role in developing the firm’s employment presence in the local market. You will:
- Lead on a broad range of contentious and non‑contentious employment matters
- Support and grow key client relationships
- Drive business development activity and contribute to the team’s market profile
- Help shape the future direction of the practice as it continues to expand
This position suits an experienced Senior Associate or Director with a commercial, proactive, and entrepreneurial approach. A client following is beneficial but not essential. A clear and supported pathway to Partnership is available for those seeking progression.
Key Responsibilities
- Deliver high‑quality work on your own matters efficiently and profitably
- Build strong relationships with clients and referrers, consistently exceeding service expectations
- Agree clear scopes of work, pricing structures, and service levels
- Provide commercially focused employment law advice with strong sector awareness
- Contribute to the team’s business plan and demonstrate success from BD initiatives
- Expand your network of clients, intermediaries, and referrers
- Support senior colleagues in pursuing and converting new business opportunities
- Develop internal relationships to increase cross‑referrals across the firm
- Supervise, mentor, and delegate work to junior team members
- Understand and contribute to departmental KPIs and performance targets
- Stay up to date with legal and sector developments, feeding ideas into team strategy
- Take ownership of elements of the team’s growth and development plan
About You
- 4-7+ years’ PQE in employment law
- A clear business plan or growth proposition for the Southwest market
- Experience of Employment Tribunal litigation (desirable but not essential)
- Strong client management skills and a commitment to excellent service delivery
- Proven ability to win new work through effective business development
- Experience supervising or mentoring junior lawyers
- Commercial, collaborative, and motivated by the opportunity to help build a growing team
What’s on Offer
- Competitive salary with regular reviews
- Hybrid working
- Generous holiday allowance with the option to buy/sell
- Healthcare benefits
- Pension scheme
- Life assurance
- Income protection
- Enhanced family leave
- Bonus scheme
- Cycle to work and season ticket loan
- Access to mentoring, leadership programmes, and ongoing professional development
The firm is known for its supportive culture, high‑quality work, and commitment to developing its people. You’ll join a collaborative team with the autonomy to build your practice and the backing to progress your career.
Clear Wave Search welcomes applications from candidates of all backgrounds. We are committed to inclusive recruitment and encourage individuals to apply regardless of disability, neurodiversity, long‑term health conditions, career breaks, or non‑traditional career paths. If you require any adjustments during the application or interview process, we will support you to ensure a fair and comfortable experience.
Please note: The client is unable to offer visa sponsorship for this position. Applicants must already have the right to work in the UK. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates who meet this requirement.
Senior Associate - Employment in Basildon employer: Clear Wave Search Ltd
Join a leading regional law firm in the Southwest, where you will benefit from a supportive culture and a clear pathway to partnership. With a focus on work-life balance, competitive salary, and generous benefits, this firm prioritises your professional growth while allowing you to deliver high-quality legal services in a collaborative environment. Embrace the opportunity to shape the future of the employment practice and develop meaningful client relationships in a thriving market.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Associate - Employment in Basildon
✨Get Involved in Law Societies
Join local law societies and attend their events – they're often a goldmine for networking and job opportunities in the legal field. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other budding lawyers and experienced solicitors who could provide vital insights and connections.
✨Tap into Online Legal Communities
Don’t underestimate the power of online platforms like LinkedIn and specific legal forums. Get active in discussions or share your thoughts on recent legal developments – this not only builds your visibility but also showcases your passion and knowledge in law.
✨Attend Career Fairs and Workshops
Look out for career fairs and workshops specifically focused on law. Many law firms, including Clear Wave Search Ltd, will be scouting for fresh talent, so bring your A-game and don’t shy away from making a memorable impression.
✨Leverage Your University’s Career Services
If you’re still in university or have recently graduated, latch onto your career services! They often have connections with law firms looking for graduates and can guide you through the application process tailored for the legal sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Associate - Employment in Basildon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Clear Wave Search Ltd, make sure to demonstrate your understanding of key legal principles and areas of law relevant to the position. Include any specific coursework, modules, or certifications, like LPC or BPTC qualifications, that showcase your legal expertise directly on your CV.
Showcase Your Research Skills:In the legal field, strong research skills are crucial. Use your application to illustrate how you've utilised these skills in past studies or work experiences – whether that's through past internships or significant projects. Mention any legal databases or tools you’re proficient in, as this can give you an edge.
Tailor That Cover Letter!:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make it personal by expressing your genuine interest in Clear Wave Search Ltd and the specific role of Senior Associate - Employment. Talk about why you want to be part of their team, how your unique experiences align with their values, and why you’re passionate about the legal sector.
Stay Formal but Friendly:While we all know the legal world can be pretty formal, don’t be afraid to let a bit of personality shine through in your written application. Use a respectful tone, but feel free to inject a little warmth; this approach can help you stand out and show you're a great fit for Clear Wave Search Ltd’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Clear Wave Search Ltd
✨Know Your Legal Principles
Brush up on foundational legal principles relevant to the specific area of law you’re applying for, whether it’s corporate, criminal, or family law. We might get asked situational questions to test your knowledge, so being articulate about key concepts will make you stand out.
✨Be Ready for Case Studies
Full-time legal roles often involve case studies during interviews. Prepare to analyse a hypothetical case and discuss your approach to it. Practising this with a peer or mentor can help us refine our reasoning and articulate a solid legal argument.
✨Show Off Your Research Skills
As legal professionals, strong research skills are a must. Have examples ready of how you've effectively used legal databases or conducted thorough legal research in your past experiences. It's a great way to demonstrate your readiness for the role at Clear Wave Search Ltd.
✨Exude Professionalism and Confidence
In the legal field, professionalism is key. During the interview, we should maintain good eye contact and communicate clearly to show that we’re not just knowledgeable, but also confident. This can make a positive impression on your potential colleagues at Clear Wave Search Ltd.
