Senior Associate

We wish to hire an Associate/Senior Associate with at least 4 – 8 years' post-qualification experience in Employment law. This is your opportunity to become an integral member of the Employment Group and to assist with a broad range of high profile and complex issues arising in the employment lifecycle across the UK and internationally for our clients ranging from start-ups to emerging multinationals and some of the biggest and best-known global brands in the world.

Main duties and responsibilities:

• You will work with our global team to drive change, open new opportunities, and accelerate growth for both our clients and our people.
• You will deliver exceptional results to clients by advising on:
• Global Restructuring Projects
• Employee Relations
• Issues around Discrimination and Whistleblowing
• Termination of Employment
• Data Protection
• Outsourcing projects and corporate transactions
• Handling claims in the Employment Tribunal, High Court, and County Court
• Protection of Confidentiality and other business interests

About you:

• We pride ourselves on having a collaborative environment and are looking for approachable but confident lawyers with strong potential.
• The successful candidate will be highly ambitious and enthusiastic, with a desire to progress their own career from the enviable platform that DLA Piper provides.
• They will have a background in Employment Law and possess excellent interpersonal skills and attention to detail, alongside a real focus on teamwork.
• Be a Solicitor, qualified in England & Wales or a Commonwealth jurisdiction.
• Demonstrate strong employment law expertise, including experience advising on restructures and organisational change.
• Have experience advising clients across multiple jurisdictions and supporting international or cross-border projects.
• Manage Employment Tribunal claims through to hearing stage (advocacy experience is beneficial but not required).
• Bring one or more areas of specialist knowledge, such as sector expertise, national minimum wage, worker status, discrimination, data privacy or industrial relations.
• Have delivered tailored training for clients.
• Build trusted relationships with clients and colleagues, identifying opportunities to deepen engagement and support business growth.
• Develop and maintain a strong internal and external professional network.
• Demonstrate commercial awareness, with an understanding of legal, regulatory and business developments affecting clients and the firm.
• Communicate effectively and collaborate positively with clients, colleagues and multidisciplinary teams.
• Contribute to business development initiatives and actively support the achievement of team and departmental objectives.
• Remain adaptable, objective and resilient when managing competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Take a proactive, innovative and solutions-focused approach to work.
• Show a commitment to continuous learning, professional development and knowledge sharing.
• Be confident leading matters or workstreams, taking ownership of key deliverables, reporting to the partner lead and supporting the development of junior team members.
• Understand the financial aspects of legal practice and contribute to the delivery of profitable, high quality client work.
• Deliver a consistently high standard of service, responding effectively and professionally to the needs of internal and external clients.
• Build trust and credibility through inclusive behaviours, fostering effective working relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Uphold professional standards and comply with all applicable regulatory, risk and compliance requirements.
• Follow firm policies, procedures and systems, including time recording, financial management and compliance processes.

About Us:

We're a global law firm helping our clients achieve their goals wherever they do business. Our pursuit of innovation has transformed our delivery of legal services. With offices in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific, we deliver exceptional outcomes on cross-border projects, critical transactions and high-stakes disputes.

At DLA Piper, we understand that inclusion is not a one-size-fits-all concept. We embrace and celebrate the range of perspectives, backgrounds and experiences that each individual brings to our firm. By fostering a culture that welcomes and appreciates all aspects of our individuality, we ensure that everyone has the opportunity to succeed.

Our commitment to inclusion and positive social impact enables us to provide exceptional service to our clients and communities, while nurturing a unique and inclusive culture for all our people. We welcome the unique contribution that you will bring to our firm and actively encourage applications from all talented people – however your talent is packaged, whatever your background or circumstance and regardless of how you identify.

We are committed to being accessible and accommodating any reasonable adjustments needed throughout the recruitment process to ensure an inclusive experience for all. If you need any support or adjustments, please let us know.

Agile Working:

We recognise that people have responsibilities and interests outside of their career and that as a business, we all benefit from working flexibly. That’s why we are open to discussing with candidates the different ways in which we are able to support requests for agile working arrangements.

Pre-Engagement Screening:

In the event that we make an offer to you, and where local legislation permits, we will conduct pre-engagement screening checks that may include but are not limited to your professional and academic qualifications, your eligibility to work in the relevant jurisdiction, any criminal records, your financial stability, and references from previous employers.

Our hiring approach enables us to learn about the professional and person you are, and gives you the opportunity to learn about us. Your recruitment experience can differ depending on the type of role you are interviewing for. You will always meet your direct Line Manager for your role, as well as peers and close collaborators for the position. For some of our roles we may also use assessment tools, practical exercises, and panel presentations. Your Recruitment Business Partner will inform you of the recruitment process at the start of any recruitment process, but please let us know if you have any questions prior to making an application.

We’re redefining what an international law firm can be. With a unique global network and an unparalleled range of expertise, this is where you’ll work on the cases that shape the world and will define your career.