Associate / Senior Associate - Employment

DWF are seeking a seasoned Employment Lawyer to join our nationally recognised Employment team and work with some of the most dynamic clients and colleagues in the industry. We have large Employment Legal Services and Pension teams who work globally and act for a broad range of clients, from local SMEs to multinational conglomerates. We also advise human resources teams, in-house lawyers, and provide support directly to businesses. We combine top-tier legal expertise with a refreshingly modern approach to client service and team collaboration.

As an Associate in this team, you can expect to participate in high-quality work from and with clients operating across a variety of sectors. This work is underpinned by a supportive and collegiate working environment and team. The successful candidate can be based in any of our regional offices including Birmingham, Leeds, Newcastle, Liverpool, Manchester, Edinburgh or Glasgow office with the option of a hybrid working arrangement.

• Manage your own caseload, handling everything from day-to-day advisory work to employment tribunal litigation.
• Provide pragmatic, business-focused advice on issues including TUPE, reorganisations, contracts, policies, and senior exits.
• Work closely with our corporate and commercial teams on high-value transactions.
• Take ownership of tribunal claims — from drafting pleadings to conducting advocacy.
• Play a hands-on role in mentoring junior lawyers and supporting their development.
• Contribute to the team’s growth through networking and business development.
• Be trusted to deliver the highest standard of service to a diverse and loyal client base.

• A track record of providing practical, strategic advice to employer clients.
• Tribunal experience and comfortable managing cases end-to-end.
• Experience with TUPE and employment issues arising from M&A activity.
• 5+ years' PQE in Employment Law, ideally in a national or well-regarded regional firm.
• Previous experience of managing your own caseload.
• Excellent negotiation and drafting skills.
• A collaborative mindset and genuine interest in mentoring and team development.
• Ability to analyse complex legal issues and provide clear guidance.
• Proven ability to multi-task and prioritise.

We are an equal opportunities employer that celebrates diversity and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all. We aim to create a positive experience for all candidates and offer any adjustments or additional support needed. If you're excited about the opportunity but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with all the requirements, please apply anyway. You may be the right candidate for the role or others across the wider team.

DWF is a leading global provider of integrated legal and business services. Our approach delivers efficiency, price certainty and transparency for our clients across the world without compromising on quality or service. Our purpose is to deliver positive outcomes with our colleagues, clients and communities and we foster a culture that places our colleagues at the centre of all that we do.