Associate - Employment Law in Leeds

A fantastic opportunity has arisen to join our Employment practice in Leeds, as we look to grow our team and develop our clients base. This role is responsible for managing a significant personal caseload of employment matters, including conducting own advocacy where necessary/appropriate. As a senior member of the Employment team, this role is also responsible for taking an active lead on team development & mentoring, leading business development efforts and taking on more complex fee-earning matters. Reporting directly to the Head of Employment (North), you will assist with setting team strategy and managing performance in accordance with financial & team targets as required. This role is full time, Monday to Friday 36.25 hours, working onsite at our Leeds Embankment office, but applications from candidates looking to work in Sheffield or York offices would also be considered.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a varied caseload of complex matters.
• Providing employment law advice to education and commercial clients.
• Drafting advice reports, supporting clients with processes and other documentation such as settlement agreements.
• Assisting clients with HR processes and procedures.
• Handling cases through tribunal proceedings.
• Providing support on employment issues arising in transactions.
• Provide ongoing technical support on matters for more junior fee-earners.
• Ensure personal Employment knowledge is kept up to date and new advancements are communicated to the wider team.

Assisting Management

• Attend monthly fee-earner meetings with the wider Employment team.
• Contribute where required as a senior member of the team.
• Attend regular one-to-one meetings with the Head of Employment – report on departmental priorities and financial performance as necessary.
• Provide supervision of matters for more junior fee-earners, sign off work as and when required.
• Ensure appropriate allocation of fee-earning matters within the team – regularly assess capacity of fee-earners and delegate work effectively where required by the Head of Employment.
• Work alongside the Head of Employment to proactively drive performance of the team – conduct meetings with more junior fee-earners where necessary.

Business Development

• Take an active lead in managing the client experience.
• Attend client meetings where necessary.
• Assist the Head of Employment to ensure the renewal process for existing clients is seamless and proactive in its approach.
• Prepare and conduct external training sessions on employment law for prospective & existing clients.
• Report regularly on business development figures to senior management.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• Have experience of dealing with contentious and non-contentious employment law matters.
• Possess good knowledge and experience of tribunal procedures and protocols.
• Have a high level of knowledge and understanding of employment law for high-profile clients.
• Possess exceptional client care skills.
• Be highly motivated and able to add value to the role.
• Be able to demonstrate proactive management of matters.
• Possess networking and client development skills.

Disclosure will be required in the event that a position is offered. Financial checks will be required in the event that a position is offered.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Bonus potential
• Life insurance
• Great working environment at our Leeds offices
• Career development opportunities
• 27 days holiday plus bank holidays
• Options to buy & sell 1 week’s holiday
• 1 week’s holiday carry over
• Extra day off for your birthday
• Staff card discount scheme for local shops
• Social days and evenings on the firm
• Monthly food on the firm for all staff
• Staff discounts on legal services