Employment Lawyer/Partner Services Associate Director in Leeds

At Grant Thornton we do things differently - looking to the future, driving ambitious growth and pioneering positive change in our industry. Providing audit, tax and advisory services, we empower clients through strategic insight, curiosity, and genuine partnership. And we empower our people with real opportunity, an inclusive culture and work life balance.

This is a varied and senior role sitting within our People & Culture team, reporting to the Director of Recruitment and Partner Matters. The Partner Services Associate Director will provide expert support across two main areas: partner lifecycle matters, from entry through to exit, and employment law and employee relations activity below partner level.

The role requires someone with a solid legal grounding who can apply that knowledge in a practical, commercial and people-focused way. You will work closely with People & Culture colleagues, Partners and, where needed, external advisers and legal counsel. Equally important is the ability to build relationships with people at all levels, offering clear and thoughtful guidance on often sensitive matters.

Our business is private equity backed, which brings a particular set of requirements around partner documentation and governance. You will be expected to understand those requirements and ensure our processes reflect them — without losing sight of the importance of a positive partner and people experience. You will work closely with the general counsel team and the CPO for support.

Partner Lifecycle & Documentation

• Support the full lifecycle of partner matters, including admissions, promotions, role changes and departures.
• Advise on and coordinate the preparation of partner documentation, including partnership or LLP agreements, admission letters, profit share arrangements and leaver provisions, working with external legal counsel where appropriate.
• Act as a knowledgeable point of contact for partners on matters relating to their terms, obligations and rights, escalating to the Director or General Counsel as needed.
• Ensure partner arrangements remain consistent with the firm's governance framework and PE investor requirements, flagging any areas of risk or misalignment.

Partner Remuneration Review

• Support the annual partner remuneration review process, working closely with the CPO, Finance and senior leadership.
• Help prepare and maintain remuneration schedules, profit share allocations and related documentation, ensuring accuracy and consistency across the partner group.
• Ensure remuneration decisions are appropriately reflected in partner documentation and records in a timely manner.

Employment Law & Employee Relations

• Provide practical and commercially astute employment law guidance to People & Culture colleagues on a range of complex employment related matters.
• Support on employment tribunal matters, including preparing responses, coordinating evidence, liaising with external legal counsel and attending hearings where required.
• Keep the team informed of relevant changes in employment law and case law and translate these into practical guidance or policy updates.
• Contribute to the firm's approach to equality, diversity and inclusion from a legal and policy perspective.

General Partner & People & Culture Team Support

• Build strong working relationships with partners and senior stakeholders, acting as a trusted and discreet adviser.
• Assist in managing relationships with external legal counsel, ensuring value for money and quality of advice.
• Contribute to process improvement across partner services and HR operations, identifying opportunities to streamline and strengthen the way we work.

Knowing you’re right for us

The minimum criteria you’ll need are:

• A legal qualification (solicitor, barrister or equivalent) or significant demonstrable experience in an employment law and HR advisory capacity.
• Strong working knowledge of employment law.
• Experience supporting or managing employment tribunal claims.
• Familiarity with partnership or LLP structures, or a willingness to develop this knowledge quickly.
• Excellent interpersonal skills - able to communicate clearly and sensitively with people at all levels, including on difficult or confidential matters.

It would be great if you also had:

• Experience in professional services, financial services or a partnership-structured organisation.
• Prior exposure to partner admissions, exits or related documentation within an LLP or similar structure.
• Experience working alongside or within an in-house legal function.
• CIPD qualification or equivalent HR credentials (in addition to legal background).

Knowing we’re right for you

The culture at Grant Thornton is what sets us apart, we’re known for our inclusive culture and creating environments where all our people can flourish. Our values are the unwavering principles that shape our daily behaviours and decisions, alongside our drive to do the right thing. We’re looking for people who align with our values and are purposefully driven, actively curious and candid but kind.

In addition to a competitive salary and reward package, you’ll also get:

• Tailored development programmes and access to coaching.
• Flexible bank holidays – allowing you to celebrate the days that are important to you.
• Benefits including pension, life assurance and private medical, additional holiday purchasing and health benefits.
• Access to shopping discounts, gym memberships, financial advice and more.

How we work

We have a trust-based way of working, driven by responsible people who have the best interests of our firm and our clients at heart. Our how we work framework gives flexibility in where, how, and when we work to deliver the best results for our clients, whilst helping you keep a balance between work and life. Life is more than work, the things you do, and the people you’re with outside of work matter, that’s why we’re happy to look at flexible working options for all our roles.

We’re looking for people who can help drive the business forward, who want to contribute, spark fresh ideas and go beyond expectations. People who want to be able to proudly do what’s right, for the firm, our clients, our people and themselves.