Senior Employment Solicitor in Manchester

£55,000 - £65,000 + Annual Bonus (up to 20% of salary)

Hale and Hawthorn is a small, technology-enabled law firm providing specialist legal services to clients across England and Wales. We are proud of our approachable, down-to-earth culture, where people work closely together, share ideas freely and support one another. Unlike many larger firms, individuals have a genuine opportunity to influence how the business develops and to see the direct impact of their contribution.

We are launching a new employment service focused initially on providing independent legal advice on employment settlement agreements. We are seeking an Employment Solicitor to become the first employment lawyer in the business and play a leading role in building and developing this new service line. This is an opportunity for a solicitor who enjoys client-facing advisory work, wants genuine responsibility, and is excited by the prospect of helping shape a growing practice from an early stage.

You will advise employees on the terms and effect of employment settlement agreements, conduct client appointments, explain legal and practical implications, negotiate amendments where appropriate, and ensure clients receive clear, practical and commercially focused advice. A typical day will involve advising on approximately two to three settlement agreements, allowing sufficient time for preparation, negotiation work and client care.

As the firm's employment offering grows, you will also have the opportunity to:

• Help design and improve processes and client journeys;
• Develop precedents, guidance and internal resources;
• Contribute to service development and strategic growth initiatives;
• Play a key role in shaping the future direction of the employment practice.

For the right candidate, there is significant scope to grow with the business and take on increasing responsibility as the department develops.

You will ideally have:

• 3+ years' PQE, although applicants with more or less experience who can demonstrate strong settlement agreement experience are encouraged to apply;
• Experience advising on employment settlement agreements;
• Excellent communication and client care skills;
• Strong commercial judgement and a practical approach to problem solving;
• The ability to work independently and take ownership of matters;
• An interest in technology, process improvement and modern ways of delivering legal services.

We are particularly interested in candidates who are comfortable working within structured systems while helping us improve and develop them over time.

Salary of £55,000 - £65,000 depending on experience; Annual bonus opportunity of up to 20% of salary, linked primarily to firm performance and personal/team metrics; Full-time or part-time opportunities; 35 days annual leave (inclusive of bank holidays); Office-based role in Altrincham initially, with hybrid working considered following successful completion of probation; The opportunity to become the first employment solicitor within an established and growing law firm; Genuine involvement in building and developing a new service line; A supportive, technology-enabled working environment; The successful candidate will have the opportunity to lead and develop the firm's employment law offering as it grows.

If you are looking for an opportunity to combine high-quality client advisory work with the chance to help build something meaningful, we would be delighted to hear from you.