At a Glance
- Tasks: Advise clients on employment settlement agreements and shape a new service line.
- Company: Join a tech-savvy law firm with a supportive and collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, annual bonus, flexible working, and 35 days annual leave.
- Other info: Opportunity for significant career growth and involvement in strategic development.
- Why this job: Be the first employment solicitor and make a real impact in a growing practice.
- Qualifications: 3+ years' PQE with strong experience in settlement agreements and excellent client care skills.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
£55,000 - £65,000 + Annual Bonus (up to 20% of salary) Full-Time or Part-Time
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.
The RoleYou 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.
About YouYou 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.
What We OfferSalary 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.
Senior Employment Solicitor employer: Hale and Hawthorn
Hale and Hawthorn is an excellent employer that fosters a supportive and collaborative work culture, allowing employees to have a real impact on the firm's growth and direction. With a focus on technology-enabled legal services, we offer competitive salaries, generous annual leave, and the unique opportunity to be the first employment solicitor in a new service line, ensuring meaningful career development and personal growth in a dynamic environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Employment Solicitor
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the legal field! Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to former colleagues or mentors. You never know who might have a lead on that perfect job!
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to meet potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience with employment settlement agreements. Share specific examples of how you've helped clients in the past – this will show them you’re the right fit for their new service line.
✨Be Ready for Interviews
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on common questions related to employment law and client care. Think about how you can demonstrate your commercial judgement and problem-solving skills, as these are key for the role at Hale and Hawthorn.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team and contributing to our growing practice.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Employment Solicitor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that align with the Senior Employment Solicitor role. Highlight your experience with employment settlement agreements and any relevant client-facing work to show us you’re the right fit.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re excited about this opportunity and how you can contribute to building our new employment service. Be genuine and let your personality come through.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since excellent communication is key in this role, make sure your application is clear and concise. Use straightforward language and structure your thoughts logically to demonstrate your ability to convey complex legal concepts simply.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team during the process.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hale and Hawthorn
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on employment law, especially around settlement agreements. Familiarise yourself with recent cases and trends in the field. This will not only show your expertise but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Client Care Skills
Since this role involves a lot of client interaction, be prepared to discuss how you've successfully managed client relationships in the past. Share specific examples where your communication skills made a difference in resolving issues or enhancing client satisfaction.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Process Improvement
Hale and Hawthorn is looking for someone who can help improve processes. Think about times when you've identified inefficiencies and how you addressed them. Be ready to share ideas on how you could enhance their service delivery.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
This firm values collaboration and support. Prepare to talk about how you've worked effectively within a team, contributed to group projects, or helped colleagues. Highlighting your ability to work well with others will resonate with their culture.
