Employment Law Senior Associate - Partner in Leeds

Job Description

Employment Partner or Senior Associate (Education Sector)

Location: Leeds

Salary: £90,000 to £140,000 (Senior Associate) or Partner-level package (depending on experience and following)

Experience: Senior Associate or Partner level (education / higher education sector experience preferred)

Our client is continuing to grow its national education offering and is looking to hire an Employment Senior Associate or Partner into its Leeds team. This is a senior platform for someone who wants to lead, shape and grow an employment practice focused on the education and higher education sector.

You will advise on complex, high-impact employment matters for education bodies, working as part of a wider education practice alongside colleagues covering governance, student matters, commercial and regulatory work, real estate, construction, and employment, pensions and immigration.

This is a role for someone who enjoys building relationships in-sector and wants the space to develop a practice within a national platform.

• Partners will have the opportunity to grow their practice with support from an established education client base and a collaborative national team.

• Senior Associates will have a clear pathway to progression, genuine responsibility, and the chance to lead workstreams and develop key relationships.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Advising education sector clients on a broad range of employment matters, with a strong advisory focus

• Leading on complex matters and supporting clients through sensitive, high-stakes issues

• Developing and maintaining client relationships and acting as a trusted adviser

• Supporting and mentoring junior lawyers and contributing to team development

• Contributing to business development, tenders and panel opportunities within the education sector

• Working collaboratively with colleagues across the wider education practice to deliver joined-up advice

What We’re Looking For

• Qualified Solicitor with strong employment law experience at Senior Associate or Partner level

• Track record advising education or higher education clients (or demonstrable sector interest with transferable experience)

• Commercial, pragmatic approach with strong technical capability

• Confident communicator who can build credibility quickly with senior stakeholders

• Enjoys developing relationships and contributing to practice growth

• For Partner candidates: a following or clear plan to build one is helpful, but not essential if you bring the right sector expertise and growth mindset

What’s On Offer

• Hybrid working (where the role allows)

• 28 days’ holiday

• Private healthcare for you and family

• Pension matching up to 6%

• Life insurance (4x salary)

• Income protection (after 26 weeks’ incapacity)

• Technology purchase scheme

• Discounted gym membership

• Cycle to work scheme

• Dental scheme

• Bus and train loan scheme to reduce commuting costs

• 24hr confidential employee helpline

• Offers and discounts at major highstreet retailers

• Continuous learning and development, including mentoring, sponsorship and leadership development programmes

• A people-centric culture with a genuine focus on inclusion, belonging and supportive leadership

Working Arrangements

• Permanent

• Full time

• Hybrid working (where the role allows)

Next Steps (How to Apply)

Apply online or send your CV to lee.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com or call 0333 996 2882 for more information.

All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence. We will not share any details with our client without your express permission.