Job Description
Employment Associate
Location: London
Salary: £85,000 – £100,000+ DOE/PQE
Are you an ambitious Employment Associate seeking a rare balance of high-value contentious and non-contentious practice—acting for cutting-edge corporate employers alongside senior executives across tech, media, entertainment, and sports? Our client is a premier, top-tier London law firm renowned for its collegiate, vibrant culture and stellar reputation in commercial employment law. They are seeking a dedicated Employment Associate (3–4 years+ PQE) to join their market-leading team.
The Opportunity
In this engaging role, you will advise a dynamic client base ranging from fast-growth startups and global corporations to high-profile senior executives and board-level directors. Handling a rich mix of advisory and contentious work, you will manage complex Employment Tribunal litigation, executive departures, team moves, restrictive covenant enforcement, TUPE restructures, and workplace investigations. Positioned within a supportive firm that actively empowers its lawyers, this role offers direct partner mentorship and clear pathways toward Senior Associate level.
Key Responsibilities & Requirements
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Qualifications & Experience: Qualified Solicitor (England & Wales) with 3–4 years’ PQE in employment law gained within a respected national, City, or top-tier employment practice. Strong academic background and high-quality training are essential.
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Contentious & Non-Contentious Balance: Proven expertise handling both advisory matters (employment contracts, policies, grievances, disciplinary investigations, and TUPE/reorganisations) and complex litigation (Employment Tribunal claims, discrimination, whistleblowing, and high-value workplace injury/breach claims).
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Senior Executive & Corporate Advisory: Experience advising both corporate employers and senior executive Claimants through sensitive exit negotiations, settlement agreements, and restrictive covenant enforcement.
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Commercial Acumen & Interpersonal Skills: Excellent communication and client-handling skills with the ability to deliver clear, pragmatic, and commercial advice under tight deadlines.
Package & Benefits
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Base Salary & Bonus: £85,000 – £100,000 per annum (dependent on PQE and experience level, aligned with London market rates) plus a performance-related bonus scheme.
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Career Progression: Transparent promotion pathways to Senior Associate, backed by structured leadership training programmes and fully funded ongoing CPD.
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Work-Life Balance: Supported hybrid working model in modern central London office premises, promoting flexibility within a collaborative, non-hierarchical culture.
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Health & Wellbeing: Comprehensive private medical insurance, workplace pension scheme, life assurance, income protection, and extensive wellness perks.
How to Apply
To explore this opportunity in confidence and discuss next steps, please contact David Hawthorne-Finch directly:
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Email: d.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com
Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions is acting as an employment agency for this vacancy. All applications and enquiries are treated with the strictest confidence.
Employment Law Associate in London employer: Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions
Join a highly respected independent accountancy practice in Leeds, where your ambition and expertise as an ACA or ACCA qualified accountant will be valued. With a strong focus on career progression, a collaborative work culture, and the chance to mentor junior team members, this role offers a fulfilling opportunity to build lasting client relationships while contributing to the firm's growth.
Contact Details:
Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions Recruitment Team
