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- Tasks: Lead and develop a thriving employment practice while managing diverse caseloads.
- Company: Well-established commercial law firm with a strong reputation in Manchester.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus scheme, hybrid working, and excellent career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Take ownership of your practice area and make a real impact in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: 10+ years PQE, strong client relationship skills, and experience in employment law.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team in modern offices with access to a strong professional network.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 100000 £ per year.
Location: Manchester
Career Level: Partner/Senior Associate 10+ PQE
Salary: £75,000 - £100,000 + Bonus
Lead and Grow a Thriving Employment Practice
Are you an experienced employment solicitor ready to lead and develop an employment practice in Manchester? Our client, a well-established and highly regarded commercial law firm with offices in Liverpool and Manchester, is seeking a Senior Employment Solicitor at Partner or Senior Associate level to lead their employment offering in Manchester.
This is an exceptional opportunity to take ownership of a practice area, build your client base, and play a pivotal role in the continued growth of a forward-thinking firm. Whether you have an existing client following or a strong network of business and professional contacts in the Manchester area, this role offers the platform and support to build a successful and rewarding career.
For non-partners, there are excellent opportunities for promotion to partnership, making this an ideal role for ambitious solicitors looking to progress to the next level.
The Role
As a Senior Employment Solicitor, you will lead the employment offering in Manchester, managing your own diverse caseload whilst also taking on managerial responsibilities for junior members of the team. You will report to the firm’s Head of Employment but will have the autonomy to develop and grow the practice in the region.
You will advise corporate clients on the full range of employment matters, from strategic HR advice to complex Employment Tribunal litigation. This is a client-facing role where your technical expertise, commercial acumen, and network will be key to attracting and retaining clients and developing the firm’s reputation in the Manchester area.
Your key responsibilities will include:
- Leading the employment practice in Manchester and driving business development
- Managing a varied caseload of employment law matters, both advisory and contentious
- Advising HR teams and boards of corporate clients on employment law, HR policies, and strategic workforce matters
- Handling Employment Tribunal litigation including unfair dismissal, discrimination, whistleblowing, TUPE, and breach of contract claims
- Advising on complex employee relations issues, restructuring, redundancy, and settlement agreements
- Developing and maintaining strong client relationships and delivering exceptional client service
- Attracting and retaining clients through business development and networking
- Building your network of business and professional contacts in the Manchester area
- Supervising and mentoring junior members of the employment team
- Reporting to the firm’s Head of Employment
- Playing an active role in the strategic development of the practice
About You
Essential Requirements:
- 10+ years’ PQE (or equivalent experience)
- Qualified Solicitor in England and Wales
- Proven experience in both advisory employment work and Employment Tribunal litigation
- Demonstrable track record of advising HR teams and boards of corporate clients
- Strong technical knowledge across the full range of employment law matters
- Experience handling complex Employment Tribunal claims including discrimination, whistleblowing, TUPE, and unfair dismissal
- Proven ability to attract and retain clients
- Excellent client care skills with a strong commercial approach
- Ambition and drive to lead and develop an employment practice
- Strong managerial and supervisory skills
- Outstanding communication, negotiation, and advocacy skills
Highly Desirable:
- Existing client following
- Strong network of business and professional contacts in the Manchester area
- Business development experience and a proactive approach to generating new work
- Experience in a leadership or senior role within an employment team
- Experience advising on complex restructuring, TUPE transfers, and senior executive matters
Key Attributes:
- Commercially astute with a pragmatic approach to employment matters
- Confident, personable, and able to build rapport with clients and contacts
- Strategic thinker with the ability to see the bigger picture
- Natural leader who can inspire and mentor junior team members
- Ambitious and motivated to progress to partnership (if not already at partner level)
- Proactive and solutions-focused approach to client matters
What’s On Offer
Our client is committed to rewarding talent, ambition, and hard work with a competitive remuneration package and genuine opportunities for career progression.
Benefits include:
- Competitive salary: £75,000 - £100,000 (dependent on experience and level)
- Firm-wide bonus scheme for all fee earners
- Excellent partnership opportunities for non-partners
- Hybrid working: up to 2 days per week home/remote working
- Comprehensive contractual benefits package
- Autonomy to lead and develop the employment practice in Manchester
- Supportive and collaborative working environment
- Professional development and career progression opportunities
- Modern, well-equipped offices in Manchester city centre
- Access to a strong network of business and professional contacts
- Opportunities to contribute to the strategic direction of the firm
About Our Client
Our client is a well-established, commercially focused law firm with offices in Liverpool and Manchester, serving clients across the North West and beyond. The firm has built a strong reputation for delivering high-quality legal services across a broad range of practice areas, including employment, commercial litigation, property and construction, corporate, insolvency, intellectual property, and sport.
The firm acts for a diverse client base including SMEs across multiple sectors, institutional clients in the financial sector (including asset finance and invoice finance), corporate clients, and insolvency practitioners. With a pragmatic, commercial approach and a commitment to delivering excellent client service, the firm has established itself as a trusted legal partner for businesses throughout the region.
The employment team advises corporate clients on the full spectrum of employment matters, from day-to-day HR advice and policy development to complex Employment Tribunal litigation, restructuring, TUPE transfers, and senior executive matters. You will be joining a dynamic, ambitious firm that values collaboration, innovation, and excellence.
The firm holds ISO 9001 and ISO 27001 accreditations, reflecting its commitment to quality and information security.
Location
This role is based at our client’s Manchester office, located in the heart of the city centre with excellent transport links and access to local amenities. The office offers a modern, professional working environment with the flexibility of hybrid working (up to 2 days per week from home).
How to Apply
If you’re an experienced employment solicitor ready to lead and grow a thriving practice in Manchester, we’d love to hear from you. Click apply now or contact lee.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com or 0333 996 2882.
Employment Solicitor in Manchester employer: Hawthorne-finch Talent Solutions
Contact Detail:
Hawthorne-finch Talent Solutions Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Employment Solicitor in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend local legal events, join professional groups, and connect with other solicitors in Manchester. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! Create a personal brand by sharing insights on employment law through social media or blogs. This not only showcases your knowledge but also attracts potential clients and employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply—engage! When you find a role that excites you, reach out directly to the firm. A quick email or LinkedIn message can make you stand out from the crowd and show your genuine interest.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios specific to employment law. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to boost your confidence and refine your answers.
We think you need these skills to ace Employment Solicitor in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Senior Employment Solicitor. Highlight your 10+ years of PQE and any specific experience you have in managing employment law matters, as well as your ability to attract and retain clients.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Include examples of how you've successfully handled complex Employment Tribunal cases or developed client relationships that led to business growth.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for leading the employment practice in Manchester. Mention your ambition to progress to partnership and how you can contribute to the firm's growth.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get you on the path to joining our dynamic team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hawthorne-finch Talent Solutions
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest employment law trends and key cases relevant to the role. Being able to discuss recent developments or landmark cases will show your expertise and passion for the field.
✨Showcase Your Network
Since this role involves building a client base, be prepared to talk about your existing connections in the Manchester area. Highlight any previous successes in attracting clients and how you plan to leverage your network for this new position.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Senior Employment Solicitor, you'll be expected to lead and mentor junior team members. Share examples of how you've successfully managed teams or projects in the past, showcasing your ability to inspire and guide others.
✨Prepare for Client Scenarios
Think about potential client scenarios you might face in this role. Prepare to discuss how you would handle complex employment issues, such as TUPE transfers or discrimination claims, demonstrating your problem-solving skills and commercial acumen.
