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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage diverse employment matters, including executive exits and employment disputes.
- Company: Join a historic, top-ranked London firm with over 300 years of heritage.
- Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid working model, excellent bonuses, and flexible hours.
- Why this job: Gain international exposure and work with high-calibre clients in a collaborative culture.
- Qualifications: 4+ years PQE for Associates or 6+ for Senior Associates with strong employment law experience.
- Other info: Promotion opportunities are real, with direct access to senior stakeholders.
The predicted salary is between 86000 - 104000 £ per year.
Job Description
Location: London City
PQE: 4+ years Associate / 6+ Senior Associate
Salary: £100k–£120k + Excellent Bonus + Benefits
Working Model: Hybrid (3 days office / 2 remote) | Open to 4-day week (0.8 FTE)
Lex Exec is proud to be supporting this historic Legal 500 and Chambers-ranked UHNW Private Client-focused firm in expanding its Employment Law team.
With over 300 years of heritage and a modern, international outlook, our client is seeking a talented Employment Associate (4+ PQE) or Senior Associate (6+ PQE) to join its growing Employment team. This is a rare opportunity to work closely with the Lead Partner, whose practice spans the US, Europe, and multiple jurisdictions, and who is a recognised thought leader in the field.
Rarely does an opportunity to join a department in such an aggressive growth phase, within the support network of a 160+ strong firm, with the resulting exposure and career progression opportunities arise. Promotion and Partner Track opportunities are very real here!
Why This Role?
- International Scope: Advise on cross-border matters including HR audits across 13 jurisdictions, executive exits in Switzerland, and US start-ups expanding into the UK.
- High-Calibre Clients: Work with senior executives, founders, and investment professionals across financial services, tech, sport, and family offices.
- Balanced Workload: 60/40 split of non-contentious vs contentious work, with a strong focus on senior executive advisory.
- Growth & Progression: Join a team of 2 within a 15-person Corporate department, with clear plans to scale. Access to both Litigation and Corporate work. The progression opportunity here is real and significant, with direct exposure to high-profile matters and senior stakeholders.
- Culture: Proud, open-door, and collaborative. High retention and long tenure. The Lead Partner trained at the firm, gained experience at another top City firm, and returned – a testament to the firm’s culture and values.
The Role
You will manage a broad range of employment matters, including:
- Executive exits, employment disputes, and tribunal claims
- Drafting contracts, policies, and settlement agreements
- Advising on TUPE, redundancy, grievances, and disciplinary issues
- Supporting corporate transactions and international employment projects
- Business development and mentoring junior lawyers
- The firm has a separate yet connected litigiation department meaning you have additional support when it comes to litigous matters
About You
- 6+ years PQE for Senior Associates or 4+ years PQE for Associate level, with strong experience in both contentious and non-contentious employment law
- Commercially minded, pragmatic, and confident advising senior-level clients and UHNW individuals.
- Strong communicator with excellent client-handling skills
- International experience or interest is highly desirable
- Experience from a city firm is advantageous
- Experience mentoring junior colleagues is a plus
Package & Progression
- Salary: £100k to £120k according to PQE and experience
Bonus: Our client offers an excellent bonus structure that pays out a meaningful % of salary on top each year. This bonus is based exclusively on billed hours, is transparent, and has been designed to pay out!
Flexible Working: Hybrid model (3 in / 2 out) , potentially open to candidates who wish to work 4 days a week (0.8 FTE as opposed to compressed hours).
Streamlined Interview Process
- Stage 1: Scenario-based CV discussion with the Lead Partner and HR Business Partner
- Stage 2: Meeting with the Heads of Litigation and Corporate Teams
- Decision
Equal Opportunities
Lex Exec and our Clients are committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion across the legal sector. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, race, ethnicity, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. We believe that diverse teams drive better outcomes and are proud to support our clients in building inclusive workplaces where everyone can thrive.
Employment: Senior Associate OR Associate - Top Ranked London Firm employer: Lex Exec
Contact Detail:
Lex Exec Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Employment: Senior Associate OR Associate - Top Ranked London Firm
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the employment law sector, especially those who have experience in UHNW private client work. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and mentors who can provide insights into the firm’s culture and expectations.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends and developments in employment law, particularly in cross-border matters. Being well-versed in current issues will not only boost your confidence during interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to staying informed in a rapidly evolving field.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for scenario-based discussions by thinking through complex employment law cases you’ve handled. Be ready to articulate your thought process and the outcomes, as this will showcase your problem-solving skills and ability to advise senior-level clients effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Highlight any experience you have in mentoring junior lawyers or leading teams. This is particularly important for the role, as the firm values collaboration and growth within their teams, and demonstrating your leadership skills can set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Employment: Senior Associate OR Associate - Top Ranked London Firm
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in employment law, particularly focusing on both contentious and non-contentious matters. Emphasise your PQE and any specific cases or projects that align with the firm's focus.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also demonstrates your understanding of the firm's culture and values. Mention your interest in international employment law and how your background aligns with their client base.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: In your application, provide examples of how you've effectively communicated with senior-level clients and UHNW individuals. This could include specific scenarios where your advice led to successful outcomes.
Highlight Mentoring Experience: If you have experience mentoring junior colleagues, make sure to include this in your application. The firm values collaboration and growth, so showcasing your ability to support and develop others will strengthen your candidacy.
How to prepare for a job interview at Lex Exec
✨Research the Firm's Heritage and Culture
Before your interview, take some time to understand the firm's 300-year history and its modern outlook. Familiarise yourself with their culture of collaboration and high retention rates, as this will help you align your answers with their values.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Since the first stage of the interview involves scenario-based discussions, think about relevant experiences where you've handled complex employment law issues. Be ready to articulate your thought process and the outcomes of those situations.
✨Highlight Your International Experience
Given the role's focus on cross-border matters, emphasise any international experience you have. Discuss how you've navigated different jurisdictions and the unique challenges that come with advising UHNW clients in various countries.
✨Showcase Your Mentoring Skills
As mentoring junior lawyers is a plus for this position, prepare examples of how you've supported and guided less experienced colleagues in the past. This will demonstrate your leadership potential and commitment to team growth.