At a Glance
- Tasks: Advocate for clients in Employment Tribunal, handle complex cases, and provide strategic legal advice.
- Company: Markel Law, an award-winning legal firm with a people-first culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, annual bonus, hybrid working, and comprehensive benefits package.
- Other info: Opportunities for career progression and professional development in a collaborative environment.
- Why this job: Join a supportive team and make a real impact in employment law advocacy.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor with strong employment law and tribunal advocacy experience.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 € per year.
Be the advocate clients rely on when it matters most. At Markel Law, we do things differently. We’re an award-winning, SRA-regulated legal business that combines technical excellence with a genuinely people-first culture. Backed by the strength of the Markel Group (a Fortune 500 company), yet operating with the agility and personality of a specialist law firm, we help businesses handle risk, resolve disputes, and move forward with confidence.
We’re now seeking an experienced Employment Solicitor Advocate to join our growing Employment Law team in Manchester, playing a pivotal role in tribunal advocacy and complex contentious work.
The Opportunity: This is a high-profile advocacy-led role for a solicitor who enjoys being on their feet as much as they enjoy shaping strategy. You’ll represent employer clients in Employment Tribunal proceedings across the full lifecycle of claims, while also providing pragmatic day-to-day advisory support. Working closely with colleagues across Manchester and Croydon, you’ll handle a varied and intellectually stimulating caseload aligned to Markel’s SME, professional services, retail and care-sector client base. Expect real responsibility, autonomy, and the chance to influence how a nationally recognised employment practice continues to evolve.
What You’ll Be Doing:
- Acting as advocate in Employment Tribunal proceedings, including preliminary, full merits and remedy hearings
- Delivering persuasive oral submissions, conducting cross-examinations and managing witnesses
- Drafting high-quality pleadings, skeleton arguments, opinions and case strategies
- Advising employer clients on prospects, risk, and settlement strategy
- Handling complex litigation and instructing counsel where required
- Providing commercially focused employment advice, including: Unfair dismissal, discrimination and whistleblowing claims; TUPE and collective redundancies; Grievance, disciplinary and appeal processes
- Delivering training sessions and legal updates to clients
- Building trusted relationships with clients, HR teams and internal partners
What We’re Looking For:
- Essential: Qualified solicitor with solid experience in employment law
- Strong Employment Tribunal advocacy experience
- Confident handling your own caseload with minimal supervision
- Excellent drafting, analytical and negotiation skills
- Clear, pragmatic communicator who can translate legal risk into commercial advice
- Desirable: Background advising employer clients
- Experience with complex or high-value litigation
- Interest or experience in delivering client training
Personal qualities:
- Calm, credible and persuasive advocate
- Commercially minded and solution-focused
- Resilient, organised and comfortable working to deadlines
- Committed to continuous professional development
Why Join Markel Law?
- Competitive salary, annual bonus and comprehensive benefits package
- 25 days’ holiday plus bank holidays (with buy/sell options)
- Private medical and dental cover, life assurance, income protection and travel insurance
- Excellent pension scheme
- Hybrid working and genuine work–life balance
- Career progression within a growing, nationally recognised employment practice
- Access to professional development and leadership programmes
- A collaborative, inclusive culture where expertise is valued and individuality respected
Ready to Make Your Mark? If you’re an employment solicitor who thrives on advocacy and wants the backing of a supportive, forward-thinking firm, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now to start the conversation.
What’s Next? Click “Apply Now” to submit a short application and start the conversation. Markel celebrates the value of a diverse workforce that brings experience and expertise from a wide variety of backgrounds and life circumstances. Whatever your background, if you feel you meet the requirements of this role then we want to hear from you. We are also happy to consider candidates who are looking for flexible working patterns. We are an equal-opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided with all reasonable accommodations to be able to participate in the job application or interview process and to perform essential job functions if successful.
Senior Associate employer: Markel International
At Markel Law, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that champions a people-first culture while delivering top-notch legal services. Our Manchester office offers a dynamic work environment with hybrid working options, competitive salaries, and comprehensive benefits, including private medical cover and a robust pension scheme. We are committed to employee growth, providing access to professional development and leadership programmes, all within a collaborative atmosphere that values diversity and individuality.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Associate
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who work in employment law. Attend industry events or webinars to meet potential employers and get your name out there.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising your advocacy skills. Think about how you can present your experience in a way that showcases your ability to handle complex cases and communicate effectively with clients.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on firms that align with your values. Check out our website for opportunities at Markel Law, where we value a people-first culture and offer real responsibility in your role.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the role and keeping you top of mind for the hiring team.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Associate
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience in employment law and tribunal advocacy. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Advocacy Skills:Since this role is all about being an advocate, include examples of your tribunal experience. We love seeing how you’ve handled complex cases and delivered persuasive arguments, so let us know what makes you stand out!
Be Clear and Concise:When drafting your application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language to communicate your qualifications and experiences. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the point.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application reaches us quickly and efficiently, so don’t miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Markel International
✨Know Your Case Law
Brush up on key employment law cases relevant to the role. Being able to reference specific cases during your interview will show that you’re not just knowledgeable but also passionate about the field.
✨Practice Your Advocacy Skills
Since this role involves tribunal advocacy, it’s crucial to demonstrate your oral submission skills. Consider doing mock interviews or practice sessions with a friend to refine your arguments and delivery.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities in real-world scenarios. Think of examples from your past experience where you successfully handled complex litigation or client advice, and be ready to discuss them in detail.
✨Showcase Your People Skills
Markel Law values a people-first culture, so be prepared to discuss how you build relationships with clients and colleagues. Share examples of how you’ve effectively communicated legal risks in a way that’s easy for clients to understand.
