At a Glance
- Tasks: Advise clients on employment law matters and manage cases from start to finish.
- Company: Join Markel Law, a Fortune 500 company with a people-first culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, annual bonus, 25 days holiday, and private medical benefits.
- Other info: Flexible working environment with opportunities for career progression.
- Why this job: Be part of a top-rated team and make a real impact in employment law.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor or barrister with strong experience in employment law.
The predicted salary is between 56700 - 69300 £ per year.
Ready to take your employment law career further? At Markel Law, we don't just practise law, we help businesses move forward with confidence. As part of a Fortune 500 group, we combine global strength with a people-first culture where your ideas, expertise, and ambition truly matter.
We're looking for a Senior Associate to join our highly regarded Employment Law team, recognised in the Legal 500 and known for delivering pragmatic, commercially focused advice to a diverse client base. If you're passionate about complex, high-quality work and want to play a key role in a growing, collaborative team this could be your next move!
Why join Markel Law?
- Be part of a Legal 500-recognised employment team with deep expertise
- Work on high-quality, complex matters across both contentious and non-contentious employment law
- Advise a broad client base - from SMEs to large national and international organisations
- Join a supportive, experienced team (majority 15+ years PQE)
- Enjoy real opportunities to develop leadership skills and shape junior talent
What you'll be doing:
You'll play a key role advising clients and managing employment matters end-to-end, including:
- Advisory & transactional work
- Providing expert advice on day-to-day HR issues, disciplinaries, grievances and disputes
- Supporting ACAS early conciliation, settlements and employment strategies
- Drafting and reviewing contracts, policies, settlement agreements and handbooks
- Advising on complex issues including TUPE and collective consultation
- Contentious work
- Managing Employment Tribunal cases from start to finish
- Drafting claims, responses and applications
- Preparing witness statements and evidence
- Briefing Counsel and attending hearings where appropriate
- Client & team impact
- Delivering training, updates and thought leadership to clients and colleagues
- Supporting business development initiatives and strengthening client relationships
- Supervising and mentoring junior team members
What you'll bring:
We're looking for a confident, commercial employment lawyer who thrives in a fast-paced environment:
- Strong experience across both contentious and non-contentious employment law
- Qualified solicitor or barrister (UK) with a current practising certificate
- Excellent drafting, analytical and problem-solving skills
- Ability to build trusted relationships with clients and stakeholders
- Commercial awareness and a client-first mindset
- Experience supervising or mentoring others (or readiness to step into this)
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise and multitask effectively
What's in it for you?
- Competitive salary + annual bonus
- 25 days' holiday (plus bank holidays) with option to buy/sell
- Private medical, dental, life assurance & income protection
- Generous pension and additional lifestyle benefits
- Ongoing learning, development, and career progression opportunities
- A genuinely flexible working environment
Our culture:
At Markel, everything we do is grounded in our values: We're all about people. We win together. We strive for better. We enjoy the everyday. We think further. We're committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive and bring their full selves to work.
At Markel, we are all about the people, celebrating 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 will ensure that individuals are provided with any reasonable accommodations to be able to participate in the job application or interview process and to perform essential job functions if successful.
Ready to make your mark?
Senior Associate in Manchester employer: markelcorp
At Markel Law, we pride ourselves on being a leading employer in the legal sector, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment that values your contributions. With a focus on professional development, our Senior Associates benefit from ongoing learning opportunities, competitive salaries, and a flexible working culture that promotes work-life balance. Join us in Manchester to be part of a diverse team recognised for its expertise and commitment to delivering high-quality legal services.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Associate in Manchester
✨Get Involved in Law Societies
Join local law societies and attend their events – they're often a goldmine for networking and job opportunities in the legal field. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other budding lawyers and experienced solicitors who could provide vital insights and connections.
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Don’t underestimate the power of online platforms like LinkedIn and specific legal forums. Get active in discussions or share your thoughts on recent legal developments – this not only builds your visibility but also showcases your passion and knowledge in law.
✨Attend Career Fairs and Workshops
Look out for career fairs and workshops specifically focused on law. Many law firms, including markelcorp, will be scouting for fresh talent, so bring your A-game and don’t shy away from making a memorable impression.
✨Leverage Your University’s Career Services
If you’re still in university or have recently graduated, latch onto your career services! They often have connections with law firms looking for graduates and can guide you through the application process tailored for the legal sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Associate in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at markelcorp, make sure to demonstrate your understanding of key legal principles and areas of law relevant to the position. Include any specific coursework, modules, or certifications, like LPC or BPTC qualifications, that showcase your legal expertise directly on your CV.
Showcase Your Research Skills:In the legal field, strong research skills are crucial. Use your application to illustrate how you've utilised these skills in past studies or work experiences – whether that's through past internships or significant projects. Mention any legal databases or tools you’re proficient in, as this can give you an edge.
Tailor That Cover Letter!:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make it personal by expressing your genuine interest in markelcorp and the specific role of Senior Associate. Talk about why you want to be part of their team, how your unique experiences align with their values, and why you’re passionate about the legal sector.
Stay Formal but Friendly:While we all know the legal world can be pretty formal, don’t be afraid to let a bit of personality shine through in your written application. Use a respectful tone, but feel free to inject a little warmth; this approach can help you stand out and show you're a great fit for markelcorp’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at markelcorp
✨Know Your Legal Principles
Brush up on foundational legal principles relevant to the specific area of law you’re applying for, whether it’s corporate, criminal, or family law. We might get asked situational questions to test your knowledge, so being articulate about key concepts will make you stand out.
✨Be Ready for Case Studies
Full-time legal roles often involve case studies during interviews. Prepare to analyse a hypothetical case and discuss your approach to it. Practising this with a peer or mentor can help us refine our reasoning and articulate a solid legal argument.
✨Show Off Your Research Skills
As legal professionals, strong research skills are a must. Have examples ready of how you've effectively used legal databases or conducted thorough legal research in your past experiences. It's a great way to demonstrate your readiness for the role at markelcorp.
✨Exude Professionalism and Confidence
In the legal field, professionalism is key. During the interview, we should maintain good eye contact and communicate clearly to show that we’re not just knowledgeable, but also confident. This can make a positive impression on your potential colleagues at markelcorp.