At a Glance
- Tasks: Support clients with expert legal counsel on employment law issues and manage tribunal claims.
- Company: Join Michelmores, a friendly and inclusive law firm focused on fresh thinking and growth.
- Benefits: Flexible working, excellent training, and career progression in a supportive environment.
- Other info: Collaborative team culture with opportunities for business development and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by helping clients navigate complex employment challenges.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor with 1-5 years of experience in employment law and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Michelmores is the destination law firm for the ambitious, imaginative and distinctive. We help enterprises and individuals navigate change to find a positive future. We are a flexible, friendly and inclusive organisation with a clear focus on fresh thinking, growth and success. We value and nurture our people’s potential, providing a creative, open and collaborative environment to develop a career that succeeds.
Our highly experienced Employment team is looking for an Associate to join either our Exeter or Cheltenham office. In this role you will support the team in delivering a first‑class service to clients by:
- Providing expert legal counsel to clients on a wide range of employment law issues, including employment status and associated rights, contracts and handbooks, redundancy and discrimination.
- Providing clear, decisive, commercial and sensitive HR support to clients and their in‑house HR teams to ensure the safe and effective management of their workforce, dealing with grievances, performance issues, sickness absence management and disciplinaries.
- Conducting thorough legal research and analysis to support client cases and providing strategic advice.
- Managing Employment Tribunal claims from ACAS Early Conciliations right through to appeal hearings and cost applications.
- Representing clients in Employment Tribunals, mediations and other dispute resolution proceedings.
- Collaborating with colleagues across all teams within the Firm to deliver comprehensive legal solutions to clients in a timely manner.
- Staying up‑to‑date with changes in employment law, including case law decisions; providing regular updates to the team, drafting related articles and proactively advising clients on changes that may impact their businesses.
- Working with our Professional Support lawyer and paralegals to update and refine our policies, contracts and templates.
- Proactively engaging in the team and the Firm’s business development projects and strategies.
Our Employment team supports employers across all sectors facing their greatest challenges, especially in cases involving media scrutiny in highly unionised and litigious environments. With a focus on lasting relationships and innovative solutions, we work as an expert extension to in‑house HR functions, providing reassurance and guidance in difficult, time‑sensitive cases involving complex discrimination claims and whistleblowing investigations.
We provide excellent training and career progression opportunities in an inclusive environment. We take a flexible, agile approach to working patterns, agreeing together on the best working arrangements that will enable each of us to provide exceptional client service, collaborate and connect with colleagues, and achieve the right home/work balance.
We are looking for somebody who will understand our values and thrive in our culture. The ideal candidate will:
- Become a vital member of a busy and friendly team.
- Be a qualified solicitor in England and Wales or Scotland with 1‑5 years post‑qualification experience in employment law.
- Have in‑depth knowledge of UK employment legislation, case law and best practices.
- Have a proven track record of successfully handling complex employment law matters, including settlement negotiations and Employment Tribunal cases.
- Demonstrate excellent communication, negotiation and advocacy skills with the ability to build rapport with clients, colleagues and partner organisations.
- Have a keen attention to detail.
- Have strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
- Have excellent organisational skills with a methodical approach to workloads and an ability to adhere to strict deadlines.
- Be prepared to put forward and develop ideas to improve our transactional processes and delivery of client service.
- Be keen to contribute to the team's growth by identifying opportunities and participating in team and the Firm's business development projects and strategies.
This is a great opportunity to join a Firm which believes potential, inspiration and teamwork should be valued and nurtured. Michelmores LLP is an Equal Opportunities Employer. We do not discriminate on grounds of race, gender, marital status, age, religion, colour, nationality, ethnic origin, disability or sexual orientation in the selection, recruitment and treatment of our staff.
Associate - Employment employer: Michelmores
Michelmores is an exceptional employer that fosters a flexible, friendly, and inclusive work culture, making it an ideal place for ambitious legal professionals. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, the firm offers excellent training and career progression opportunities, while also encouraging innovative thinking and collaboration within its dynamic Employment team. Located in Exeter or Cheltenham, employees benefit from a supportive environment that values work-life balance and empowers individuals to thrive both personally and professionally.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate - Employment
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the legal field, especially those who work at Michelmores. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. You never know who might help you land that interview!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the firm’s culture and values. Michelmores is all about fresh thinking and collaboration, so think of examples from your experience that showcase how you embody these traits. Show them you’re not just a fit for the role, but for the team too!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain why you’re passionate about employment law and how your skills can contribute to the team. Keep it concise and engaging – remember, they want to see your personality shine through as well as your qualifications.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the position. Plus, it keeps you on their radar and reinforces your interest in joining the Michelmores family.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate - Employment
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for employment law shine through! We want to see that you’re not just qualified, but genuinely excited about the work we do and how you can contribute to our team.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role. Highlight your relevant experience in employment law and any specific cases or projects that demonstrate your skills. We love seeing how your background aligns with what we’re looking for!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our firm there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Michelmores
✨Know Your Employment Law Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on UK employment legislation, case law, and best practices. Being able to discuss recent changes or landmark cases will show that you're not just knowledgeable but also genuinely interested in the field.
✨Showcase Your Client-Centric Approach
Prepare examples of how you've provided exceptional client service in the past. Michelmores values strong relationships, so be ready to discuss how you've built rapport with clients and supported them through complex issues.
✨Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Skills
Think of specific instances where you've tackled challenging employment law matters. Highlight your analytical skills and how you've navigated difficult situations to achieve favourable outcomes for clients.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Team Collaboration
Since the role involves working closely with colleagues across various teams, prepare to talk about your experience in collaborative environments. Share how you've contributed to team success and supported business development initiatives.
