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- Tasks: Join our Employment Team to support universities with complex legal work and training.
- Company: Mills & Reeve is a top 50 UK law firm, dedicated to client success and community impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working options, and a supportive workplace culture.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in education while developing your skills in a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: 3+ years PQE in employment law; strong client service and technical skills required.
- Other info: Opportunities for cross-office collaboration and professional development await you.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Associate/Senior Associate – Employment (0268)
Shape the future of employment law with our Tier 1 Birmingham team, where your ideas and growth truly matter.
Are you ready to shape the future of employment law for some of the UK\’s most respected education institutions and an impressive portfolio of commercial clients? Join our award-winning, Tier 1 Employment team in Birmingham, where your ideas are valued, your development is prioritised, and no two days are ever the same.
We\’re not just looking for technical expertise, we want someone who\’s passionate about people, thrives on variety, and is excited to work in a team that\’s as collaborative as it is ambitious.
- Work that Matters: Advise over 120 universities and educational institutions, as well as clients in health, care, automotive, manufacturing, retail, and beyond.
- High-Profile & Innovative: Get involved in recent headline cases, sector-shaping projects, and creative solutions for complex employment issues.
- Genuine Collaboration: Be part of a supportive, cross-office team that celebrates success together and values every voice.
- Career Growth: Benefit from regular training, cross-sector projects, and the chance to work alongside some of the brightest minds in the field.
- Flexibility & Wellbeing: We\’re committed to flexible working and a healthy work-life balance, with a wide range of benefits to support you.
The role
Due to the continued growth of the work being done by the Employment Team, we are looking for an experienced employment solicitor to join our top-ranked Birmingham team. This is an exciting opportunity to support further growth and make a real difference across the education sector, supporting over 120 universities and educational institutions across the UK with opportunities to work for a diverse range of employers, including clients in health and care, automotive, manufacturing, retail, and beyond.
You will undertake a broad mix of contentious and non-contentious employment work. The work is technically varied and interesting, arising from the size and complexity of higher education institutions as public, private and charitable employers.
As well as advisory and Employment Tribunal work, you will be involved in delivering our annual programme of training, seminars and legal updates to clients and targets, and will assist with business development opportunities to promote the firm\’s practice across both education and commercial sectors.
Training will be provided on sector-specific issues, so all you need is an inquiring mind and an interest in working with great clients.
The person
You will ideally be 3+ years PQE and be able to demonstrate good employment experience gained in a reputable firm which specialises in employment law.
- Degree or equivalent with A levels or equivalent
- Clear enthusiasm for employment law
- Excellent presentational skills
- Common sense and initiative, and ability to work as a team-player working on complex matters
- Ability to lead on Employment Tribunal matters and on advisory matters on a day to day basis with appropriate supervision for a lawyer working at a senior associate grade
- Experience of delegating to junior members of the team
- Ability to build very good relationships with colleagues, clients, potential clients and multipliers
The team
You will work with Siân Jackson , Employment Partner, as well as other members of our national employment education team. You will be part of the cross-office Employment, Pensions and Immigration NSL of 87 + lawyers which is headed up by partner, David Mills and supported by three professional support lawyers. You\’ll have the chance to build your skills and experience within the firm including through our monthly cross-office NSL training sessions delivered by our professional support lawyers, together with cross-office and sector away days. As part of that cross-office team, you may also be required to assist colleagues in other sectors and offices.
The benefits
As you\’d expect, we offer a competitive salary and a wide range of benefits.
If we offer you a role, we will conduct comprehensive pre-employment screening. This screening will include, but is not limited to, a basic DBS, verification of your right to work, a three year employment history and a self-declaration to assess your character and suitability for the role. Full details of our pre-screening employment process are available upon request.
and finally
Everyone at Mills & Reeve brings a unique perspective and ideas to the team and we do everything we can to help each person to thrive. We\’re committed to providing an inclusive and supportive working environment, are happy to consider flexible working arrangements, and want to achieve the right balance for both our people and the firm. We encourage everyone to ask if they feel they need any workplace adjustments, and will do our best to support with these.
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Associate/Senior Associate - Employment (Education) employer: Mills & Reeve LLP
Contact Detail:
Mills & Reeve LLP Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate/Senior Associate - Employment (Education)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the current trends and challenges in employment law, particularly within the education sector. This will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and the clients you'll be serving.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals already working in employment law or the education sector. Attend relevant seminars or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and gain insights into the specific needs of educational institutions.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with Employment Tribunal litigation and how you've successfully managed client relationships in the past. Be ready to share specific examples that highlight your skills and achievements in this area.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your enthusiasm for delivering training and seminars. Think about how you can contribute to the annual programme mentioned in the job description and be prepared to discuss any relevant experience you have in this area.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate/Senior Associate - Employment (Education)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in employment law, particularly any work with educational institutions. Emphasise your client service skills and any business development achievements.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for employment law and working with educational clients. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to deliver high-quality advice and training.
Showcase Your Skills: Clearly outline your technical competencies in employment law, including any experience with Employment Tribunal litigation. Highlight your interpersonal skills and ability to build strong client relationships.
Research the Firm: Familiarise yourself with Mills & Reeve's values and recent work in the education sector. Mention how your goals align with their mission to achieve more for clients and communities in your application.
How to prepare for a job interview at Mills & Reeve LLP
✨Know Your Employment Law
Make sure you brush up on your employment law knowledge, especially as it pertains to the education sector. Familiarise yourself with recent cases and legislation that could impact universities and colleges, as this will demonstrate your commitment and expertise during the interview.
✨Showcase Client Service Skills
Prepare examples of how you've delivered outstanding client service in previous roles. Be ready to discuss specific situations where you built strong relationships with clients or resolved complex issues, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Demonstrate Training Experience
Since the role involves delivering training and seminars, think of instances where you've conducted training sessions or workshops. Highlight your ability to communicate complex legal concepts clearly and engagingly, which will be key to impressing the interviewers.
✨Exhibit Business Development Acumen
Be prepared to discuss your experience with business development. Share any strategies you've implemented to grow client relationships or attract new business, as this will show your potential to contribute to the firm's growth.
