Employment Senior Associate/Legal Director - 5+ PQE in Edinburgh

Employment Senior Associate/Legal Director - 5+ PQE in Edinburgh

Edinburgh Full-Time 60000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
QED Legal LLP

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Advise businesses on complex employment issues and manage tribunal cases.
  • Company: Respected commercial law firm in Edinburgh with a strong national team.
  • Benefits: Hybrid working, career progression based on ability, and high-quality work.
  • Other info: Opportunity to mentor junior colleagues and build your profile in the legal market.
  • Why this job: Join a collaborative culture and make a real impact in employment law.
  • Qualifications: 5+ years PQE in employment law and experience managing tribunal cases.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.

  • Overview
  • Are You Becoming Better

Or Just Becoming Busier? If you're an Employment Solicitor with 5+ years' PQE, there comes a point where the quality of your work matters less than the quality of your career.

You know the law.

You can run Employment Tribunal litigation.

You understand the commercial realities behind workplace disputes.

The question is whether your current firm is giving you the platform to become the lawyer you want to be.

A respected commercial law firm in Edinburgh is looking to appoint an experienced Employment Lawyer at Senior Associate or Principal Associate level to join a well-established national team with an outstanding reputation for advising employers across a broad range of sectors.

This is far more than a tribunal-focused role.

Responsibilities

  • Advise businesses on complex employee relations issues, unfair dismissal, discrimination, TUPE, restructures, redundancy programmes, executive exits and day-to-day strategic employment law matters.
  • Draft contracts of employment, service agreements, policies and workplace documentation while advising clients navigating difficult commercial decisions.
  • Collaborate with colleagues in the corporate, commercial and restructuring teams on business acquisitions, reorganisations and other transactions where employment law advice plays a pivotal role.
  • Deliver client training, contribute to seminars and strengthen long-term relationships with businesses that value practical, commercially focused advice.
  • Develop and mentor junior colleagues and contribute to the growth of the Employment team; build your own profile within the Scottish legal market.
  • Manage Employment Tribunal cases from instruction through to conclusion and provide pragmatic, employer-focused advice on complex workplace issues.
  • Support the firm's flexible, collaborative culture with hybrid working and a focus on practical, high-quality work.

Qualifications and Skills

  • Extensive experience managing Employment Tribunal cases from instruction to conclusion.
  • Strong advisory capability for employers on complex workplace issues; pragmatic, commercially focused solutions.
  • Advocacy experience is welcomed but not essential.
  • Ability to build trusted client relationships, communicate clearly and influence business decisions.
  • Experience working with cross-functional teams on mergers, acquisitions and reorganisations where employment law plays a pivotal role.
  • About the Firm / Benefits

Hybrid working is well established; the firm values flexibility and collaboration.

Career progression is earned through ability rather than time served.

The quality of work is consistently high and the team values commercial judgment alongside technical excellence.

How to Apply

If you're looking for your next move as an Employment Solicitor in Edinburgh and want to combine high-quality employer-side work with genuine long-term progression, we'd be delighted to tell you more.

For a confidential discussion, get in touch with Neil Campbell at QED Legal.

Employment Senior Associate/Legal Director - 5+ PQE in Edinburgh employer: QED Legal LLP

Join a prestigious Legal 500 firm in London, renowned for its exceptional family law team and supportive work culture. With a strong commitment to employee development, this firm offers a competitive salary, hybrid working options, and a comprehensive benefits package that includes generous annual leave and wellbeing initiatives. This is an ideal environment for ambitious Family Solicitors seeking meaningful work and long-term career growth.

QED Legal LLP

Contact Details:

QED Legal LLP Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Employment Senior Associate/Legal Director - 5+ PQE in Edinburgh

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.

Tap into Online Legal Communities

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 QED Legal LLP, 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 Employment Senior Associate/Legal Director - 5+ PQE in Edinburgh

Employment Tribunal Litigation
Advisory Capability
Drafting Contracts of Employment
Employee Relations Issues
Discrimination Law
TUPE Regulations
Restructuring and Redundancy

Some tips for your application 🫡

Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at QED Legal LLP, 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 QED Legal LLP and the specific role of Employment Senior Associate/Legal Director - 5+ PQE. 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 QED Legal LLP’s culture!

How to prepare for a job interview at QED Legal LLP

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 QED Legal LLP.

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 QED Legal LLP.