At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic Employment Tribunals team and manage your own caseload.
- Company: Join a leading international law firm focused on quality over billable hours.
- Benefits: Enjoy autonomy, meaningful work, and a supportive environment without clock-watching.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for professional growth and innovation.
- Why this job: Shape a team and improve legal processes while making a real impact.
- Qualifications: UK qualified solicitor with 7+ years' experience in Employment Law.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
We're partnering with a leading international law firm to recruit a Legal Manager - Employment to lead a growing, specialist Employment Tribunals team in Birmingham.
You’ll keep your hand in on tribunal matters that matter, while taking on real leadership of a team and real influence over how the practice runs all in an environment built around volume, consistency and quality rather than billable hours.
Why this role
If you’ve spent years justifying six-minute units and chasing utilisation targets, this is a genuine change of pace. The focus here is on delivering excellent tribunal work efficiently and well and not on how many hours you can log. The successful Legal Manager - Employment will still be a practising employment lawyer with a caseload, but you’ll also have the scope to build something: shape a team, refine how work gets done, and bring in the tools and processes that make everyone’s life easier.
What you’ll be doing
- Running your own portfolio of Employment Tribunal matters, from pleadings and disclosure through to witness preparation and hearings
- Acting as the escalation point for the most complex or high-stakes tribunal cases
- Leading, supervising and developing a team of employment lawyers and paralegals
- Acting as the key point of contact between internal Employment teams and client stakeholders
- Shaping how the team operates by building smarter processes, playbooks and workflows rather than defaulting to more hours
- Bringing legal technology and AI tools into everyday practice to improve delivery and outcomes
- Keeping an eye on quality, consistency and turnaround, rather than time recorded
- Helping grow the team through recruitment, onboarding and development
What you’ll bring
- UK qualified solicitor, 7+ years’ PQE in Employment Law
- Strong track record running Employment Tribunal litigation, ideally at volume
- Experience supervising or mentoring junior lawyers and/or paralegals
- Confidence managing client and stakeholder relationships
- Comfort with legal technology and AI-enabled tools, or a strong interest in adopting them
- A collaborative, organised, problem-solving mindset
What’s in it for you
This is a genuine opportunity to do meaningful tribunal work and lead a team, without the relentless pressure of the billable hour. You’ll work alongside market-leading employment specialists in a business that’s investing seriously in a better way of delivering legal services and you’ll have real influence over what that looks like.
If you’re an employment lawyer ready for more autonomy, more variety and a lot less clock-watching, this is worth a conversation.
Legal Manager - Employment in Birmingham employer: Robert Walters
Join a leading organisation in the UK property and infrastructure sector as a Legal Director - Construction and Development, where you will be part of a dynamic team that values collaboration and innovation. With a hybrid working model, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth, this role offers a unique chance to influence major projects while enjoying a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and development. Located in Cheshire, you will benefit from a vibrant community and access to a wealth of resources in the construction and development field.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Legal Manager - Employment in Birmingham
✨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 Robert Walters, 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 Legal Manager - Employment in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Robert Walters, 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 Robert Walters and the specific role of Legal Manager - Employment. 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 Robert Walters’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Robert Walters
✨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 Robert Walters.
✨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 Robert Walters.
