Employment Solicitor in Oxford

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an Employment Solicitor / Associate to join our highly regarded Employment & Immigration team in either Oxford or Swindon.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a Top 100 UK law firm known for combining high-quality, technically strong work with a genuinely supportive and collaborative culture. The team advises a broad mix of clients, from local SMEs through to national and international businesses and senior executives, on the full spectrum of employment matters, including contentious tribunal work, strategic advisory projects, and day-to-day HR issues.

The Swindon / Oxford team comprises of two partners Lauren Harkin and Kate Benefer, two senior associates, two associates, two solicitors, two legal assistants, a consultant, a paralegal and a professional support lawyer. The team spend time in both Swindon and Oxford which is why we can be open to each location. We have an employment presence across all our regions creating a wider network of approximately 40 employment specialists.

We are keen to consider candidates from NQ up to 5 years PQE. The team can offer exposure to pure employment work or a blend of employment and immigration, making it an excellent option for those looking to broaden their skillset or further develop within a well-rounded and growing practice.

Based in Swindon? We've recently opened a new regional hub. Read about it here.

Your Key Responsibilities

As a Solicitor/ Associate you will consistently deliver a high standard of legal advice to clients in a commercially astute manner and always deliver outstanding client service. You will also be required to assist with the marketing of the department’s services and undertaking business development activities to build on the firm and team’s reputation for excellence.

• Manage a caseload of files, under supervision, dealing effectively with cases and transactions.
• Deal directly with clients to take instructions and ensure full understanding in order to deliver on client expectations.
• Works closely with partners and senior lawyers to develop client relationship skills.
• Actively develop relationships with smaller clients.
• Effectively scope and price work, under supervision.
• Prepares effectively and progresses advocacy matters and negotiating the most appropriate solutions for the client.
• Identify and follow relevant SRA principles and rules of professional conduct.
• Comply with all risk management policies and processes.
• Comply with firm file review processes.
• Respond appropriately to client complaints or concerns.

Sustainable Growth

• Raise personal profile and attract delegated work; take responsibility for aspects of BD projects within the department.
• Take responsibility for aspects of business development projects in the department.
• Research and draft article and assist with the production of marketing materials.
• Begin to develop a network of clients, contacts, and potential referrers; attend relevant networking events.
• Spot opportunities to cross sell and build an internal network within the firm for cross referred work.
• Continues to develop and learn in chosen areas of expertise, maintaining an up-to-date understanding of relevant law, policy and practice.

Dynamic Culture

• Build effective working relationships in the team.
• Encourages junior fee earners and gives feedback to assist their learning, effectively delegating tasks where appropriate.
• Participate in projects and supports the team by being flexible and adaptable.
• Continue to learn and develop, seeking feedback to build on skills and behaviours.
• Set and work towards personal development goals.

Financial & Operational Excellence

• Manage time recording, WIP monitoring and billing consistently on own and others’ files and matters.
• Work toward personal and team KPIs, measuring performance against these.
• Ensure understanding of the department’s strategic goals and sets own personal activities/ objectives to align.
• Seek to understand the external legal sector and market.
• Put forward ideas for business improvements and innovation.
• Offer to assist in the implementation of changes and improvements.

Skills, Experience, Attributes

• Previous Experience within area of Law (must have at least a seat in Employment).
• Ability to manage own files with minimal supervision.
• Strong client management skills with a focus on delivery of excellent client service.
• Organised and able to effectively prioritise.

About us

At RWK Goodman, you can enjoy a strong legal career, with exceptional client work. And you’ll be supported, every step of the way.

A progressive Top 100 law firm, over 650 colleagues. 36 specialist areas. 3 legal divisions. With offices across the South West, Thames Valley and London.

Committed to collaborative growth and shared success, we’re focused on delivering sustained positive change. Because we want to make a lasting difference to the world around us and achieve our vision of being the firm what clients want to work with and people want to work for.

To find out more about why we are different click here.

Some benefits will differ depending on the level of role. Please reach out to the Recruitment team for further clarification.

• 26.5–31.5 days’ holiday per year
• Buying and selling holiday
• Healthcare cash plan / private medical insurance
• Life assurance
• Cycle to work scheme
• Season ticket loan
• Discretionary profit and performance-related bonus
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Enhanced family leave
• Recruitment referral bonus
• Group income protection
• Salary reviewed regularly

We know our people are what sets us apart. That’s why we continue to nurture and develop our colleagues and attract and retain the best talent.

We support colleagues with a robust programme of learning and development opportunities, underpinned by our transparent Career Development Framework (CDF), which shows exactly what you need to achieve to grow your career with us.

From mentoring initiatives, through to personal development programmes and courses, we are proud to offer a suite of opportunities to drive your career and achieve your ambitions.

Inclusive Employer

We’re on a mission to create a dynamic and inclusive culture. And that starts with our recruitment process. If you have a disability, whether visible or not, we want to work with you every step of the way. Because we want to give you the best chance of success when you apply.

If you need any reasonable adjustments to accommodate your disability, such as extra time on written assessments, an accessible interview room or a quiet space before and after the interview, please speak to our Recruitment Team so that we can work together to help bring your best self.

You can find out more about our ED&I initiatives here.