At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape the future of a leading employment team and manage complex legal matters.
- Company: Major international law firm with a supportive and ambitious culture.
- Benefits: Partnership opportunities, access to established clients, and no progression blockers.
- Other info: Based in Manchester city centre with excellent career growth potential.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a real impact in a high-stakes environment.
- Qualifications: Qualified employment lawyer with strong transactional and contentious experience.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Senior Employment Lawyer, Manchester
The Opportunity
This is a rare chance to step into a high-impact role within the Manchester employment team of a major international law firm — and genuinely shape its future. The team is small, highly regarded and well established, but the platform it sits on is something quite different: an office with an extensive client roster, significant untapped opportunity and the full weight of a global firm behind it. The team is now looking for the next generation of partner to come through. Whether that means a direct partnership appointment for the right candidate, or a clearly defined route to get there, the firm is committed to making it happen. Unlike many larger firms, progression here is not constrained by internal politics or headcount. If you have found yourself blocked at your current firm despite the quality of your work, this is worth a conversation.
The Role
The work sits predominantly in the complex transactional space — restructurings, M&A employment matters, senior executive arrangements — but the breadth of demand from clients means a genuine ability to handle contentious employment matters is equally important. Flexibility across both disciplines is essential. Beyond the legal work itself, this role is as much about client relationships and business development as it is technical expertise. The Manchester office has an enviable book of clients who are currently underserved from an employment perspective. A business case is not a requirement for this hire — but the desire and instinct to grow will be.
What We're Looking For
- A qualified employment lawyer at senior associate, principal associate or legal director level with solid post-qualification experience in a recognised firm
- Strong technical grounding in complex transactional employment work, with broader contentious experience to support a busy caseload
- Experience of working within a larger law firm environment — an understanding of that landscape, its clients and how they operate is genuinely valuable here
- A credible, enthusiastic approach to business development — someone with clear ideas about how to grow a client base and the appetite to act on them
- A genuine interest in mentoring and developing junior lawyers within the team
- Strong cultural fit — collegiate, commercially minded, someone who takes the work seriously without taking themselves too seriously
What's on Offer
- Immediate access to a large, established client base with real room to develop it further — no cold start
- A partnership appointment or a clearly structured route to partnership, calibrated to the individual
- The resources and reputation of an international firm without the progression blockers that often come with it
- A close-knit, high-quality team with a genuinely supportive and ambitious culture
- Based in Manchester city centre
Employment - Senior Appointment/Next Gen Partner in Manchester employer: Think Legal Recruitment
Join a prestigious international law firm in Manchester, where you will have the unique opportunity to shape the future of a highly regarded employment team. With immediate access to an established client base and a clear pathway to partnership, this role offers a supportive and ambitious work culture that prioritises professional growth without the constraints of internal politics. Embrace the chance to develop your career in a dynamic environment that values both technical expertise and business development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Employment - Senior Appointment/Next Gen Partner in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend legal events, seminars, or even casual meet-ups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities or be looking for someone just like you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your personality! When you get to the interview stage, let your enthusiasm shine through. Talk about your passion for employment law and how you can contribute to the team’s growth. Remember, they want someone who fits their culture!
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive in your approach. Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up. Reach out directly to firms you admire, like the one in Manchester, and express your interest. A well-timed email can make all the difference!
✨Tip Number 4
Utilise our website to apply! We’ve got a streamlined process that makes it easy for you to showcase your skills. Plus, applying through us means you’ll be in the loop for any exciting roles that come up in the future.
We think you need these skills to ace Employment - Senior Appointment/Next Gen Partner in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that align with the role. Highlight your expertise in complex transactional employment work and any relevant contentious matters to show us you’re the right fit.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your enthusiasm for the role and the firm. Share your ideas on business development and how you can contribute to growing our client base.
Showcase Your Soft Skills:We’re looking for someone who fits well within our team culture. Don’t forget to mention your mentoring experience and how you’ve supported junior lawyers in the past. It’s all about being a team player!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Think Legal Recruitment
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of complex transactional employment law and contentious matters. Be ready to discuss specific cases you've worked on and how they relate to the role. This shows you're not just a lawyer, but someone who understands the nuances of the field.
✨Show Your Business Development Skills
Prepare to talk about your ideas for growing the client base. Think about past experiences where you've successfully developed client relationships or brought in new business. This role is as much about business development as it is about legal expertise, so demonstrate your enthusiasm and strategic thinking.
✨Cultural Fit is Key
This firm values a collegiate atmosphere, so be yourself! Share examples that highlight your ability to work well in a team and your approach to mentoring junior lawyers. They want to see that you take your work seriously but can also have a laugh and fit into their culture.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the firm's future plans and how you can contribute to its growth. This not only shows your interest in the role but also your proactive mindset. It’s a great way to demonstrate that you’re already thinking about how to make an impact.
