At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage complex employment law matters while mentoring junior lawyers.
- Company: Join one of the UK's largest and most dynamic full-service law firms.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus scheme, and excellent career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Modern office in Birmingham with flexible working arrangements.
- Why this job: Shape the future of employment law in a collaborative and inclusive environment.
- Qualifications: 8+ years PQE in employment law with strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Location: Birmingham
Career Level: Managing Associate 8+ PQE
Salary: £80,000 - £100,000 + Bonus
Lead and Develop an Award-Winning Employment Practice
Are you a senior employment lawyer ready to take on a leadership role with one of the UK's largest and most dynamic full-service law firms? Our client, a nationally recognised law firm with over 1,000 colleagues across 13 offices, is seeking an Employment Managing Associate at 8+ PQE level to join their expanding Manchester Employment team. This is an exceptional opportunity to work on high-quality, complex employment law matters for a diverse client base, ranging from PLCs to SMEs, whilst taking on a leadership role within a top-ranked employment practice led by nationally recognised leaders in the field.
The Role
As an Employment Managing Associate, you will manage your own portfolio of complex contentious and non-contentious employment law matters, acting as trusted adviser to corporate clients and senior executives on all aspects of the employment relationship. You'll be working in a fast-paced environment where client interests are paramount, providing timely responses and pragmatic, cost-effective solutions whilst also leading and developing junior team members and contributing to the strategic growth of the practice.
Your key responsibilities will include:
- Managing a portfolio of complex and high-value employment law matters including strategic workforce restructures, complex discrimination cases, whistleblowing claims, TUPE transfers, and high-value Employment Tribunal litigation
- Acting as trusted adviser to senior management teams, boards, and C-suite executives on strategic employment law matters
- Leading on the employment aspects of significant corporate transactions, acquisitions, and disposals, working closely with the corporate team
- Advising senior executives and professionals on all aspects of the employment relationship including executive exits, restrictive covenants, and complex settlement negotiations
- Drafting and negotiating service agreements and settlement agreements for corporate clients and senior individuals
- Handling complex and high-value Employment Tribunal claims and representing clients at multi-day hearings and appeals
- Conducting sensitive and complex workplace investigations
- Building, developing, and managing key client relationships and acting as lead adviser
- Leading and mentoring associates, junior lawyers, and trainees
- Contributing to the strategic development and growth of the Manchester employment practice
- Leading business development activities, client seminars, and thought leadership initiatives
- Working collaboratively with colleagues across the national employment team and other practice areas
- Staying current with employment law developments and sharing expertise with the team
- Delivering exceptional client service with timely responses and commercially focused solutions
About You
Essential Requirements:
- 8+ years' PQE in employment law
- Qualified Solicitor in England and Wales
- Proven track record of managing complex and high-value employment law matters independently
- Extensive technical knowledge of employment law across contentious and non-contentious matters
- Significant experience advising corporate clients and senior executives on employment law issues
- Extensive experience handling complex and high-value Employment Tribunal claims and appeals
- Strong experience advising on the employment aspects of corporate transactions and M&A
- Excellent drafting and negotiation skills for service agreements, settlement agreements, and complex legal documents
- Strong client relationship management skills with proven ability to act as trusted adviser and lead adviser
- Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, with ability to present to clients and at seminars
- Enthusiasm, energy, and passion for employment law
- Proven leadership skills with experience supervising and mentoring junior team members
- Strong organisational skills and ability to manage multiple complex matters and priorities simultaneously
- Commercially focused with strategic and pragmatic approach to problem-solving
- Commitment to delivering timely and cost-effective solutions
- Business development skills with ability to generate and develop client relationships
Highly Desirable:
- Experience advising on complex TUPE transfers, corporate restructures, and workforce transformations
- Extensive experience working closely with corporate teams on M&A transactions
- Experience advising C-suite executives on employment matters
- Experience conducting complex and sensitive workplace investigations
- Established client relationships and track record of business development
- Experience contributing to thought leadership, client seminars, and training
- Experience with international employment law matters
Key Attributes:
- Ambitious and driven with clear career progression goals towards Legal Director/Partner
- Strong leadership skills with ability to inspire and develop others
- Proactive and self-motivated with entrepreneurial mindset
- Client-focused with commitment to exceptional service delivery
- Strategic thinker with commercial acumen
- Team player who thrives in a collaborative environment
- Adaptable and able to work in a fast-paced environment
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy
- Confident, articulate, and credible with strong presence
- Resilient and able to handle complex and challenging matters
What's On Offer
Our client is committed to recognising and rewarding great work, with rewards and benefits that are among the best in the business. Benefits include:
- Competitive salary: £80,000 - £100,000 (dependent on experience)
- Bonus scheme
- Clear progression pathway to Legal Director and Partner with leadership support
- Award-winning firm with national reputation and continued growth
- Part of a 45+ strong national employment team led by top-ranked lawyers
- Work with a diverse client base from PLCs to SMEs on complex, high-quality, and strategic matters
- Leadership role with opportunity to shape and develop the Manchester employment practice
- Excellent training and professional development opportunities
- Employee awards programme recognising excellent work
- Strong focus on employee wellbeing
- Inclusive and diverse culture (Gold Investors in People Award, Firm of the Year at UK Diversity Legal Awards)
- Collaborative team environment where everyone's voice is heard
- Opportunity to work closely with corporate team on significant transactions
- Modern Manchester office with excellent facilities
- Flexible working arrangements available
About Our Client
Our client is one of the largest full-service law firms in the UK, with over 1,000 colleagues across 13 offices nationwide. Built on solid foundations of integrity, entrepreneurialism, and expertise, the firm has established an award-winning reputation and continues to grow. The national Employment Team comprises over 45 employment specialists and is led by a leader, who is ranked in Band 1 in Chambers & Partners and recognised as a Leader in the Field. The team provides specialist employment law and HR advisory services to a range of companies from PLCs to SMEs, with a reputation for providing timely responses and pragmatic, cost-effective solutions.
The Manchester Employment team is led by a Recommended Lawyer in The Legal 500 (2025 edition) and Leading Individual in Chambers & Partners (2026 edition). She has specialist experience advising on acquisitions and disposals and works closely with the firm's corporate team on the employment aspects of transactions, including drafting and negotiating service agreements and settlement agreements for both corporate clients and senior individuals. A number of the firm's highly regarded employment teams are ranked in the top tier by The Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners, with many employment lawyers ranked as recommended lawyers and leading individuals. The firm is widely recognised for its inclusive attitude and diversity, winning 'Firm of the Year' at the UK Diversity Legal Awards and achieving Gold in the Investors in People Award.
Location
This role is based in the firm's expanding Birmingham office, located in the city centre with excellent transport links and access to local amenities. The office offers a modern, professional working environment with a friendly and dynamic team culture.
How to Apply
If you're a senior employment lawyer with strong leadership skills and ready to take on a Managing Associate role with clear progression to Legal Director/Partner, we'd love to hear from you. Contact lee.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com or 0333 996 2882.
Employment Law Managing Associate in Birmingham employer: Trades Workforce Solutions
Join one of the UK's largest and most dynamic full-service law firms as an Employment Law Managing Associate in Birmingham, where you'll lead a top-ranked employment practice while working on high-quality, complex matters for a diverse client base. The firm offers a collaborative and inclusive culture, exceptional training and professional development opportunities, and a clear progression pathway to Legal Director and Partner, all within a modern office environment that prioritises employee wellbeing and work-life balance.
Contact Details:
Trades Workforce Solutions Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Employment Law Managing Associate in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend industry events, seminars, and workshops to meet potential employers and other professionals in the field. Don't be shy—introduce yourself and share your passion for employment law!
✨Tip Number 2
Leverage LinkedIn to showcase your expertise. Share articles, comment on posts, and connect with key players in the employment law sector. This will help you stay on their radar and demonstrate your knowledge.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the firm and its recent cases. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in managing complex employment matters. Show them you're the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for a smoother process! It shows you're genuinely interested and gives you a better chance of standing out. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step!
We think you need these skills to ace Employment Law Managing Associate in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that match the job description. Highlight your 8+ years of PQE in employment law and any leadership roles you've held. We want to see how you can bring your expertise to our dynamic team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for the Employment Managing Associate role. Share your passion for employment law and how your experience aligns with our firm's values and goals.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Whether it's leading a successful case or mentoring junior lawyers, we want to know how you've made an impact in your previous roles. Numbers and specific examples can really make your application stand out.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Trades Workforce Solutions
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest employment law developments. Given the complexity of the role, being able to discuss recent cases or changes in legislation will show that you're not just knowledgeable but also passionate about the field.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Managing Associate, you'll be expected to lead and mentor others. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams or projects in the past. Highlight your ability to inspire and develop junior lawyers, as this will be key to your success in the role.
✨Understand the Client Base
Familiarise yourself with the types of clients the firm works with, from PLCs to SMEs. Be ready to discuss how you would approach their unique challenges and provide tailored solutions. This shows that you can think strategically and are client-focused.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street. Prepare insightful questions about the firm's culture, growth plans, and how they support their employees' career progression. This demonstrates your genuine interest in the firm and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
