At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage the Employment Law department while mentoring trainee solicitors.
- Company: Truth Legal, an ethical law firm with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days holiday, gym membership, and private health insurance.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for career growth in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Step into a senior role and make a real impact in a growing team.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor with 4+ years' PQE in Employment Law and strong billing track record.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 € per year.
Location: Harrogate and/or Leeds and hybrid working arrangement
Salary: Competitive, based on experience
Job Type: Full-time
About Us
Founded in 2012 in Harrogate, Truth Legal set out to be an ethical, tenacious and affordable law firm. With offices in Harrogate, Leeds and Hull, we specialise in Personal Injury, Immigration, Employment, Clinical Negligence and Litigation. We provide clients with the care and attention they deserve, securing the best possible results for them. We champion our clients as well as our colleagues by offering a collaborative, supportive work environment which prioritises a positive work-life balance.
About The Role
With our current Head of Employment, and one of our firm’s owners and directors, Navya Shekhar, stepping away from her role as a department head and taking a sabbatical, we are looking for an experienced Employment Law solicitor to step into a senior leadership role and drive the department forward. Our Employment team is already established, but we're looking for someone who brings energy, ambition and a genuine desire to build and grow the department. You will be working hands-on with two talented trainee solicitors (one of whom has worked at Truth Legal for 10 years and has his own caseload) and working on growing a department with real momentum. If you are someone who thrives on running a strong caseload, is proud of your billing record, and wants to shape a team culture, read on.
Our Employment department acts for both Claimants and Respondents, handling the full spectrum of contentious and advisory work. Day-to-day, you’ll be involved in:
- Unfair dismissal and wrongful dismissal claims
- Whistleblowing and protected disclosure cases
- Discrimination claims across all protected characteristics
- Settlement agreements — drafting, negotiating and advising
- Employment Tribunal advocacy and case management
- Day-to-day advisory work for employer clients
A clear strategic priority is the growth of our SME employer base. Our Immigration department has spent years building deep, trusted relationships with business owners and employers across the region and there is a significant, largely untapped opportunity to convert those relationships into employment law retainers and ongoing advisory work.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage the Employment Law department on a day-to-day basis, with full ownership of performance, service quality and team culture.
- Running a varied caseload of complex employment matters from instruction through to resolution.
- Mentor and supervise two trainee solicitors, supporting their development, managing their workloads and providing high-quality feedback and guidance.
- Drive a strong billing performance and take ownership of the department's financial targets and KPIs.
- Contribute to business development activity, including networking, profile-raising and nurturing referral relationships.
- Build upon the firm's reputation for delivering high-quality, client-focused employment law services.
- Ensure regulatory compliance across the department, including supervision standards and file management.
- Collaborate with the firm's directors on strategy, staffing and departmental planning.
Key Requirements
- Qualified solicitor with a minimum of 4+ years' PQE in Employment Law.
- A demonstrable billing track record. We are looking for someone who takes pride in their numbers.
- Experience supervising or mentoring junior lawyers, ideally including trainees.
- Strong technical expertise across contentious and non-contentious employment matters, including Employment Tribunal advocacy.
- A mindset that has the ability to spot opportunity, take initiative and want to grow.
- Excellent client care skills with the ability to handle complex, sensitive matters with empathy and clarity.
- Comfortable working autonomously and managing competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Benefits
- Competitive salary and benefits package
- 25 days of holiday plus bank holidays
- Gym membership contribution
- Wellbeing day
- Company pension scheme
- Private health insurance and death in service benefit
- Firmwide social opportunities
- Employee Assistance Programme including Subsidised Optical Treatments – eye tests, prescribed glasses or contact lenses
How to Apply
This is an exciting opportunity for a senior Employment solicitor who is ready to step up, lead with confidence and make a real contribution to a growing team. If you have the billing pedigree, the passion for mentoring and the drive to build, we want to hear from you. To apply, please include your CV and a short cover letter outlining your experience, billing history and your approach to mentoring junior lawyers. For any questions regarding the role or to discuss any reasonable adjustments, please contact Georgina Parkin.
Senior Employment Solicitor and Team Leader (Harrogate/Leeds/Hybrid) employer: Truth Legal
Truth Legal is an exceptional employer that prioritises a collaborative and supportive work environment, ensuring a positive work-life balance for its employees. With a strong focus on professional growth, the firm offers ample opportunities for mentorship and leadership within its established Employment Law department, all while being located in the vibrant areas of Harrogate and Leeds. Employees benefit from a competitive salary, generous holiday allowance, and a range of wellness initiatives, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Employment Solicitor and Team Leader (Harrogate/Leeds/Hybrid)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend industry events, join legal forums, and connect with fellow solicitors on LinkedIn. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! Consider hosting a webinar or writing articles about employment law topics. This not only showcases your knowledge but also helps you stand out to potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t be shy about reaching out directly to firms you admire, like Truth Legal. A friendly email expressing your interest can go a long way in making a memorable impression.
✨Tip Number 4
Keep your online presence sharp! Update your LinkedIn profile with your latest achievements and experiences. Make sure it reflects the energy and ambition you bring to the table.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Employment Solicitor and Team Leader (Harrogate/Leeds/Hybrid)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that align with the Senior Employment Solicitor role. Highlight your billing achievements and any mentoring experience, as these are key aspects we're looking for.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to showcase your passion for employment law and your vision for leading a team. Don’t forget to mention how you can contribute to our firm’s growth and culture.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this role involves managing a team, be sure to highlight any previous leadership or mentoring roles you've had. We want to see how you’ve supported junior solicitors and contributed to a positive team environment.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Truth Legal
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your Employment Law knowledge, especially around unfair dismissal, discrimination claims, and settlement agreements. Being able to discuss recent cases or changes in legislation will show that you're not just experienced but also engaged with the field.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves leading a team, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully managed or mentored junior solicitors in the past. Highlight your approach to building a positive team culture and how you’ve driven performance in previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Your Billing Track Record
Be ready to discuss your billing history in detail. This is crucial for the role, so come armed with specific figures and examples of how you've achieved or exceeded targets. It’s all about showing that you take pride in your numbers!
✨Connect with Their Vision
Research Truth Legal's ethos and their focus on client care and ethical practice. During the interview, express how your values align with theirs and share ideas on how you can contribute to growing their SME employer base and enhancing their reputation in the region.
