At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage the Employment Law department while mentoring trainee solicitors.
- Company: Truth Legal, an ethical law firm with a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days holiday, gym membership, and private health insurance.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for career growth in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Step into a senior role and make a real impact in a growing team.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor with 4+ years' experience in Employment Law and strong billing track record.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 € 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 at g.parkin@truthlegal.com
Senior Employment Solicitor and Team Leader (Harrogate/Leeds/Hybrid) employer: Truth Legal
Truth Legal is an exceptional employer that prioritises a supportive and collaborative work culture, making it an ideal place for a Senior Employment Solicitor to thrive. With a focus on employee well-being, competitive benefits, and opportunities for professional growth, including mentoring trainee solicitors, Truth Legal fosters an environment where ambition and ethical practice go hand in hand. Located in the vibrant areas of Harrogate and Leeds, the firm offers a hybrid working arrangement that enhances work-life balance while engaging in meaningful legal work.
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! Get out there and connect with people in the legal field. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to former colleagues or mentors. You never know who might have a lead on your next big opportunity!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! Consider writing articles or blog posts about employment law topics that interest you. This not only showcases your knowledge but also helps you build a personal brand. Plus, it’s a great conversation starter when you meet potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios specific to employment law. Think about how you can demonstrate your leadership skills and billing success. We want to see your passion for mentoring and growing a team, so make sure to highlight that!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Truth Legal. Don’t forget to tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect your experience and enthusiasm for the role!
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 is tailored to the role of Senior Employment Solicitor. Highlight your relevant experience, especially in managing caseloads and mentoring junior solicitors. We want to see how your background aligns with our values and the specific responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about employment law and how you can contribute to our team. Don’t forget to mention your billing history and any experience you have in building client relationships, as these are key for us.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this role involves leading a team, make sure to highlight your leadership experience. Talk about how you've mentored others and contributed to a positive team culture. We’re looking for someone who can inspire and drive a department forward!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
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 fostering a positive team culture and how you plan to drive performance within the department.
✨Demonstrate Your Billing Success
Truth Legal is looking for someone who takes pride in their billing record. Be ready to discuss your previous billing achievements and how you plan to maintain or improve those numbers in this new role. Specific figures can really make your case stand out!
✨Connect with Their Values
Familiarise yourself with Truth Legal's commitment to ethical practice and client care. During the interview, express how your values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their mission of providing high-quality, client-focused services.
