Senior Employment Solicitor / Head of Belfast Office in Lisburn

A rare opportunity has arisen for an ambitious and commercially minded Senior Employment Solicitor to establish and lead a new Belfast office for a highly respected specialist law firm with an established national presence. This is far more than a traditional legal role. It is an opportunity to shape and grow a new office, build a high-performing team, develop long-term client relationships and become the driving force behind the firm's presence in Northern Ireland.

Working alongside an experienced national team of employment law specialists, you will enjoy the autonomy to build the practice locally while benefiting from the support, reputation and resources of a successful UK-wide business. This position would suit an established Legal Director, Senior Associate ready to step into a leadership role, or an existing Partner seeking a fresh challenge with the opportunity to make a lasting impact.

As Head of the Belfast office, you will lead the firm's Employment Law practice across Northern Ireland, advising a diverse portfolio of employer clients ranging from SMEs to larger national organisations. Alongside managing a varied caseload of high-quality employment law matters, you will be responsible for growing the Belfast office, developing client relationships, mentoring colleagues and becoming a recognised figure within the Northern Ireland legal and business community.

You will work closely with the firm's senior leadership team to help shape strategy, identify opportunities for growth and contribute to the continued success of the wider business.

• Lead and develop the Belfast Employment Law team.
• Manage a broad range of contentious and non-contentious employment law matters.
• Advise employers on:
• Employment Tribunal claims
• Contracts of employment and executive service agreements
• Disciplinary and grievance matters
• Redundancy and restructuring exercises
• TUPE
• Discrimination and whistleblowing claims
• Workplace investigations
• Restrictive covenants and confidentiality issues
• Senior executive and board-level employment matters
• Build and strengthen relationships with existing and prospective clients.
• Develop new business opportunities and expand the firm's profile across Northern Ireland.
• Represent the firm at networking events, seminars and industry forums.
• Deliver employment law training and legal updates to clients.
• Supervise, mentor and develop junior solicitors and support staff.
• Collaborate with colleagues across the firm's UK offices to deliver an exceptional client service.

You will be an accomplished Employment Solicitor with excellent technical expertise, strong commercial awareness and a genuine passion for building client relationships. You will ideally have:

• Qualification as a Solicitor in Northern Ireland.
• Dual qualification in England & Wales is highly desirable.
• Significant post-qualification experience advising employer clients on the full spectrum of employment law matters.
• Previous leadership, supervisory or team management experience.
• A strong professional network within the Northern Ireland legal and business community.
• A proven ability to develop and maintain long-term client relationships.
• Experience in business development and identifying opportunities for growth.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• A collaborative approach and the ambition to help establish and grow a successful regional office.

A unique opportunity to establish and lead a new Belfast office. Genuine autonomy to shape the future of the Northern Ireland practice. High-quality, complex employment law work with a diverse client base. The backing of an established, nationally recognised specialist employment law team. A collaborative and supportive working environment. Clear opportunities for career progression and long-term leadership. Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package. Flexible and hybrid working arrangements.

Opportunities like this are exceptionally rare. This role offers the chance to lead the launch of a new office while working with a respected national employment law practice. It combines high-quality legal work, strategic leadership, business development and the opportunity to create something of lasting value. For the right individual, this is more than a career move-it's an opportunity to become the recognised leader of a growing Northern Ireland practice and play a pivotal role in its long-term success.

If you're interested in finding out more, I'd be happy to arrange a confidential discussion. For further information on this role, apply via the link or contact Ciaran Gallagher at VANRATH for a confidential discussion.