Senior Associate - Employment, Pensions & Immigration
Location: Guildford (hybrid role office based 2-3 days per week)
Practice Area: Employment
Salary: c£78.5K plus profit share, bonuses and extensive benefits package
Key Requirements
We are seeking an experienced and commercially minded Senior Employment Associate with a strong background in contentious and non-contentious employment matters. This is an exciting opportunity to join our highly regarded Employment, Pensions & Immigration Team, consistently ranked among the best in the region.
Ideal candidates will demonstrate:
- At least 5 years' PQE (we may consider candidates slightly above or below this range in exceptional cases)
- A strong track record in advising employers on a wide variety of HR and employment law matters
- Experience of employment litigation, dispute resolution, and tribunal proceedings
- Experience advising senior executives on exits, terminations, and settlement agreements
- Familiarity with providing employment support on M&A and corporate transactions
- Excellent drafting skills, technical accuracy, and commercial awareness
- A high level of responsiveness, reliability, and interpersonal communication skills
- An interest in business development and the ability to nurture strong client relationships
- Strong academics and a commitment to delivering client service excellence
Desirable (not essential):
- Experience advising on TUPE and drafting TUPE clauses
- Knowledge of employment agency regulations and agency worker compliance
- Exposure to business immigration and right to work compliance
- Familiarity with pensions issues or regulatory employment matters in the financial services sector
Role & Responsibilities
You will play a senior role within a growing and collaborative team of employment, pensions, and immigration professionals, working across a mix of complex employment work for predominantly employer clients, including household names and high-profile corporates.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Advising on the full spectrum of employment law, including restructures, redundancy, disciplinary, grievances, and senior departures
- Supporting on corporate deals, providing commercial and pragmatic employment law advice in the context of M&A, joint ventures, and outsourcing
- Drafting and negotiating a range of employment documentation, including contracts, policies, and settlement agreements
- Representing clients in tribunals and court proceedings, and handling mediation or pre-action disputes
- Advising directors and senior individuals on their exit arrangements and post-termination obligations
- Collaborating with pensions and immigration specialists on cross-disciplinary matters
- Participating in business development, marketing initiatives, client seminars, and thought leadership
- Taking ownership of client relationships and contributing to team leadership and mentoring junior colleagues
You'll benefit from a flexible working model (typically 2-3 days in office per week) and the option of part-time working - many lawyers in the team currently work four-day weeks.
Firm Overview
You will join a firm that combines professional excellence with a truly supportive and inclusive culture. Recognised in The Times Best Law Firms 2024, we offer a workplace where collaboration, inclusion, and progression are actively encouraged.
Recent accolades include:
- Shortlisted - Women, Influence & Power in Law UK 2024
- Highly Commended - Legal Business Awards 2023 & SLS Legal Awards 2023
- Shortlisted - The British Legal Awards 2023 & The Lawyer Awards 2023
- Office awarded RICS SKA Silver Certification and Fitwel 2 Star Accreditation
We are committed to diversity and inclusion, with recognised initiatives that foster a workplace where everyone can thrive.
Flexible Working
We offer agile and hybrid working options, recognising the importance of flexibility for maintaining a positive work-life balance. Both full-time and part-time applications are welcome.