Senior Associate - Employment

The Opportunity

This is a chance to join a market‑respected employment practice within a prestigious London firm known for its long‑standing strength in advising senior individuals, employers and complex personal situations. The team has a reputation for discreet, high‑quality work, regularly instructed on sensitive, high‑stakes matters.

The role suits an ambitious Senior Associate who enjoys intellectually challenging work, close client contact and a more collegiate, less volume‑driven environment than large city practices, while still operating at a very high level.

The Practice & Reputation

The employment team is widely recognised for its expertise in:

• Complex and sensitive employment disputes
• High‑level executive exits and terminations
• Employment aspects of partnership and shareholder disputes
• Advising employers and individuals in reputation‑critical situations

The practice is particularly well regarded for acting for high‑profile and high‑net‑worth individuals, as well as privately owned businesses, family offices, and established institutions. Matters frequently involve an intersection with litigation, trust structures or reputational considerations, making the work both nuanced and commercially sophisticated.

The Role

You will play a key role in a growing employment team, with genuine responsibility and visibility. The role combines contentious and non‑contentious work, including:

• Advising senior executives, partners and employers on dismissals, grievances and workplace disputes
• Managing and running Employment Tribunal litigation, including complex discrimination and whistleblowing claims
• Drafting and negotiating settlement agreements, service agreements and employment documentation
• Advising on the employment aspects of partner exits, LLP disputes and shareholder issues
• Supporting strategic advice on reputational, relational and commercial risk
• Working closely with colleagues across litigation and private client teams on multi‑disciplinary matters

You will be expected to take ownership of matters, supervise junior lawyers where appropriate and play an active role in client relationships.

Client Base

The client base is distinctive and high quality, including:

• Senior executives, partners and board‑level individuals
• High‑net‑worth and ultra‑high‑net‑worth individuals
• Privately owned businesses and family offices
• Professional services firms and established institutions

Clients value discretion, clarity and practical advice, and expect lawyers who can operate confidently in sensitive situations.

Requirements

• Qualified solicitor (England & Wales) with 5-9 years' PQE in employment law
• Strong experience in contentious employment work, with a solid technical foundation
• Comfortable advising senior individuals and employers directly
• Excellent drafting, advocacy preparation and strategic thinking skills