Employment Associate

Description:

Slater and Gordon Lawyers (UK), a leading and award-winning law firm, is seeking a talented Employment Associate to join their highly successful Employment team in Manchester. This role is ideal for an experienced employment lawyer with strong technical knowledge, excellent client management skills, and the ability to handle complex cases independently.

As an Employment Associate, you will play a central role in advising and representing clients across a diverse range of employment law matters. This includes handling cases related to equality, discrimination, redundancy, TUPE, contract reviews, and employment terminations, while managing your own caseload and contributing to the team’s overall success.

This is a hybrid role that allows you to work from the office two days per week, offering flexibility and professional collaboration in an engaging and supportive environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide high-quality legal advice to clients across a wide range of employment law matters, including discrimination, redundancy, restructuring, and TUPE agreements.

• Represent clients in employment tribunals, managing cases efficiently from start to finish.

• Draft, review, and negotiate employment contracts, settlement agreements, and related legal documents.

• Conduct and lead client meetings and complex negotiations, ensuring outstanding service and outcomes.

• Manage and prioritize your own caseload effectively while maintaining a focus on billable hours and commercial outcomes.

• Supervise junior team members and provide mentorship, contributing to their professional growth.

• Support clients empathetically through challenging legal processes, ensuring clarity and professionalism at every stage.

Skills and Qualifications:

• Qualified Lawyer with substantial experience in employment law and employment tribunals.

• Deep knowledge of UK employment legislation, including equality, redundancy, and contractual law.

• Proven ability to lead negotiations and manage complex legal cases independently.

• Strong communication and client relationship management skills.

• Background in supervision or line management preferred.

• Commercial mindset with the ability to work towards billable targets and support firm growth.

• Excellent drafting, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

Benefits:

Slater and Gordon Lawyers offers a comprehensive range of core and optional benefits to support your professional and personal wellbeing:

• Hybrid working model – 2 days in office per week (Manchester)

• 35-hour work week (Monday–Friday)

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (option to buy/sell up to 5 days)

• Annual Group Incentive Plan (Bonus Scheme)

• Employee referral program

• Health and wellbeing initiatives including private medical insurance, gym discounts, meditation sessions, and more

• Aviva Digicare+ Workplace App providing annual health checks, GP access, mental health support, and second medical opinions

• Employee Assistance Programme with stress awareness resources and counselling

• Group Income Protection for long-term illness or injury

• Life Assurance coverage

• Workplace pension

• Dental Insurance

• Discount Hub with offers on 700+ services (cinemas, travel, dining, etc.)

• Cycle-to-Work Scheme

• Free and discounted legal services for employees

Professional Development:

Slater and Gordon is committed to nurturing legal talent and supporting continuous professional growth. The firm offers access to internal training courses, external qualifications, and career progression opportunities through its Learning & Development Programmes.

You’ll be part of a culture that encourages innovation, professional excellence, and collaboration — guided by The S+G Way, a framework built on values such as accountability, creativity, teamwork, and respect.