Senior Associate, Elite US Law Firm – Employment (7+PQE)

Overview

Our client, an international law firm with a strong London presence, is currently looking to hire an experienced Employment Senior Associate to join its expanding team in the City. With a legal network spanning more than 50 locations worldwide and a global headcount of c.3,130 lawyers, this firm has built a reputation for delivering high-quality, commercially focused legal advice to a diverse portfolio of clients across industries.

The London office has grown significantly since its inception, now housing over 165 lawyers and offering a full-service platform that includes disputes, corporate, regulatory, and transactional practices. The employment team has seen notable growth in recent years and works closely with other practice groups including regulatory, litigation, and corporate to deliver integrated solutions to domestic and cross-border clients.

This opportunity will appeal to an ambitious and commercially minded individual looking to work on a varied caseload that includes contentious, advisory, and transactional employment matters. The role will also offer the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the development and strategic direction of the practice.

The Role

The successful candidate will join a dynamic team advising primarily employer-side clients, including major corporates, financial institutions, and high-growth companies. The caseload will span employment disputes, complex advisory mandates, and transactional support — particularly within the context of cross-border matters.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading on contentious employment matters, such as tribunal claims and High Court litigation, including managing pre-action processes and settlement discussions
• Advising clients on a wide range of HR and workplace issues, including contracts, dismissals, grievances, reorganisations, and policy implementation
• Supporting the corporate and M&A teams on employment-related aspects of transactions, including due diligence and post-deal integration
• Collaborating with regulatory colleagues on mandates where there is crossover, particularly in investigations or governance-related issues
• Maintaining and developing client relationships, acting as a trusted adviser offering strategic and pragmatic solutions
• Supporting the development of junior lawyers within the team through supervision and mentoring
• Participating in client pitches, networking, and wider business development activities
• Keeping abreast of changes in employment legislation and contributing to thought leadership efforts

Candidate Profile

Essential Criteria:

• 7+PQE with solid grounding in UK employment law
• Comfortable handling contentious, transactional, and advisory employment work with minimal supervision
• Strong written and oral communication skills with a clear, confident client-facing manner
• Commercial acumen and the ability to provide solutions-led advice
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple workstreams and meet deadlines under pressure
• Proactive, collaborative approach to working with colleagues and clients
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to delivering high-quality work
• Enthusiastic attitude and ability to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving environment

Desirable Criteria:

• Exposure to cross-border or multi-jurisdictional employment matters
• Experience with High Court litigation
• Background in a top-tier employment practice or international law firm
• Prior involvement in business development or client relationship initiative

Qualifications

• Qualified solicitor in England & Wales, or qualified overseas with relevant London market experience
• Undergraduate degree (or equivalent) with a minimum of 2:1 classification

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Job Reference: NWC202551

Keywords:

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