Hays
Employment Associate / Senior Associate (3+ PQE)

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Your new company
This is an excellent opportunity to join the employment team of a well-established UK law firm with a strong reputation across the North of England. The team advises a broad range of private and public sector clients, from SMEs and owner-managed businesses through to large national organisations, providing commercially focused employment law advice on both contentious and non-contentious matters.
Due to continued growth, the firm is looking to appoint an Employment Associate or Senior Associate to join its Leeds or Newcastle office.
Your new role
You will become part of a highly regarded employment team, advising clients on a wide variety of employment law matters, including:
- Day-to-day HR and employment law advice
- Employment Tribunal litigation and dispute resolution
- Disciplinary, grievance and performance management issues
- Redundancy and restructuring projects
- TUPE advice and support
- Senior exits and settlement agreements
- Employment aspects of corporate transactions
- Drafting and reviewing contracts, policies and workplace documentation
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
See breakdownIt searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
The role offers exposure to quality work, direct client contact and the opportunity to play an active role in business development and networking initiatives.
What you'll need to succeed
- Qualified solicitor with 3+ years' PQE in employment law
- Experience advising employers on a broad range of employment matters
- Strong technical and commercial skills
- Previous Employment Tribunal experience
- Ability to manage client relationships and handle matters with appropriate supervision
- Excellent communication and organisational skills
- A collaborative and proactive approach to team working
Applications are welcomed from candidates at both Associate and Senior Associate level.
What you'll get in return
- Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package
- High-quality respondent employment work
- Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
- Clear opportunities for progression and career development
- Supportive and collaborative working culture
- Exposure to a diverse and established client base across multiple sectors


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What you need to do now
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV. Alternatively, email or call us now on 0161 228 7770.
If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.
Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at hays.co.uk
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