Simpson Judge
Senior Associate / Partner (Employment Law)
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Senior Associate / Partner – Employment Law
Location: Bristol or Bath (Hybrid Working Available)
Shape the Future of a Growing Employment Team
A leading UK Top 100 law firm is seeking an ambitious Employment Solicitor to join its established Employment team at either Senior Associate or Partner level.
This is a rare opportunity for a commercially-minded employment lawyer who is motivated by more than simply managing a caseload. The successful candidate will play a key role in driving the growth of the Employment practice, helping to develop the firm's market presence across Bristol, Bath and the wider South West.
Whether you are an experienced Senior Associate, Legal Director or existing Partner, this role offers the platform, support and resources to build something of your own within a respected, full-service law firm.
The Opportunity
The Employment team advises a broad range of clients, including owner-managed businesses, SMEs, larger corporate organisations, senior executives and HR professionals, across both contentious and non-contentious employment matters.
The firm has an established client base and strong cross-referral opportunities across its corporate, commercial, private client and litigation teams. There is significant scope to further develop and expand the Employment offering, supported by a firm-wide commitment to strategic growth. A key element of the appointment will be the development and delivery of a practical growth strategy. Candidates will therefore be expected to present a business plan outlining how they would contribute to the continued expansion of the Employment practice.
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Key Responsibilities
- Advising employers and employees on a broad range of employment law matters.
- Managing complex tribunal litigation, employee relations matters and strategic HR issues.
- Supporting corporate transactions, restructures and business change projects.
- Building and developing client relationships across the South West and beyond.
- Working collaboratively with colleagues across the wider firm to generate cross-referral opportunities.
- Identifying and pursuing business development initiatives.
- Contributing to the growth and strategic direction of the Employment team.
- Mentoring and developing junior lawyers where appropriate.
About You
We are keen to hear from candidates who can demonstrate:
- Qualification as a Solicitor in England & Wales with strong employment law experience.
- Current experience operating at Senior Associate, Legal Director or Partner level.
- A commercial and entrepreneurial mindset.
- A genuine desire to help grow and develop a successful employment practice.
- Strong networking, relationship-building and business development skills.
- The ability to identify opportunities and convert them into sustainable client relationships.
- Excellent communication skills and a pragmatic, client-focused approach.
An existing client following would be advantageous but is not essential. The firm recognises that talented lawyers can bring significant growth potential through market presence, sector expertise, networks and business development capability rather than purely through portable revenue.
Career Progression
For candidates joining at Senior Associate level, the role offers a clearly defined and fully supported pathway towards Partnership. The firm is committed to investing in individuals who demonstrate leadership potential, commercial awareness and a genuine contribution to the growth of the team and wider business.
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You will have access to senior leadership support, business development resources and mentoring to help you achieve your long-term career ambitions.
Why Join?
- Opportunity to join a highly regarded Top 100 UK law firm.
- Genuine opportunity to influence and shape the future growth of the Employment team.
- Clear progression pathway to Partnership.
- Strong existing client base and cross-selling opportunities.
- Flexible and hybrid working arrangements.
- Collaborative, entrepreneurial and supportive culture.
- High-quality work and excellent career development opportunities.
Business Plan Requirement
As part of the recruitment process, shortlisted candidates will be asked to prepare a high-level business plan outlining:
- Your assessment of the employment law market opportunity.
- Potential growth areas, sectors or client groups.
- Business development and networking strategies.
- Revenue growth objectives.
- How you would work with existing teams to maximise cross-referral opportunities.
- Your vision for the Employment team.
Interested?
If you are an ambitious employment lawyer looking for the opportunity to help build and grow a practice within a leading Top 100 law firm, we would be delighted to hear from you. This role offers the chance to combine high-quality legal work with genuine strategic influence and long-term career progression.
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