Employment Associate - Global Law Firm

The Firm

A Global Law Firm advising businesses, individuals and organisations across key international markets is seeking an Employment Associate to join its London team.

With an established presence across the UK, US, Europe, Latin America and the Middle East, the firm combines international reach with a commercially driven, hands-on approach to legal services. Its clients range from established global businesses to innovative, fast-growing companies operating across a diverse range of sectors.

The firm offers lawyers the opportunity to take on meaningful responsibility, work directly with senior decision-makers and develop their expertise through exposure to sophisticated, high-profile and commercially significant matters.

The Role

The Employment team is seeking an Associate to advise on a varied and challenging caseload spanning contentious employment matters, workplace investigations, executive exits, corporate transactions and strategic workforce issues.

The successful candidate will work closely with senior business leaders, HR professionals and in-house legal teams, providing practical advice on sensitive employment issues and helping clients navigate complex commercial challenges.

The role offers exposure to significant Employment Tribunal claims, business-critical organisational changes and domestic and cross-border transactions. Working alongside colleagues across an international network, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to develop strong client relationships, take ownership of matters and contribute to the continued growth of the practice.

Key Responsibilities

• Managing Employment Tribunal claims from initial strategy through to resolution, including opportunities to undertake advocacy at preliminary hearings where appropriate.
• Advising HR Directors, General Counsel, Managing Directors and other senior stakeholders on complex employee relations matters, workplace disputes and employment risk.
• Supporting negotiations involving senior executive appointments and departures, restrictive covenants, team moves and business protection issues.
• Advising on employment-related aspects of domestic and cross-border mergers, acquisitions and other corporate transactions.
• Assisting clients with workplace investigations, sensitive employee issues and commercially significant workforce decisions.
• Working with colleagues across international offices to coordinate employment advice on multi-jurisdictional matters.
• Developing a strong understanding of clients' businesses, commercial priorities and wider employment law requirements.
• Building and maintaining client relationships while identifying opportunities to expand existing engagements.
• Contributing to business development initiatives and the continued development of the Employment practice.

Experience and Skills

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• Strong employment law experience gained within a recognised legal practice.
• Experience handling contentious employment matters, including Employment Tribunal litigation.
• A sound technical understanding of employment law and the ability to apply it in a commercial context.
• The ability to manage complex matters, exercise sound judgement and take responsibility for client relationships.
• Excellent communication, drafting and client-handling skills.
• Confidence advising senior stakeholders on sensitive and commercially important issues.
• The ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, demanding environment while managing competing priorities.
• A pragmatic, solutions-focused approach to legal advice.
• An entrepreneurial outlook, with an interest in business development and building long-term client relationships.
• A collaborative approach and an enthusiasm for working as part of an internationally connected team.

The Opportunity

This is an opportunity to join a Global Law Firm where employment law sits at the intersection of business strategy, international operations and complex workplace challenges.

The successful candidate will gain exposure to high-profile disputes, significant corporate transactions and strategic employment matters, working alongside experienced colleagues and advising clients on decisions that have a direct impact on their businesses.

With meaningful responsibility, international collaboration and opportunities to develop both technical expertise and commercial skills, the role offers an excellent platform for an Employment Associate looking to progress within a globally connected practice.