Solicitor - Employment Law (NQ - 3 years PQE)

Employment Law Solicitor

Hybrid - Manchester

£excellent + Exceptional Benefits + Pension

The opportunity:

This law firm is independently authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. They handle a broad range of legal services for their policyholders, associations and leading businesses across a range of sectors.

Their teams are spread across offices in Manchester, Leeds, London and Croydon, employing over 60 lawyers.

They are recognised as leading experts across commercial, civil, personal injury, employment and regulatory law often handling complex, high value claims and disputes with a unique focus on commerciality and client outcomes rather than profit.

They hold the individual's right to self-determination in the highest light, providing an atmosphere in which people can reach their personal potential. Their approach is one of spontaneity and flexibility. They have the ability to make decisions or change course quickly unlike other large law firms.

Fortune 500 company with over 60 offices in 20+ countries, is a holding company for insurance, reinsurance, specialist advisory, and investment operations around the world.

They have a great new role for an Associate Solicitor in either or Manchester or Leeds office, supporting on both conscientious and non-contentious employment law cases as well as working with some of their larger retail clients.

What you'll be doing:

Advising insurers, insured and private clients in relation to general employment law issues and existing or contemplated Employment disputes prior to the issue of proceedings; to include:

* All aspects of ACAS early conciliation including settlement and agreements

* Providing opinions on prospects

* Advising on general day to day HR issues and assisting with grievance and disciplinary procedures

* Reviewing, advising upon and drafting employment documents such as Settlement agreements, contracts of employment, and company handbooks/policies Conducting proceedings in the Employment Tribunal on behalf of insured or private clients; to include:

* Reviewing papers

* Drafting claims or responses

* Complying with all case management instructions

* Briefing Counsel

* Attending hearings personally where appropriate

* Preparing witness statements * Ensuring that relevant stakeholders are kept up-dated in relation to prospects.

* Assisting in disseminating employment law updates, mail shots, training to clients, the insurer and across the other departments, to include:

* Assisting in the drafting of employment law material for use by colleagues or clients

* Assisting in the presentation of courses in employment law for the benefit of colleagues, clients or prospective clients

* Assisting colleagues in other departments by, where necessary, conducting disciplinary or grievance hearings or investigations

* Keep accurate records and time record in an appropriate manner

* Invoicing clients as necessary

Must haves:

* Experience in undertaking both contentious and non-contentious work within employment law

* Experience of communicating effectively in a professional environment with a range of people

* Good IT skills across Microsoft, Word, Outlook etc

* Excellent data entry skills and attention to detail/accuracy

* Have excellent customer care skills

* Be commercially aware at all times

* Have an analytical and problem-solving approach to advice

* Be able to work in a fast paced environment and uphold company standards

* Have good document drafting skills and an eye for detail

* Have the ability to gain and retain the client confidence

* Have sound working knowledge of all appropriate electronic research facilities

* Demonstrate commitment to the organisation, team and role

* Maintain a high standard of professionalism at all times

* Build and maintain relationships with colleagues

* Focus on personal development and maintaining levels of knowledge and expertise

* Be an efficient and effective team member and participate fully to achieve team goals

* Be able to network internally and externally to acquire and implement knowledge

* Continuously seek improvement to achieve higher levels of efficiency, customer service and effectiveness

* Recognise the importance of order and clarity in the workplace and the presentation of work

* Possess the initiative to work independently and have the confidence to take responsibility for decisions made

* Demonstrate experience of prioritising and multi-tasking

* Experience of liaising appropriately with external contacts and internal contacts at all levels of the organisation

* Maintain CPD and Practising Certificate as a solicitor/barrister in the UK