Job description
Senior Associate - Employment
Location: Belfast (Hybrid Working Available)
The Opportunity
We are partnering with a leading international law firm to recruit a Senior Associate to join its highly regarded Employment team in Belfast.
This role offers the chance to work with an impressive client base ranging from local businesses to large multinational organisations. The team provides strategic and commercial employment law advice across both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, delivering practical solutions to complex workplace issues.
You will become part of a collaborative, supportive department that combines technical expertise with a modern and client-focused approach.
The Role
This position will involve advising employer clients on the full spectrum of employment law matters, both contentious and non-contentious.
Working closely with senior colleagues, you will manage your own caseload while also contributing to larger and more complex instructions. The role offers excellent variety and the opportunity to play a key part in client relationships and team development.
Hybrid working is available, with a blend of home and office-based working in Belfast.
Key Responsibilities
- Taking responsibility for a varied employment law caseload
- Providing clear and practical advice to clients on day-to-day HR and employment issues
- Supporting businesses with matters such as workplace policies, contracts, reorganisations, and senior-level exits
- Managing employment litigation from initial instruction through to conclusion
- Drafting pleadings, legal documentation, and client correspondence
- Working alongside corporate and commercial teams on employment aspects of business transactions
- Liaising with counsel and representing clients where appropriate
- Supporting and mentoring junior solicitors within the team
- Assisting with client relationship management and business development initiatives
Essential Criteria
To be considered for this role, candidates must be able to demonstrate the following:
- Qualification as a solicitor in Northern Ireland and/or the Republic of Ireland
- Strong experience advising employer clients on a broad range of employment law matters
- The ability to manage employment claims and disputes confidently from start to finish
- Experience dealing with issues arising from business transfers and organisational change
- A proven background in handling your own employment law caseload
- The ability to provide commercial, solutions-driven advice to clients
- Solid experience of employment tribunal or Workplace Relations Commission processes
About You
You will be an experienced employment solicitor who enjoys working closely with clients and delivering high-quality, pragmatic advice.
The ideal candidate will have:
- Excellent analytical and drafting skills
- Strong communication and client management abilities
- A proactive and organised approach to work
- The confidence to work autonomously while also contributing to a team environment
- A genuine interest in developing junior colleagues and helping to grow the practice
What's on Offer
- Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package
- Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
- Exposure to high-quality national and international clients
- Genuine opportunities for career progression
- A supportive, inclusive, and professional working culture
This is an outstanding opportunity for an ambitious employment solicitor to take on a senior role within a leading firm that values expertise, collaboration, and long-term career development.
