Employment Associate (2-5 PQE)

A respected national law firm is looking to appoint an Employment Associate into its Leeds team, driven by sustained growth in both contentious and advisory work. The role offers a genuine mix of employment tribunal matters and day-to-day advisory instructions, with clear progression and exposure to high-quality employer clients in a supportive, flexible environment.

About the Firm

Youll be joining a well-structured national firm with a strong reputation for its people-first culture and collaborative approach. The employment team operates on a national basis, advising major UK employers across a range of sectors, while maintaining a close-knit, approachable working environment that supports long-term career development.

Role Overview

• Managing your own caseload of employment tribunal claims for employer clients

• Advising on non-contentious employment matters, including contracts, policies, TUPE and restructures

• Supporting partners on complex, high-value or multi-party matters

• Supervising junior team members and contributing to internal know-how

• Building trusted client relationships through clear, commercial advice

• Supporting business development and client tenders as the team continues to grow

Candidate Profile

• Likely to suit an employment solicitor around 2-5 PQE as a guide

• Solid employment tribunal experience is essential

• Broader advisory and non-contentious exposure would be advantageous

• Comfortable running matters with appropriate partner support

• Strong drafting, communication and client-handling skills

• Team-focused, ambitious, and keen to progress within a national employment practice

• Based in, or able to commute to, Leeds

Offer and Benefits

• Salary in the region of £60,000-£65,000

• Hybrid working with flexibility around office attendance

• Structured career development and transparent progression routes

• Access to high-quality national client work

• Supportive and collaborative culture with a genuine focus on work-life balance

An initial conversation can take place discreetly, and you dont need a CV to start.

Joe Rees
For more information, please contact Joe Rees at Thornton Legal on 07903 222 898 or joe@thorntonlegal.co.uk.

Thornton Legal connects talented lawyers with leading law firms across the North West, West Yorkshire and the West Midlands. We believe in straightforward, transparent recruitment that focuses on quality relationships, not volume.

Joe Rees Director and Recruiter

+44 (0) 7903 222 898

joe@thorntonlegal.co.uk