MID/ SENIOR ASSOCIATE, EMPLOYMENT (PERMANENT) London, England
Job description
LONDON - EXCHANGE HOUSE/SQUARE
THE OPPORTUNITY
- Role-specific - this role will entail a range of contentious, general advisory and transactional employment work as well as some industrial relations work.
- Manage work to support optimal utilisation; assist senior lawyers as required, acting as lead lawyer, where appropriate; delegate and provide feedback to juniors and communicate progress on tasks to supervisor and team members, consulting and offering solutions on difficult technical client issues; and manage the billing process as appropriate.
- Manage, develop and strengthen client relationships through anticipating client needs and expectations; and provide prompt responses and updates on progress.
- Support the firm and others - establish effective relationships with individuals and groups, across the global network; uphold the firm’s values; contribute to the firm’s initiatives (eg corporate social responsibility and diversity and inclusion activities); mentor and support juniors; raise profile by being involved with external bodies and supporting and attending marketing/industry events; and assist with internal training and preparation of legal precedents.
- Comply with risk requirements, firm policies and all relevant professional responsibilities and legislation and contribute to billing, engagement and client acceptance processes.
SKILLS, EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS
- Qualified/admitted legal practitioner in relevant jurisdiction.
- Ideally 3+ years post qualification experience, however we are open to considering candidates with more or less experience.
- We would also consider practising Barristers who would like to transition into a role within a law firm.
- Solid knowledge of Employment law as an area and relevant industry sector(s).
- Strong legal skills, including drafting, negotiation and project management skills; foundation level people management and business development skills.
- Good understanding of law firm profitability and key drivers for financial efficiency; and ability to help manage costs and budgets.
GROUP / TEAM
Employment, pensions and incentives
GROUP / TEAM DESCRIPTION
The Employment team in London consists of 3 Partners, 15 Associates, 3 trainees, a consultant and a PSL.
Our employment team in London is one of few firms ranked as top tier in both leading legal directories, Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners. Chambers & Partners also ranks us within the top 3 firms globally for Employment.
Chambers Global went on to describe HSF as "an excellent firm," adding: "The speed of turnaround and quality of work is first class, and the team is highly effective."
Key clients include: Tesco, the Post Office, Jefferies, Uber, Syneos Health, TPICAP, Eni, Chevron and Church Commissioners.
Recent work highlights include:
- Acting for Post Office in relation to the defence to proceedings issued in the Employment Tribunal by 120 sub-postmasters seeking accrued holiday pay on the basis that they claim to be "workers" under UK employment protection law.
- Advising Scandinavian insurance company Tryg A/S, as part of a consortium with Intact Financial Corporation, on its bid for RSA.
- Acting for JLT in relation to a team move claim in the High Court against Ed Broking and BGC.
- Advising Tesco on the defence of equal pay claims brought by several thousand store colleagues. The issues are relevant to many employers both in the retail sector and other sectors.
- Advising Jefferies in relation to multi-jurisdictional proceedings against Cantor Fitzgerald resulting from their poaching of a global team from Jefferies.
ROLE TYPE
Legal professionals/Practice Group
CONTRACT TYPE
Permanent
WORKING PATTERN
Full Time
DIVERSITY & INCLUSION
At Herbert Smith Freehills you will be part of a diverse, innovative culture where high performance, client focus and highly engaged people are our differentiator. People at our firm come from a range of backgrounds and bring a wide variety of experiences and perspectives to their work with us. We strive to ensure that our inclusive environment means you feel valued and able to perform at your best by being your authentic self at work. We know that our future success not only depends on being innovative and progressive in the changing legal market but, most importantly, on our people feeling highly engaged in meaningful work.
We understand that you have commitments and personal interests outside of work and we strive to create a working environment based on mutual trust and respect, in which you can perform at your best whilst maintaining sustainable balance across your life.
Herbert Smith Freehills
