Full job description
Role: Employment Solicitor - Defendant
Salary: £45,000 - £55,000
Location: Leeds, West Yorkshire
Contract: Full time, permanent, hybrid

A highly regarded national law firm is seeking to appoint an Employment Solicitor to join its growing Employment team based in Leeds.This opportunity would suit an ambitious Employment Solicitor with between 3 and 5 years’ PQE who is looking to join a well-established and collaborative team handling high-quality respondent employment work for a diverse client base. The firm has an excellent reputation in the market and is recognised for providing pragmatic, commercially focused advice across a broad range of employment matters.

The successful candidate will manage a varied caseload of contentious and non-contentious employment matters, advising employer clients ranging from SMEs through to larger national organisations across a range of sectors. The role will involve supporting clients on day-to-day HR and employment issues, employment tribunal matters, corporate support work, and strategic advisory projects.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to further develop their career within a supportive and forward-thinking environment, with exposure to high-quality work and genuine opportunities for progression.
Key responsibilities will include:
* Managing a broad caseload of employment matters with appropriate supervision
* Advising clients on disciplinary and grievance procedures, redundancies, dismissals, discrimination claims, and TUPE matters
* Supporting clients with employment tribunal litigation from inception through to resolution
* Drafting and reviewing employment contracts, policies, settlement agreements, and staff handbooks
* Providing employment support on corporate transactions where required
* Building and maintaining strong client relationships through responsive and commercially focused advice
* Supporting business development initiatives and networking activities

The firm is keen to hear from candidates who:
* Are qualified solicitors with between 3 and 5 years’ PQE in employment law
* Have strong experience handling respondent employment matters
* Possess excellent technical knowledge and commercial awareness
* Are confident managing their own workload and working directly with clients
* Have strong communication and relationship-building skills
* Work well as part of a collaborative and supportive team
* Are ambitious and looking to progress their career within a respected national practice

In return, the firm offers:
* A competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package
* Hybrid and flexible working arrangements
* High-quality employment work with an established client base
* Genuine opportunities for career progression and development
* Ongoing training and mentoring support
* A supportive, inclusive, and collaborative culture
* Modern office environment in a central Leeds location

This is an excellent opportunity to join a well-respected national firm with a strong reputation in employment law and a genuine commitment to supporting and developing its people.

Additional Information:
*CRA Legal follow strict best practice recruitment guidelines monitored by the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC). Please note our advertisements use salary levels purely as a guide. However we are happy to consider applications from all candidates who are able to demonstrate the skills necessary to fulfil the role.
*This vacancy is very popular with the local legal community, so please apply quickly to ensure your application is considered. As part of our candidate registration and care process we at CRA Legal aim to respond to all successful applications within 2 working days.