Employment Associate (3-6 PQE) - 12mth fixed term contract (maternity cover)

About Withers

A law firm focused on people and collaboration. For the past 125 years, Withers has supported some of the world's most remarkable people and organisations at defining moments in their lives. We are the only international law firm focused on successful individuals and private capital, working closely with founders, investors and family offices. We also advise governments, charities, global brands and start-ups of all shapes and sizes. Many of our clients are shaping the future and creating solutions to tackle many of the world's problems.  It makes for a fascinating and challenging practice. Our role is to get to know each individual client, find out where they want to be, and help them to get there – whether they are building a business, looking after their family, involved in a complex dispute or protecting their finances for the future. To meet their unique needs we are exceptionally collaborative, working together across teams and time zones. We are agile, focusing on strategy rather than rigid ideas and traditional hierarchy. It is a truly flexible working culture that puts people first. Join us to be part of a team that is always looking to the future. Where initiative, big ideas and bold moves are always encouraged. Where you can truly be yourself.

The Department

As a top-ranked and highly respected employment team acting for employers and senior executives in equal numbers, we bring a depth of experience and creativity to help solve the problems that can arise at any stage of an employment relationship.

The employment team stands out for its work with employers and senior executives across a wide range of sectors including financial services, media, fashion, sport and household name charities. We have long-standing relationships with many well-known employers, including Tate, Guide Dogs, Winton Capital Management, MaxMara and Aston Martin Racing who call on us for everything from advice on contracts to crisis management when wrongdoing by an employee is discovered.  We also support a number of smaller and fast growing businesses, mainly in the tech sector, both on their employment needs and (in conjunction with our tech and corporate teams) on investment rounds and other transactions.

With offices around the world and lawyers qualified in more than one jurisdiction, we are well placed to help senior executives and employers with cross-border matters. As a full-service firm, we can also call on colleagues to help with associated matters including tax, immigration, white collar crime, regulatory issues and reputation management.

The Role

The role will focus on all aspects of employment law with an emphasis on the employer side of the practice.  We are seeking a proactive associate who can quickly build confidence with clients (internal and external) to deliver commercially astute and legally accurate advice.  Every day is varied with a mix of quick turnaround advisory work and larger long-term projects and litigation.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Work on a mixed caseload for both employers and senior executives on contentious, non-contentious and transactional work.
• Work across a range of sectors (private, public and 'third')
• Manage own caseload with appropriate supervision.
• Deliver high quality and timely legal services.
• Handling clients’ affairs effectively and profitably through management of the financial aspects of own case load.
• Supervise staff (including secretarial, trainees and paralegals) effectively.
• Work effectively with other legal staff and Partners across Departments.
• Develop and share personal expertise and know-how.
• Contribute to business development activities to generate increased work.
• Ensure personal compliance with quality standards and professional ethics.

This list of duties and responsibilities is not exhaustive.  It is intended to describe the general content and requirements for the performance of this job and, as such, the role may include the undertaking of additional tasks as required.

Key Skills and Experience

• Excellent written communication and drafting skills, as well as the ability to demonstrate initiative.
• Extremely organised.
• Good experience in UK employment law and PQE-appropriate technical knowledge.
• Strong team player.
• Have strong attention to detail with well-developed analytical skills.
• Good interpersonal skills, with confidence to deal with clients and colleagues at all levels.
• Confident to work in an international environment.

The Essentials

• Working hours: 9.30am – 5.30pm but flexibility is a must.
• The team operates a hybrid working model with team members working in the office 2-4 days a week.
• Chargeable hours target of 1,400.
• 12 weeks' probation period.
• 12 weeks' notice period.
• Flexible benefit package.
• This role is a 12-month fixed term contract with flexibility to extend if required

For further information, please contact the recruitment team.

Information for Recruitment Agencies

Withers endeavours to recruit and fill vacancies directly. However, when we do need to engage with agencies, Withers operates a preferred supplier list and will not be accepting unsolicited applications from non-PSL agencies for this role.

Equal Opportunities Employment Statement

It is the policy of Withers to provide equal opportunities for all employees in relation to recruitment, training and promotion.  Decisions in these areas will be made only by reference to the requirements of the job and shall not be influenced by any consideration of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race (including colour, nationality and ethnic and national origin), religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.

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