Solicitor / Associate - Employment (NQ-4 PQE)
Wedlake Bell's highly regarded Employment Team are recruiting a Solicitor / Associate (NQ-4 PQE) to join our thriving team. This is a full-time, permanent position.
Solicitor / Associate - Employment (NQ-4 PQE)
Wedlake Bell's highly regarded Employment Team (Legal 500 ranked) are recruiting a Solicitor / Associate (NQ-4 PQE) to join our thriving team. This is a full-time, permanent position.
Wedlake Bell's Employment practice sits within our wider Business group. We have a strong standalone client base working closely with tour wider People Services teams – iGlobal Law (int. employment law advisory), Pensions, Benefits & Compensation – as well as the wider full-service WB offering on connected matters.
The team's practice is varied, but broadly covers:
- UK Employers – advisory and contentious;
- Senior Executives – advisory and contentious; and
- International and cross-jurisdictional employment advice (acting through our subsidiary arm - igloballaw.com).
As an incoming Solicitor / Associate in the team, you will work on a full spectrum of both UK and International employment law matters, both contentious and non-contentious. You will work closely with our clients and wider team to take real ownership in running and leading on matters ranging from senior executive exits and litigation, through to UK employment law advice and corporate support.
This is an excellent opportunity for you to join a truly varied practice in a stand-out team, providing immediate impact – there is a range of work available and you will be trusted to develop in the areas you are most passionate about.
Find out more about our wider employment practice here.
Examples of Recent Work
- Acting for a pan-European private equity firm and its portfolio company on the resolution of complex negotiations with a key senior executive resulting in a settlement agreement and new arrangements regarding ongoing consultancy services and Management Incentive Plan awards;
- Acting for a multi-national investment management company and its parent company, an ASX listed global financial services organisation, on reorganisation of the business at senior management level resulting in significant change at Board level and in the UK management of the business, and involving a number of negotiated exits;
- Advising the European business of the world's largest petroleum and natural gas company on a range of employment, agency and data privacy matters, including recruitment of, offers of employment to, withdrawal of offers from and departures of internationally mobile executives and other day to day personnel issues;
- Advising a leading global cargo airline, passenger charter airline, and aircraft lessor company on international employment law issues affecting employees in the UK, Hong Kong, Australia and UAE;
- Advising a leading global provider of background and identity services on international employment law issues affecting employees in the UK, Poland, China, India, Malaysia and Singapore;
- Advising a UK leading lender for short-term lending in the prime property sector on a high-value whistleblowing claim brought in the Employment Tribunal by a former senior executive, resulting in the claim against the individual names Respondent being struck out and the successful resolution of the remaining claim on terms favourable to our client;
- Negotiated seven figure settlement of executive stress and whistleblowing claim for leader of listed multinational who suffered a career ending breakdown arising from attempts to stand up to alleged false accounting practices;
- Advised asset manager on reputation protection and crisis communications over regulatory investigations, team moves, harassment and whistleblowing;
- 8 figure settlement for hedge fund manager in private equity fund via LP/LLP on dispute over carried interest, investor manipulation and sensitive whistleblowing; and
- Cross border combined court/tribunal settlement for founding owner of consulting business of shareholder/executive dispute with co investors.
About Wedlake Bell
Located in the heart of the City of London, Wedlake Bell is a Top 100 law firm offering full services across Private Client, Real Estate, Business Services, and Disputes. The firm has 81 Partners and a total headcount of around 400. We have grown year-on-year, attributed to the continual success of our legal teams, and the dedication of our staff members.
Our culture is widely-recognised as one of the best in City law, built on trust, collaboration, and mutual respect. Joining us, you will be part of a firm which supports work/life balance, personal development, and building strong connections. With regular cross-firm socials and events (including our renowned yearly ski trip!), you will quickly feel like part of the Wedlake Bell team!
Key Responsibilities
- Providing high-quality and commercial legal advice on employment matters to clients ranging from employers (UK and abroad), senior executives, teams, boards, committees, shareholders, and interest groups both nationally and internationally;
- Being a key point of contact for clients on the status of their matters, as well as key internal stakeholders;
- Helping to build the practice through relationship management and business development, dealing with employers, executives, and individuals.
Key Skills and Qualifications
- A background in a well-regarded Employment practice (NQ-4 PQE), ideally with prior experience in employment advisory and running contentious employment matters;
- Be a qualified solicitor (NQ-4 PQE) in E&W or similar legal jurisdiction;
- A relevant legal qualification - law degree, or legal post-graduate qualification in a related field;
- Excellent academic history;
- Strong commercial awareness;
- Strong communicator able to build relationships, internally and externally, at all levels;
- Strong client relationship and business development skills;
- Excellent organisational and file management skills; and
- A high level of professionalism and integrity.
Why Join Us?
- A competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package;
- 25 days of paid holiday per annum, plus additional leave for significant life events;
- Option to purchase up to five additional days of holiday each year;
- Pension plan, Life Assurance, and Income Protection Scheme;
- Access to Private Medical and Dental Insurance from day one;
- Enhanced parental leave policies;
- Employee Assistance Programme with face-to-face counselling services;
- Variety of staff wellbeing initiatives including Pilates classes and subsidised gym memberships;
- Opportunities for professional development and career progression; and
- A supportive and inclusive workplace culture.
We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace, where every individual is respected and valued. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, irrespective of their background or personal circumstances.
If you are passionate about Employment law and are looking for a challenging yet rewarding career, we encourage you to apply and become a part of our successful team.
- Career
- Experienced Lawyers
- Role
- Employment
- Locations
- London
- Employment type
- Full-time
- Role Type
- Qualified Lawyer
Solicitor / Associate - Employment (NQ-4 PQE)
Wedlake Bell's highly regarded Employment Team are recruiting a Solicitor / Associate (NQ-4 PQE) to join our thriving team. This is a full-time, permanent position.
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