Job Description
Watershed is a solicitors’ practice with commercially minded employment lawyers and human resources (HR) professionals. Based in Manchester, but with national clients, it is regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).
We are looking for an experienced employment litigator to join our exceptional team of employment lawyers. In this position, you will handle a diverse caseload, providing expert legal advice and representation on employment tribunal matters.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone with a proven track record of successful advocacy in the employment tribunal and ideally the employment appeal tribunal who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is committed to achieving the best outcomes for corporate clients.
Key responsibilities:
* Managing a respondent, employer-based caseload of employment tribunal matters from inception to final hearing, including advocacy.
* Advising clients on the merits of claims and developing case strategies, focused on employer defence.
* Drafting pleadings, witness statements, legal issues, and other documents.
* Creating and managing tribunal bundles, ensuring all documentation is accurate and compliant.
* Conducting preliminary hearings and representing clients at tribunals where required.
* Liaising with Acas, claimants' representatives, tribunals, and clients.
* Negotiating settlements and achieving commercially favourable outcomes for clients.
* Ensuring all cases are managed efficiently within set timeframes and service levels.
* Providing mentorship and support to other team members.
Experts in employment law for over 50 years
Watershed is part of the Collinson Grant group. Managing people effectively and within the law has been an integral part of Collinson Grant’s services since the 1970s. Our HR, assessment and employment law services were rebranded as Watershed in 2018, and was awarded 'Alternative business structure' status by the SRA.
Watershed is a family-owned business, and we provide a supportive, friendly working environment in a small but growing, close-knit team. You will have the opportunity to advise on varied and interesting work whilst being supported by experienced colleagues, as well as contribute to the development and growth of our business.
We work with an inspiring group of businesses across different sectors, from large household names to small and medium sized entities. Find out more about our clients here.
Expertise and qualifications:
* Solid technical competence in employment law with strong litigation experience, with a strong track record of working with large private sector businesses.
* Over five years’ experience in employment law including tribunal litigation and advocacy.
* Strong understanding of employment law, employment tribunal procedures, and dispute resolution.
* Excellent written and verbal communication, negotiation, and analytical skills.
* Confidence to credibly advise senior managers within large organisations with practical, commercially sound solutions.
* Commitment to delivering exceptional client service while understanding the pressures busy managers face.
* Strong understanding of business needs, risk management, and building long-term client relationships.
* Ability to work effectively in a team while managing demanding clients independently.
* Personable and professional approach, with the drive to develop new business in a competitive industry.
* Awareness of modern working practices and evolving employment law trends.
What we offer:
* Exposure to a broad range of employment law cases across different industries.
* Reasonable case loads, with a focus on quality work.
* Excellent career progression and professional development opportunities.
* A supportive and collaborative team environment.
* Competitive salary and benefits package.
* Opportunities to contribute to business development and training initiatives.
If you are an experienced Litigator, specialising in UK employment law, and looking for your next challenge, we would love to hear from you.