Employment Team | Cheltenham | Permanent
We are looking for an experienced and commercially minded Associate or Senior Associate Solicitor to join our Employment team. This is an excellent opportunity to become part of a collaborative and ambitious practice, advising a broad range of clients and playing an active role in the continued growth of the team.
About BPE
At BPE, our LEGAL values, Lasting, Expert, Guidance, Advice and Leadership, shape both the service we provide and the culture we create. We build enduring relationships, hold ourselves to high standards, bring clarity when matters feel complex, give advice that delivers the right outcomes and take ownership by leading from the front. Our Employee Charter reflects our shared commitment to act with purpose, professionalism and respect, creating a workplace where people grow, teams thrive and BPE succeeds. We are proud to combine legal excellence with a human approach: Business People, Brilliant People.
About the role
As an Associate/Senior Associate Solicitor in the Employment team, you will manage your own varied caseload, provide clear and practical advice and help develop trusted, long-term client relationships. You will work closely with the Partner and Team Leader and other junior team members, and colleagues across the firm. Specific responsibilities will include:
Advise employers and senior employees on a broad range of contentious and non-contentious employment matters, providing pragmatic, commercially focused solutions.
Draft and review contracts, policies, settlement agreements, correspondence and other legal documents.
Represent clients in negotiations, Employment Tribunal proceedings and alternative dispute resolution, where appropriate.
Undertake accurate legal research, keep up to date with changes in employment law and translate developments into practical client advice.
Manage matters effectively, meet agreed time-recording and financial targets and ensure a consistently high standard of client service.
Build strong client and referrer relationships and support the team’s growth through targeted business development, networking and thought-leadership activity. This might include drafting articles and attending networking events.
Provide support to the Commercial Property and Corporate teams in relation to transactions involving TUPE.
Carrying out due diligence on Corporate transactions, reporting issues to clients and drafting warranties and indemnities.
Advising in relation to employment data protection and privacy issues including Data Subject Access Requests.
Support, supervise and develop junior solicitors, trainees and paralegals where appropriate.
Presenting employment law training to peers and clients.
Work collaboratively across BPE and within the framework of the Solicitors Regulation Authority and the firm’s policies and procedures.
About you
You will be a qualified solicitor authorised to practise in England and Wales, with experience and capability consistent with an Associate/Senior Associate level and a strong grounding in employment law. You will combine sound technical knowledge with commercial judgement and a genuine commitment to delivering an excellent client experience.
England and Wales qualified (or equivalent) with at least 4 years’ PQE.
Strong experience in managing employment matters with appropriate autonomy, including both advisory and contentious work.
Ability to conduct employment tribunal proceedings.
Excellent drafting, legal research, negotiation and communication skills.
Meticulous attention to detail and the ability to produce accurate, high-quality work.
A practical and solutions-focused approach, with the ability to manage competing priorities and work effectively under pressure.
Confidence in building trusted relationships with clients, colleagues and professional contacts.
A proactive approach to business development and an interest in contributing to the profile and growth of the team.
A collaborative working style and the ability to support and develop junior colleagues.
Commitment to continuing professional development, regulatory compliance and BPE’s values.
Why join BPE?
At BPE, career development is not simply encouraged; it is part of who we are. You will join a supportive environment where people are trusted to take ownership, encouraged to build their expertise and given opportunities to contribute to the success of clients, the team and the wider firm. We want every person at BPE to feel supported, challenged and empowered to grow.
How to apply
To apply, please send your CV and a covering letter explaining how your experience and approach would add value to our Employment team to [email protected].
BPE is committed to creating an inclusive workplace in which everyone is treated with dignity and respect. We welcome applications from people with different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.