Employment Law Partner Head of Department

Job Description

Partner / Head of Employment Department

Salary: 120000 to 190000 Equity Potential

Location: London Lead a Top-Tier Practice

A Strategic Leadership Role at the Forefront of Employment Law

This is a rare opportunity to lead a highly respected Employment Department within a top-tier award-winning law firm. Our client is seeking an accomplished Employment Partner to drive growth shape strategy and lead on complex high-profile matters across both contentious and non-contentious employment law.

Working with an exceptional client baseincluding commercial organisations NGOs and high-profile individualsyou will play a central role in developing the departments future while maintaining a strong personal practice.

The Opportunity

As Partner / Head of Department you will take ownership of an established and successful team with the autonomy to expand its offering and influence the firms wider strategic direction.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead mentor and develop a high-performing Employment team
• Foster a collaborative and inclusive culture
• Supervise and support the progression of junior fee earners

Client Work & Technical Delivery

• Manage a diverse caseload across:
  • Contentious and non-contentious employment matters
  • Discrimination and complex litigation cases
  • Advisory work for both employers and employees
• Act on high-profile and sensitive matters of significant public interest

Business Development & Strategy

• Drive growth through strategic business development initiatives
• Build and maintain strong client and referrer relationships
• Enhance the departments reputation and market presence

Financial & Operational Performance

• Maintain a strong billing and financial performance record
• Contribute to the firms overall commercial strategy

Requirements

Essential Experience & Qualifications

• Qualified Solicitor (England & Wales)
• Minimum 10 years PQE with substantial UK employment law experience
• Proven experience at Senior Associate / Legal Director / Partner level

Technical Expertise

• Strong experience advising:
  • Employers and senior executives
  • Across contentious and non-contentious employment law
• Demonstrable expertise in:
  • Discrimination litigation
  • Employment Tribunal and High Court matters
• Excellent knowledge of UK employment law and regulatory frameworks

Skills & Attributes

• Proven leadership and team management capability
• Strong commercial awareness and strategic mindset
• Track record in business development and practice growth
• Established client following or referrer network (highly desirable)
• Excellent negotiation communication and organisational skills

Whats on Offer

• Salary:equity/partnership structure
• Clear pathway to Equity Partnership (if not already attained)
• Access to high-quality complex and high-profile work
• Hybrid working with flexibility
• Generous annual leave entitlement
• Private medical insurance
• Enhanced pension contributions
• Performance-related bonus scheme
• Ongoing leadership and professional development
• Strong internal support and collaborative culture

Location & Working Arrangement

• London (central office location)
• Hybrid working model with flexibility depending on business needs

For a confidential discussion about this opportunity please contact:

David Hawthorne-Finch
Email:

All enquiries will be treated in the strictest confidence.