Employment Solicitor
Belfast/remote
£50k+ (doe) plus hybrid and flexible working and benefits
Your new company
Signatus is partnering with a long-established and highly
regarded employment law organisation to recruit an experienced employment
solicitor into their legal team. This is an exceptional opportunity for a
solicitor currently in private practice perhaps, who is seeking high-quality
work without the demands of time recording, billable hours, or rigid
office-based working.
Unlike traditional private practice, this role offers a
genuine work-life balance, access to top-tier clients, and the opportunity to
specialise solely in employment law while working within a highly supportive
team. With hybrid working and the flexibility to structure your week around
professional and personal commitments, this is a unique role for someone
looking to transition from private practice into a fulfilling in-house advisory
position.
Your new role
This is a permanent position based in Belfast, with the
option to work remotely for the most part if desired. As an employment
solicitor, you will provide expert legal advice to a diverse range of employer
clients across contentious and non-contentious matters. You will handle
tribunal cases, draft legal documentation, and deliver training to employer
organisations. Unlike private practice, there is no pressure to generate fees,
allowing you to focus on delivering high-quality legal support without
commercial constraints.
Key responsibilities:
- Advising
employer clients on complex employment law and HR issues, including
disciplinary matters, grievances, redundancy, TUPE, discrimination claims,
and contractual matters.
- Handling
and preparing employment tribunal cases, drafting pleadings and witness
statements, and representing clients at hearings.
- Negotiating
and drafting settlement agreements.
- Drafting
employment policies, contracts, and staff handbooks.
- Delivering
training sessions and workshops to employer clients on employment law and
HR best practices.
- Keeping
up to date with employment law developments and providing legal updates to
clients.
What makes this role different from private practice?
- No
time recording or billable hours – your focus is on providing expert
advice, not on meeting targets.
- High-quality
work – advising large and well-known employers on complex and
strategic employment law issues.
- Advocacy
opportunities – conduct your own tribunal advocacy without the
pressures of private practice caseloads.
- Work-life
balance – structured working hours and hybrid working options, meaning
no late nights or weekend work.
- Collaborative
environment – work as part of an in-house legal team, rather than in a
competitive private practice setting.
- Flexible
working – work remotely or in the office, with flexibility around
start and finish times.
What you will need to succeed
We are ideally seeking a solicitor with 5-7 years PQE,
although candidates with at least 2-3 years PQE and exceptional candidates
outside of this will be considered. More senior candidates with salary
expectations in line with the organisations pay structure will also be
considered and further details can be provided on application. You should be
qualified to practice in Northern Ireland and have significant experience
advising employers on employment law matters. Experience in the WRC and working
in ROI based role would be highly desirable and candidates transitioning to a
role from the South to NI would also be welcomed.
Essential experience:
- Providing
employer-focused employment law advice.
- Handling
a caseload independently and attending employment tribunals.
- Conducting
legal research, drafting pleadings, and negotiating settlements.
- Strong
written and oral communication skills with the ability to deliver
training.
Desirable experience:
- Tribunal
advocacy experience.
- Experience
delivering training to employer groups or speaking at events.
How to apply
If you are currently in private practice or public sector
organisation and looking for a role that offers a better work-life balance,
high-quality legal work, and a collaborative environment, this is the ideal
opportunity for you.
To apply, please send a Word-formatted CV to our Principal
legal consultant Fionntán Gamble LLB at or call on
to hear more. All enquiries are treated in the strictest
confidence.