WHO WE ARE 

Slaughter and May is a leading international law firm, recognised throughout the business community for its exceptional legal service, commercial awareness and commitment to clients. We advise across the spectrum of legal matters including high-profile, ground-breaking and complex transactions, contentious matters and all aspects of risk. We deliver innovative and bespoke solutions to our clients, domestically and internationally, providing clear legal advice that spans the globe whilst tackling the cultural nuances between jurisdictions. Our lawyers understand how to coordinate and manage matters in the jurisdictions most relevant to our clients.

At Slaughter and May, with over 1,200 partners and employees worldwide, everyone's contribution is valued, and we all enjoy an open, friendly and supportive environment. We have an underlying sense of pride in who we are and what we do, and our inclusive culture gives rise to a unique diversity of thinking, which is critical to our success and helps maintain our position as a true market leader. To support our employees in achieving their professional development objectives, we offer an unrivalled variety of learning and development opportunities to everyone, as well as a highly competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package.

The firm’s hybrid approach to working sees our people working between our Headquarters at One Bunhill Row, in the heart of the City of London, where we enjoy a range of excellent facilities and their remote working locations.

Would you like to join one of the world’s leading law firms?

We are offering a fantastic opportunity for an ambitious individual to join our highly regarded Employment, Incentives and Pensions Practice as an Employment Associate.

GROUP OVERVIEW 

This is an integrated group of 6 partners, 6 senior counsel, around 25 associates, 5 professional support lawyers, 7 trainees and 3 paralegals advising on employment, incentives and pensions. Many of our lawyers advise in two or more of these areas. This role is employment focussed, with scope to include some incentives work if this would be of interest.

Employment Associate (3-6 PQE)

The group’s work involves advising our substantial corporate client base on their most sensitive employment matters, including the appointment and termination of directors and senior employees; grievances, disciplinary matters and related investigations; whistle-blowing matters; and executive remuneration. We also advise on the employment aspects of some of the largest transactions such as takeovers, private M&A deals, IPOs, demergers, outsourcings and restructuring and insolvency scenarios.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Acting as the day-to-day contact for clients on a wide range of employment issues

• Taking responsibility for the employment aspects of corporate transactions of all kinds

• Working on both transactional and advisory matters

• Delivering first line support to clients on some matters, and working within a larger team of colleagues, at a range of experience levels, on others

• Drafting, reviewing and amending the legal and commercial aspects of documentation

• Managing/supervising the work of others including trainees

• Developing the practice by promoting the firm and its work – both to existing and potential clients

CANDIDATE PROFILE 

Candidates for this position will be someone who:

• Has between 3-6 years’ post qualification experience in employment law and is capable of substantially independent work

• Has a strong academic background

• Has experience in employment law advisory work (including high-profile and sensitive matters) and in the employment aspects of transactions

• Could also have some incentives and/or share plans experience or interest in developing a practice in this area, but this is not essential

• Credibility and confidence in dealing with senior clients independently

We are also looking for candidates who demonstrate:

• Ability to draft, advise and negotiate in relation to complex transactions and cases

• First rate legal/commercial knowledge and analytical skills

• Pragmatism and commerciality

• Excellent client relationship skills

• Excellent transaction management skills

• Ability to develop and work in a fast-paced, intellectually challenging environment

• Resilience under pressure and an ability to manage multiple deadlines

• Experience in running negotiations/meetings under minimal supervision

• A high level of professionalism and integrity