Job description

We are recruiting for an Associate to join our Employment Litigation Department! 

Join a team that is recognised as one of the market’s leading international employment practices, with expertise that stretches across the full spectrum of employment-related matters. Our USP is workplace issues, litigation and investigations that are sensitive, complex, multi-dimensional and jurisdictional, novel and those than may impact on the reputation of a business or senior individuals and/or have a whistleblowing element.

Our team has a client-centric approach with an appreciation that one size does not fit all. We craft client care strategies that includes an expansive suite of value added services. We invest in development of best practice within the employment team and devote a considerable amount of time and resources to training and upskilling our associates to ensure our clients receive the best, practical and robust advice, and that the career trajectory of the associates is always on the rise.

Team Culture

Our non-hierarchical approach is a testament to AOS’s belief in the power of collaboration and mutual support. We foster a team-oriented atmosphere where every voice is valued, and contributions are recognised. Fun and camaraderie are integral to our work environment, as we believe that a team that enjoys working together delivers the best results. We are committed to creating a space where you can build meaningful connections with your colleagues and work together to achieve collective and individual success.

Key relationships

• Employment Partners, Associates and the wider team including Knowledge lawyers, Business Development and Innovation Team
• Belfast team of associates and legal professionals
• Global Employment & Compensation team
• Disputes team, particularly contentious Regulatory and IP
• Corporate Team
• Pro Bono Team
• D&I Team

Role and responsibilities

• Providing strategic advice and guidance to clients on all employment matters including redundancies, restructuring and senior exits
• Working closely with the Regulatory team on SMCR related employee-misconduct and review projects
• Managing employment tribunal claims and High Court actions
• Assisting partners and senior associates on investigations
• Acting as a business partner to internal practice groups, namely our Corporate department and their clients
• Managing client expectations and project delivery appropriately
• Business development - development of personal plan; assistance with and implementation of business development campaign
• Conducting due diligence, commenting on employment provisions of corporate transaction documents, negotiating warranties and indemnities
• Advising clients on impact of transactions as regards employees
• Project management of employment work streams on multi-jurisdictional corporate transactions

Key requirements

• Qualified lawyer; NQ-3 years’ PQE
• Excellent technical knowledge but with an ability to be commercial and client-focused
• Strong transactional experience
• Litigation experience
• Exceptional client skills
• Outstanding academic credentials
• Intellectual curiosity and versatility
• Excellent drafting skills
• Self starter with the desire and ability to continuously acquire, build upon and share knowledge
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple deadlines
• Strong commercial/business acumen with the ability to deliver creative and pragmatic solutions and advice
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interface at all levels and particularly to win the respect of the partner and fee-earner community, building strong relationships with both internal and external stakeholders
• Collaborative team player with the ability to develop and work in a fast paced, intellectually rigorous environment
• Ability to distil complex legal advice and deliver in an accessible, concise manner
• Ability to multi-task and handle a diverse, unpredictable and busy workload
• Willingness to ‘muck-in’ / be ‘hands on’
• Proactive approach and deliver work in a way with the mindset of “how can I be of most help to X”
• A strong team working ethic – enjoy contributing to and being part of a team – being able to lean on others but also being available and willing to provide support to those around you
• Keeping abreast of developments and relevant legislation on employment law issues.

Should you require additional support at any stage of the recruitment process due to a disability or a health condition, please do not hesitate to contact a member of our recruitment team who will work with you to provide any adjustments as required.

We are an equal opportunities recruiter and do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or any other protected characteristic.

We recognise that our people are our most valuable asset, which is reflected in the wide range of benefits that are available to our employees. Some of these benefits include: our occupational pension scheme, group income protection cover, private medical insurance, mental health resources and free apps, health and wellbeing services encompassing an onsite gym, wellbeing centre and GP service, emergency back-up care support, parental and special leave, holiday entitlement increasing with length of service, holiday trading, season ticket loans and online discounts and lifestyle management services.

We recognise the value of flexible working and embraces hybrid working, allowing our people to work from home up to 40% of their working time. We do however remain committed to working together in person for the remaining 60% of time so that we can learn, grow and succeed together.

Additional information - External

A&O Shearman is a new global industry-leading law firm, with nearly 50 offices in 29 countries worldwide. Our fluency in English law, US law, and the laws of the world’s most dynamic markets, enables us to provide unmatched insight and seamless delivery to clients. We work on challenging and important deals and disputes that have the potential to shape the future.

We offer exceptional opportunities for our people; opportunities to work for the world’s leading businesses; to transform the status quo, and to deliver your best work, helping you and your career to thrive, while delivering unparalleled outcomes for our clients.

Whether you're helping clients solve complex challenges, transforming the ways we manage our business, or ensuring the smooth-running of our operations, this is an environment where you can belong and excel. We provide first-rate training and development, we are committed to diversity, equity and inclusion and we provide support and ways of working that help you optimise your wellbeing.

What truly defines a career with us? We recruit the best and ask for the best of you. And together, we will redefine success.