Our employment team is renowned for its expertise, with a focus on providing exceptional legal services to clients across various industries.

We are looking for an Employment Solicitor (4+ years PQE) with both contentious and non-contentious experience and with a strong Respondent background, to join our supportive, down to earth and sociable team.

About Harper James

Harper James is a growing and ambitious commercial law firm like no other. Forget any misconceptions you may have, we’re not stuffy or inhibited by traditions.

Founded in 2014, our purpose is as strong now as it was then – to enable growth-oriented businesses to succeed through delivering top-quality legal services by acting as partners in our clients’ journeys while our people enjoy a true work-life balance.

Harper James continues to grow at c40%+ year on year. This year, more than 150 people will support 4000+ businesses and we expect to double our turnover over the next two years.

We offer truly remote working with access to meeting space in Birmingham, Cambridge, London, Manchester, Oxford, Southampton, Cardiff and Sheffield.

We work really hard to ensure our lawyers are part of the team. We work on client and internal projects as teams, collaborating, sharing ideas and enjoying each other’s company. The remote set up simply allows people to work from wherever they want, to give people the flexibility they need, for whatever reason.

What does the ideal candidate look like?

We are looking for a employment lawyer of 4+ PQE with the following experience:

• advising on both contentious and non-contentious matters.
• drafting contracts of employment, policies and procedure.
• advising on the difference between employed, worker and self-employed relationships.
• drafting Consultancy Agreements.
• some knowledge of IR35.
• managing disciplinary and grievance processes.
• advising on discrimination and whistle-blowing cases.
• assisting with TUPE transfers and other corporate transactions.
• business restructures & redundancies.
• being able to advise upon and negotiate during the ACAS Early Conciliation process.
• enforcement/defence of restrictive covenant claims.
• handling senior exec severances.

You will have the following attributes and approach:

• friendly, positive and can-do attitude
• collaborative team-worker
• proactive
• commercial, practical and pragmatic.

We need tech-savvy self-starters who thrive in a fast-paced, modern work environment. We leverage cutting-edge technology to streamline our office processes and maximize productivity.

You’ll excel as part of the HJ team if you:

• Are a quick learner, ready to adapt to new systems and technologies with enthusiasm.
• Are excited about adopting and using AI tools to boost efficiency and productivity.
• Have a solid working knowledge of Microsoft 365 products (eg. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Can confidently navigate SharePoint to manage and collaborate on projects.
• Have a keen eye for detail when formatting and editing documents, ensuring consistency and professionalism.

The bottom line

This is an opportunity to play an important part in the growth of the employment practice, within an environment free of politics and bureaucracy; just a great team of people who all play a fundamental part in the success and continued growth of the business.

• Work where and when you want.
• An environment with no politics, no bureaucracy and a great team of people who all play a fundamental part in the success and continued growth of the business.
• Competitive salary and bonus.
• 33 days holiday, including public holidays FTE.
• Option to buy up to 5 holiday days a year FTE.
• Access to our electric car scheme.
• Flexible working as part of a fully remote but collaborative team.

Ready to apply?

If you are ready to apply this role, please complete the application form using the link below.

Alternatively, if you would like to have an initial informal chat with our SeniorTalentAcquisitionAssistant, Layla Atkinson, to find out more about the role, you can email her directly vialayla.atkinson@harperjames.co.uk . Please be assured that all conversations are confidential and we will act discreetly throughout the process.