Employment Solicitor Jobs in the UK: A Comprehensive Career Guide by The Legists

If you enjoy legal work that involves people, contracts, and rights in the workplace, then employment law might be your perfect match. Employment solicitors handle some of the most dynamic and people-focused legal work in the UK. From unfair dismissals to whistleblowing cases and discrimination claims, the field keeps you engaged and constantly learning.

At The Legists, we’ve helped hundreds of Employment solicitor jobs in the UK. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything—types of roles, essential skills, salary expectations, application tips, and how to prepare for interviews. We won’t use dry legal jargon. Instead, we’ll keep it real, relatable, and full of practical tips you can actually use.

What Does an Employment Solicitor Do?

Employment solicitors focus on legal issues between employers and employees. They often act on behalf of either party—individual employees or businesses. Their responsibilities include:

• Drafting employment contracts and policies

• Advising on workplace disputes

• Representing clients in tribunals and courts

• Handling discrimination and harassment claims

• Negotiating settlement agreements

• Supporting companies during restructuring or redundancy processes

Because employment law constantly evolves, especially with new regulations and case law, you’ll need to stay up to date at all times. However, that also keeps the work exciting and far from routine.

Types of Employment Solicitor Roles in the UK

Not every employment solicitor job looks the same. You can take several paths depending on your interests, experience, and location.

Private Practice Solicitor

These roles exist in law firms that serve individual clients or businesses. Some firms specialise in employee-side representation, while others only serve employers. You’ll often handle contract disputes, unfair dismissal claims, and HR advice for employers.

In-House Employment Solicitor

Large organisations, especially in finance, tech, retail, and healthcare, often hire in-house legal teams. Here, you’ll focus solely on your employer’s workforce legal needs. That includes advising HR, managing risks, and preventing disputes before they escalate.

Legal Aid and Union-Focused Roles

Some solicitors work for unions or legal aid groups supporting workers in need. These roles focus on workers’ rights and justice, especially in underrepresented communities.

Government and Public Sector

You might also work with public bodies such as local councils or the Civil Service. Here, your work may involve public-sector employment law, whistleblowing protection, or tribunal work.

Key Skills Employers Want in Employment Solicitors

Whether you’re newly qualified or aiming for a senior associate role, employers consistently look for these core qualities:

Strong Legal Knowledge

You need a solid understanding of employment law, including recent case updates. Show that you can apply legal principles in real-life scenarios—not just cite legislation.

Practical Problem-Solving

Clients don’t just want legal theory—they want solutions. Highlight how you’ve resolved disputes or prevented litigation through smart negotiation or advice.

Communication and Emotional Intelligence

You’ll speak to clients under stress, HR managers navigating sensitive cases, or employees dealing with discrimination. Communicate clearly, listen carefully, and show empathy.

Commercial Awareness

If you work in private practice or in-house, you’ll need to understand how employment law affects a business’s bottom line. Employers want lawyers who consider both legal and financial risks.

Confidence with Tribunals and Dispute Resolution

Employment solicitors often represent clients at employment tribunals. You must feel comfortable with advocacy or, at the very least, understand tribunal processes well.

Qualifications and Career Path

To become an employment solicitor in the UK, follow these typical steps:

1. Complete a qualifying law degree (LLB) or study another degree followed by the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL).

2. Pass the Legal Practice Course (LPC) or follow the new Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) route.

3. Gain relevant work experience, such as through paralegal roles or vacation schemes in employment law teams.

4. Secure a training contract and specialise in employment law during your seats.

5. Qualify as a solicitor, then build your experience in employment law matters.

Many solicitors also attend CPD events or earn additional qualifications in mediation or advocacy to strengthen their skills.

Writing a Winning CV and Cover Letter

Now let’s get practical. A great CV can open doors, but only if it showcases the right things.

What to Include in Your CV

• Professional Summary: In 2–3 lines, explain who you are and what you specialise in. For example: “Employment law paralegal with 18 months’ experience supporting unfair dismissal and discrimination claims.”

• Legal Experience: List your roles in reverse chronological order. Focus on tasks like drafting contracts, handling tribunal bundles, or conducting legal research.

• Key Achievements: Don’t just list responsibilities—show impact. For instance: “Helped negotiate a favourable settlement in a £50,000 wrongful dismissal claim.”

• Education and Training: Include your LLB, LPC/SQE, and any additional training.

• Technical Skills: If you use legal case management software or tribunal systems, include that too.

What Makes a Great Cover Letter?

Tailor your cover letter to each role. Here’s a simple structure that works:

1. Introduction: Say who you are and why you’re applying. Mention the firm’s name.

2. Body Paragraphs: Describe how your skills and experience match the job. Share real examples and show your passion for employment law.

3. Why This Firm?: Always include a paragraph about what excites you about their practice—be it their reputation, a recent case, or their approach to client care.

4. Closing: Finish with confidence. For example: “I would love to bring my proactive approach to your growing employment team. I’m available for an interview at your convenience.”

Nailing the Interview

Interviewing for an employment solicitor role requires preparation, not perfection. You don’t need to know everything—but you should present confidence and a problem-solving mindset.

Questions You Might Get

• “How would you advise an employer facing a redundancy situation?”

• “What’s the process for bringing a claim to an employment tribunal?”

• “Tell us about a time you dealt with a difficult client or case.”

How to Stand Out

• Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) when answering.

• Speak with clarity and purpose—don’t ramble.

• Bring a commercial mindset—talk about business impact, not just legal outcomes.

• Ask smart questions at the end. Try:
  • “What types of clients does your employment team typically support?”

  • “How do you help junior solicitors grow within the team?”

Salary Expectations and Career Progression

You probably want to know if employment law pays well. The good news? It does—especially once you gain a few years of experience.

UK Salary Ranges (2025):

• Paralegal / Assistant: £23k–£32k (regional); up to £35k in London

• Newly Qualified Solicitor: £45k–£65k depending on location

• 3–5 Years PQE: £60k–£85k, often higher in boutique firms

• Senior Associate / Partner: £90k–£150k+ depending on caseload and firm reputation

• In-House Counsel: £60k–£120k depending on industry and experience

Career Paths

Here’s how most careers unfold:

1. Paralegal / Trainee Solicitor

2. Newly Qualified Solicitor

3. Associate or Senior Associate

4. Partner / Head of Department / In-House Counsel

Alternatively, some solicitors move into employment mediation, tribunal judging, HR consultancy, or legal education.

Where to Find Employment Solicitor Jobs

You can’t land your dream job without knowing where to look. Thankfully, several options exist:

• Specialist recruiters: The Legists works closely with firms hiring employment solicitors across the UK.

• Legal job boards: Use platforms like Law Gazette Jobs, Legal500, and SimplyLawJobs.

• LinkedIn: Keep your profile active, post insights, and message recruiters directly.

• Networking events: Attend employment law CPD events, webinars, or conferences by The Law Society or Employment Lawyers Association (ELA).

Set job alerts, check firm websites, and stay consistent. If you apply weekly and follow up smartly, you’ll increase your chances quickly.

Tips to Thrive in Employment Law

Finally, once you land the job, how do you excel?

1. Stay curious—follow employment law updates weekly.

2. Join groups—the ELA is a great resource for CPD and networking.

3. Master client relationships—call before you email, and always follow up.

4. Document everything—employment cases often involve disputed facts. Keep a strong paper trail.

5. Balance your caseload—prioritise urgent matters and set realistic expectations.

The Legists Are Here to Help

At The Legists, we do more than post jobs—we connect talented legal professionals with firms that match their values, skills, and long-term goals. Whether you’re fresh out of your training contract or you’ve worked in employment law for 10 years, we can help you:

• Find roles that match your specialism

• Improve your CV and application success rate

• Prepare for interviews with real-time insights

• Plan your career path based on market demand

We understand the legal industry because we live in it every day. Reach out and let us support your next move.

Final Thoughts

Employment solicitor jobs in the UK offer a rewarding, fast-paced legal career with real-world impact. If you enjoy helping people, negotiating tricky workplace disputes, and making sense of complex legal regulations, this field fits you. With strong preparation, targeted applications, and expert help from The Legists, you’ll land a role that sets you up for long-term success.

Ready to take your next step? Contact The Legists today and let us help you make your mark in employment law.