Employment Lawyer at Blake Morgan LLP

Blake Morgan LLP, a leading law firm ranked in the Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners, is hiring an experienced Employment Lawyer to join its top-tier employment team. Based primarily in Reading, the role also involves occasional work at the Oxford and Southampton offices, offering a truly regional practice experience. This is an exceptional opportunity for a Senior Associate or equivalent-level practitioner to develop their career in a supportive, thriving environment.

Employment law is a dynamic and ever-evolving field, particularly in the UK, where regulatory changes and workplace disputes are constant. As companies navigate the complexities of the modern workforce, the demand for skilled employment lawyers has never been higher. This role at Blake Morgan offers the chance to work at the forefront of this practice area, advising organisations on everything from restructuring and redundancy to discrimination and whistleblowing. It is a career-defining opportunity for anyone serious about employment law.

Why Blake Morgan’s Employment Team Is a Career Accelerator

Blake Morgan’s employment practice is one of the most respected in the Thames Valley and South Coast regions. The team advises a diverse portfolio of clients, from NHS trusts and government bodies to leading retail brands and third-sector organisations. This variety ensures that the successful candidate will handle complex, high-value matters that make a real impact. The firm’s consistent top-tier rankings in independent legal directories underscore its reputation and the quality of work you can expect.

“The team provides advice on all areas of employment law and acts for a wide range of national and international clients across the public, private and third sectors.”

“We are consistently ranked in the top tier in the independent legal directories Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners.”

The team acts for a wide range of clients, including:

• National and international corporations
• NHS trusts and other public sector bodies
• Government departments
• Charities and third-sector organisations
• Household-name retail brands

Joining this team means gaining exposure to a substantial caseload while having the backing of a firm that genuinely invests in its people. The emphasis on professional development and business development skills makes this role a springboard for future partnership.

Inside the Role: What You’ll Do Day-to-Day

The role offers a balanced mix of contentious and non-contentious work, primarily for employer clients. Your responsibilities will be diverse and challenging:

• Advising on disputes and employment tribunal claims
• Providing day-to-day advisory support on employment law issues
• Supporting corporate transactions with due diligence and integration
• Drafting contracts, policies, and settlement agreements
• Supervising junior team members and delivering client training

You can expect to work on a broad range of matters, from protecting businesses in complex tribunal claims to advising on high-profile restructurings. Your advice will be pragmatic and commercial, helping clients achieve their goals while mitigating legal risk. The role also involves occasional client training, allowing you to share your expertise and build stronger client relationships.

Beyond these core tasks, you will be encouraged to take an active role in business development, including writing articles, delivering seminars, and networking. This is a role for someone who wants to shape their career, not just execute tasks.

Who Should Apply: Skills That Will Set You Apart

Blake Morgan is looking for a lawyer with a genuine passion for employment law and a track record of excellence. Here are the key attributes they value:

• Solid technical expertise and strong intellectual ability
• Excellent drafting, negotiation, and analytical skills
• Strong client and matter management capabilities
• Relationship-driven, collegiate, and personable
• Self-motivated with the ability to assume responsibility

If you are enthusiastic about employment law and have experience in both contentious and non-contentious matters, you are exactly who they want to hear from. The firm also values a track record in practice development, so highlight your successes in bringing in or growing client work.

The successful candidate will join a collegiate team that values collaboration and supports each other’s development. You will have the opportunity to work alongside specialists in pensions and immigration, giving you a holistic view of the employment law landscape. This is not just a job; it’s a chance to be part of a leading practice with a strong regional presence.

How to Craft a Winning Application

With interviews starting immediately, you need to act fast. Here are some targeted tips to ensure your application stands out:

• Customise your CV to showcase relevant employment law experience and your ability to build client relationships.
• Demonstrate leadership by providing examples of supervising or mentoring junior staff.
• Highlight any sector expertise, particularly in public, private, or third-sector clients.
• In your cover letter, express your genuine interest in employment law and your alignment with the firm’s culture.
• Mention specific examples of business development initiatives you have led.

In addition to a polished CV, consider reaching out to recruiters or individuals at Blake Morgan through professional networks like LinkedIn. While not required, a warm introduction can sometimes help your application get noticed. However, the firm is primarily interested in your technical ability and cultural fit, so focus on presenting those clearly.

Prepare for competency-based questions that assess your technical knowledge, problem-solving approach, and ability to work under pressure. The interview panel will be looking for a candidate who is not only technically proficient but also a cultural fit for a collaborative team.

Work-Life Balance and Long-Term Growth

One of the most appealing aspects of this role is the firm’s commitment to a healthy work-life balance. The job description explicitly praises the encouragement of “a decent work/life balance and complementary interests,” which is a breath of fresh air in the legal industry. The role is predominantly office-based, but flexible working options are available based on client and team needs.

From a career perspective, the prospects for advancement are excellent. You will work closely with partners and benefit from resources across the firm’s offices, including specialist pensions and immigration lawyers. This role is designed for someone who wants to grow into a leader within a prestigious firm.

The firm is known for promoting from within, and this role is seen as a stepping stone to senior leadership positions. Many of the current partners started their careers in similar roles and have risen through the ranks. If you are ambitious and driven, the potential for growth is limited only by your own efforts.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is there an application deadline?

The posting does not mention a specific deadline. Blake Morgan will start reviewing applications immediately, so prospective applicants should apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out.

2. Can junior lawyers apply for this role?

The role is aimed at Senior Associate level or equivalent experience. Junior lawyers without significant employment law experience are unlikely to meet the requirements. However, exceptional candidates with a strong track record may be considered.

3. What is the interview process like?

Specific details are not provided, but typical interviews for such roles involve multiple rounds, including technical assessments and panel interviews. Expect to discuss your employment law experience and your vision for your career.

4. Will I need to travel between offices?

Yes, the role involves occasional work from the Oxford and Southampton offices, typically one to two days per month. The primary base is Reading, so flexibility and willingness to travel are important.