Supervising Associate - Employment

Simmons & Simmons’ Employment practice is a recognised leader in both the UK and global marketplace. We are known for our strength-in-depth, collaborative culture, and ability to provide proactive, commercially focused employment law advice.

We advise a wide range of global corporates and financial institutions, offering extensive experience across complex domestic and international employment law matters.

Our integrated international Employment group spans multiple jurisdictions, enabling us to deliver consistent, cross-border solutions and support clients with their global workforce challenges.

The team is recognised for advising across key sectors including financial services, TMT and life sciences, and for its expertise in disputes, investigations, restructurings and regulatory employment matters.

We combine technical excellence with a commercial and innovative approach, including developing new tools and embracing technology to deliver value to clients.

The role

Simmons & Simmons has led the market in employment law for decades (being consistently Band 1 for Chambers and Partners and Legal 500) and is committed to growing the next generation of market leading employment lawyers. We are looking for a talented Supervising Associate (3–6 PQE) to join our dynamic, collaborative and tech-led team in either London or Bristol.

If you want to hone your practice through a broad mix of complex contentious and non-contentious employment matters, with exposure to fast-moving and high-profile domestic and cross-border work, we want to hear from you!

You will work closely with market-leading partners and colleagues across our UK and international offices, playing a key role in delivering high-quality advice to a sophisticated client base, while taking on increasing responsibility for client relationships, matter management and mentoring junior lawyers.

You will work across a full range of employment law matters, including:

• Advising on general advisory and strategic employment law issues
• Handling complex employment litigation, including discrimination, whistleblowing and board-level disputes
• Advising on employee exits and executive termination matters
• Supporting clients on workplace investigations and people-related risk
• Advising on international employment issues, including cross-border projects, workforce mobility and harmonisation of employment processes
• Supporting corporate transactions, including acquisitions, disposals, and reorganisations
• Delivering advice on restructuring, redundancies and change management programmes
• Supporting clients on regulatory and compliance matters, including data protection and governance issues

The right candidate

We are looking for a motivated, commercially minded lawyer with ambition who is keen to take the next step in their career.

You will have:

• 3–6 years’ post-qualification experience in employment law
• Strong technical employment law experience across both contentious and non-contentious matters
• Excellent, academics and strong analytical ability
• A commercial and pragmatic approach to client work
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple matters effectively and efficiently
• Excellent judgement, communication and interpersonal skills
• Experience in the appropriate use of legal tech

You will also demonstrate:

• Drive and ambition to grow your career
• A strong client focus and commitment to delivering high-quality service
• An interest in developing client relationships and contributing to business development
• The ability to work collaboratively as part of a diverse and inclusive team
• An entrepreneurial mindset and willingness to take on responsibility

Here at Simmons & Simmons

Simmons & Simmons is a place where dynamic minds thrive. Our culture is built on work that matters, you will work on inspirational and thought-provoking projects, using your influence to create positive impact for our clients, society and the planet. We also ensure that everyone’s voice is heard from day one, irrespective of job title, qualification, or background. You’ll be encouraged to have an enquiring mind and share ideas that can drive the firm forward. Through innovative learning and development opportunities, you will be provided with a platform to excel, enabling you to exceed your career ambitions and do things you never thought were possible.

Key Highlights:

• Competitive compensation package, including bonuses, private medical insurance, and pension contribution.
• A global skills academy offering extensive learning opportunities for all employees.
• A hybrid working model, requiring a minimum of three days in-office, subject to role and client needs.
• Integration of traditional legal expertise with innovative Simmons & Simmons Solutions.
• Recognition as a Stonewall Top Global Employer and a Top 75 Employer for Social Mobility.
• Vibrant social and sports committees, as well as art collections featuring renowned artists.
• The introduction of a Strategic Advisory Council to drive strategic initiatives in line with our mission.

Equal opportunities

We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment, offering equal employment opportunities to all applicants irrespective of sex, race, ethnicity, religion or belief, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, and more. Flexible working arrangements are supported, and we strive to make our roles accessible to all. Our employee networks offer additional support, detailed in our D&I Information booklet provided during the recruitment process.

We value diversity and encourage applications from those who are passionate and willing to grow with us, even if not all requirements are met. Your unique experiences and perspectives are welcomed here.

For more information or to apply, please contact our Recruitment Team or visit our career page.

Recruitment Agencies

We prioritise direct sourcing and referrals, engaging with our preferred agency partners where support is required. Unsolicited CVs submitted without the prior agreement of the recruitment team will not be deemed a valid introduction. Please contact the recruitment team if you have any questions.