Employment Solicitor - Guildford

Guildford, Surrey | Permanent | Top 100 Law Firm | £40,000 to £65,000 dependent on experience

Employment teams that act only for employers, or only for individuals, tend to produce lawyers with half a practice. This team does both, and the caseload shows it.

A Top 100 regional firm, ranked in the Legal 500 and Chambers for employment law, is recruiting an employment lawyer for its Guildford office. You will not be stuck doing one type of work for one type of client.

The Role

• Respondent work including senior terminations, restructures, TUPE, discrimination claims and tribunal litigation

• Clients across technology, financial services, hospitality and other sectors

• Claimant work advising senior executives and professionals on exits, settlement agreements and restrictive covenants

• Close working relationships with business owners and HR leaders

About You

• Qualified Solicitor or Chartered Legal Executive with employment law experience

• Backgrounds from either employer or employee-focused practices are welcome

• Confidence with clients and sound commercial judgement are essential

• Comfortable giving practical answers rather than textbook ones

Why Consider It

• High quality work at regional rates of pressure rather than City ones

• A varied, well-balanced caseload across both sides of the fence

• A strong platform for progression within a well-regarded, directory-ranked team

• Hybrid working available

If you are considering a move, our guide on how to move law firms without missteps covers the key steps. For an understanding of what firms are offering in their adverts, see our article on what legal candidates actually look for in a job advert.

All conversations are strictly confidential. To discuss this role, or the employment market across Surrey, contact Ben Holtom at RecQuest.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does an employment solicitor do?

An employment solicitor advises employers and individuals on workplace legal matters. This includes unfair dismissal claims, discrimination, redundancy, TUPE transfers, settlement agreements, restrictive covenants, and employment tribunal proceedings. Many employment lawyers also advise on contracts, policies and day-to-day HR issues.

What salary can an employment solicitor expect in Guildford?

Employment solicitor salaries in Guildford and the wider Surrey area typically range from £40,000 to £65,000 depending on PQE and the balance of respondent and claimant work. Senior associates with a following can command higher figures. For practice-area benchmarks, visit the LawBoard salary estimator.

Do I need respondent or claimant experience?

Either background is welcome. The firm acts for both employers and individuals, so experience from either side of the fence is relevant. Lawyers who want to broaden their practice by working across both are encouraged to apply.

Is this role open to Chartered Legal Executives?

Yes. The firm welcomes qualified solicitors and Chartered Legal Executives with equivalent employment law experience.

What is the working pattern?

Hybrid working is available. The firm's Guildford office is the primary base, with flexibility around remote working discussed as part of the recruitment process.