About us
Birketts is a full service, UK Top 50 law firm. With a heritage spanning 160 years, we have more than 700 lawyers and legal professionals and over 600 staff based in Bristol, Cambridge, Chelmsford, Ipswich, London, Norwich and Sevenoaks. We advise businesses, government and public sector organisations and individuals in the UK and internationally across four principal practice groups: Real Estate, Corporate Services, Dispute Resolution and Private Client.
We are defined by our Next Level Law proposition. We work with our clients as a proactive partner, horizon scanning and thinking ahead to the changes, challenges or opportunities that they may face.
Next Level Law is also applied to our people. Our collegiate culture means everyone is encouraged to achieve their next level in everything they do. RollOnFriday recently ranked us as the 6th best law firm to work at in 2026.
With our ambition to succeed, comes a strong desire to make a positive contribution to the communities we serve, and we are committed to delivering the objectives set out in our ESG strategy. Diversity plays an integral part in all that we do, with female partners comprising 45% of our partnership.
The work you will be doing
The successful candidate will play a critical role in providing expert legal advice and services to Birketts clients. To include:
*General employment issues ranging from maternity rights to general contractual issues
*Drafting service agreements, contracts of employment and staff handbooks
*Drafting and reviewing employment policies ranging from performance, sickness, and misconduct procedures to maternity and parental leave schemes.
*Transactional corporate support work
*Wrongful and unfair dismissal
*Redundancy and restructuring
*Transfer of Undertakings
*Awareness of boardroom disputes and severance claims
*Employment litigation in the employment tribunal
*Discrimination (including sex, race, disability and age)
*Trade union work for employers
*Professional Discipline and conduct, including advising professional conduct/fitness to practice panels.
The successful candidate will be responsible for maintaining and growing client relationships and contributing to the strategic direction and success of the firm in the South West market. This will include participating in networking events, conferences and other business development activities to promote the firm’s services.
Please note that this job profile is not an exhaustive list of duties but merely an outline of the key components of the role. You may be required by your line manager to take on additional responsibilities when requested.
What we are looking for
Birketts has designed a ’Talent Management Framework’ which provides a career structure that will help us develop, retain and reward talented people. As an Associate, we typically expect candidates to have between 3-6 years PQE. We are open to applications on the Senior Associate level, of which we expect candidiates from 6-8 years PQE.
*Applies strong legal and commercial judgement, researches precedents effectively, and drafts complex documents with appropriate senior guidance
*Manages time recording, billing support and workload efficiently to meet financial targets and maximise fee recovery
*Actively supports business development through events, pitches and networking, building profile and identifying opportunities via firm and client relationships
*Delivers high-quality client service with minimal supervision, providing timely, accurate advice and demonstrating strong understanding of client needs and priorities
*Manages time reliably, communicates proactively, embraces feedback, and demonstrates a collaborative, adaptable and positive "can-do" approach
*Consistently meets compliance requirements by completing reviews and reports on time, adhering to risk management best practices, understanding Lexcel standards, and completing all mandatory training
*Strong attention to detail to produce work documentation which is consistently of a high standard
*Professional integrity and a commitment to providing excellent client service
*To be competent in using Microsoft Word, Excel, time recording software, case management, Outlook and digital dictation
Any information provided in relation to PQE should be used for guidance only and will not be determinative in the recruitment decision. Applicants will be considered on their individual.
Hybrid Working
Birketts is a flexible business which has embraced a hybrid working model where our colleagues enjoy a mix of home and office working. This role attracts a split of 60% office days and 40% working from home days per week.
We welcome applications from people looking for flexible, agile, and part-time roles and we are happy to explore your preferred working patterns as part of your application.
Benefits
As a Birketts colleague, you will be eligible to receive a wide range of benefits:
*25 or 30 days holiday (FTE) plus Bank Holidays
*Long Service holiday award – 1 extra week every 10 years continuous service
*Private Healthcare with BUPA (offered after probation is passed)
*Scottish Widows Pension Scheme (5% employer / 5% Employee)
*Staff Profit Share and Individual Performance Bonus Scheme
*Salary sacrifice (Pensions, Staff Profit Share)
*Life Assurance - 4 x salary / Permanent Health Insurance
*Paid CSR Day
*Enhanced Maternity/Paternity Leave
*Subsidised gym membership
*Electric car scheme
*Dress for your Day Policy
You can find out more on our website: https://recognition-reward-benefits/
Inclusivity and Culture
At Birketts, our culture is driven by ambition and a commitment to positively impact all the communities we serve. We are dedicated to the success, development, and wellbeing of our colleagues, helping them achieve their goals and seize the opportunities that come with our growth.
Birketts is committed to being an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our policy is unequivocal: we do not tolerate discrimination based on age, disability, sex, race, religion or belief, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, or sexual orientation.
We pride ourselves on being an inclusiv