Senior Employment Lawyer (8+ PQE)

Location: Bristol

Salary: Up to £90,000 + bonus

Working pattern: Highly flexible / hybrid / remote options available

The Opportunity:

This is a standout opportunity for a senior employment lawyer to join a top-tier, specialist employment practice in Bristol that genuinely punches above its weight.
The firm is consistently ranked in both Legal 500 and Chambers, competing directly with much larger commercial firms yet offering something refreshingly different: autonomy, flexibility and a people-first culture where quality of work and quality of life genuinely coexist.
With a strong pipeline of work and exceptional retention, this role is ideal for an experienced employment lawyer who wants intellectually stimulating work, meaningful client relationships and a clear route to partnership - without the rigid structures of a traditional large firm.

The Firm:

This is a highly respected boutique employment law practice, led by one of the South West's most experienced and hands-on employment specialists, who is personally recognised in Chambers UK for tribunal advocacy and senior exits.
Despite its size, the firm has been ranked for over a decade, praised for delivering City-quality advice with a pragmatic, human and commercially astute approach. Client feedback is outstanding, with consistently top-tier reviews highlighting responsiveness, clarity and expertise.
The ethos is simple: do brilliant work, treat people like adults and build long-term relationships - with clients and colleagues alike.

The Role:

You'll handle a high-quality and genuinely varied employment caseload, typically split 75% employer / 25% employee, covering both contentious and advisory matters, including:

Employment tribunal litigation
Senior exits and executive advisory work
Discrimination, whistleblowing and complex disputes
Restructuring and business change projects
Restrictive covenants and post-termination issues
Delivering client training and management workshops
Contributing to thought leadership, seminars and practice development

You'll work closely with national and regional employers, as well as senior executives, and play a visible role in shaping client relationships and the wider direction of the practice.

Importantly, billable hours are not viewed in isolation - overall contribution is valued and targets are set collaboratively, not imposed.

What They're Looking For:

8+ years' PQE in employment law
Strong experience advising both employers and employees
A pragmatic, commercial and confident approach to complex matters
Excellent client-care skills with a relationship-led mindset
Interest in mentoring, business development and contributing to the wider firm
Ambition to progress, with partnership firmly on the table

What's In It for You?

Salary up to £90,000 (depending on experience)
Bonus scheme
Genuine partnership prospects, with potential for equity
Private health insurance
Cashback health scheme
5% employer pension contribution
30 days' annual leave
Exceptional flexibility - hybrid, remote, part-time or flexi-time all considered
A senior, collegiate team with outstanding retention
Exposure to top-quality work without big-firm politics

Why This Role?

This is a rare chance to join a firm where senior lawyers are trusted, supported and given space to thrive - professionally and personally.

Yolk Recruitment is an equal opportunities employer and embraces diversity in our workforce. We employ the best people for the job at hand and actively encourage applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, age, race, religion, sexual orientation, disability, educational background, parental status, gender identity or any other protected characteristic. We champion and celebrate diversity at Yolk allowing our team to bring their whole selves to work.

*Please note, whilst we do our best to contact all candidates, due to the high number of applications we receive we cannot guarantee this for every role. If you have not heard anything from us within 7 days of applying - then unfortunately you have been unsuccessful. Please keep an eye on our website for more opportunities.