Practice Development Lawyer

Lewis Silkin is a UK top-100 commercial law firm with offices in London, Oxford, Cardiff and Hong Kong. The firm is recognised by clients and industries alike as being distinct: for its deep understanding, insight and advice to creative, innovative and brand-focused businesses; for its market-leading international practice in employment, immigration and reward; and for delivering pragmatic, commercial advice in a refreshingly human way.

With 69 partners and more than 360 staff, the firm is structured around two key divisions; the Employment, Immigration and Reward (EIR) and the Creators, Makers and Innovators (CMI).

The EIR Division is one of the leading employment law practices in the UK and consistently top ranked by independent legal directories, we have more recognised experts in employment than any other UK firm.  With over 100 lawyers, Lewis Silkin’s employment and immigration team offers an unrivalled service supporting clients, including many of the world’s leading businesses, on their HR, employment and immigration law needs domestically and internationally.

The work of the team as a whole is a mix of contentious and non-contentious matters, for a wide range of clients.  The lawyers undertake a significant amount of business development including giving seminars and producing Lewis Silkin branded publications.  There is a significant international element to the Division’s work, largely on account of its membership of the Ius Laboris international alliance of employment lawyers.

Working as part of the employment PDL team the post holder will provide support on Northern Ireland specific employment law as well as providing support to the Dublin office and PDLs in the other offices in England and Wales. The post holder will cover both the general areas of PDL responsibilities, as well as working with the Managing PDLs in their various areas of specific responsibility as listed below.

PDLs specific areas of responsibility include:

• organising training and legal updates for the employment team;
• maintaining and developing precedents and knowledge materials;
• supporting the employment team’s client training,
• conference speaking and business development work;
• assisting the team with legal research;
• responding to enquiries from the team; and
• overseeing, editing and, from time to time, writing client publications.

Candidate profile

The successful candidate is likely to be a lawyer within the first few years of their legal career (up to 4-5 years PQE), looking to move to a PDL role or currently working in a PDL role. Candidates must have legal qualifications and experience in employment law, as well as excellent academics.

The right candidate will also have strong writing, analytical and organisational skills, and a clear communication style (both spoken and written).  A flair for drafting/journalism will be an advantage, as would an ability to demonstrate inquisitive and creative thinking.  The candidate must be a team player with strong interpersonal skills, who will enjoy working in a fast-paced professional and friendly team. Good practical knowledge of IT and Know How systems would be helpful, together with experience of using on-line information systems.

The successful candidate needs to have an excellent knowledge of employment law gained in practice in England and Wales and/or Northern Ireland. Having experience or qualifications in Irish employment law would be of benefit but is not a requirement. The role is a full-time role but part time/flexible working patterns would be considered.

At Lewis Silkin our ethos is simple. We strive to do the best for our clients, our people and the communities in which we operate. We recognise that an inclusive workplace allows for all kinds of ideas and thoughts, a variety of points of view that can trigger discussions or deliver innovative results, and a wide range of versatile skills and expertise. We are proud of the diversity within Lewis Silkin and of our culture that allows people to be themselves at work, ensuring we provide the best possible service to our clients. We are committed to finding the right person for this role and are open to discussing flexible working patterns and office location.