Careers
Vacancy
Job ID: IP270921 Closing Date: 30/11/2026
Position: Employment Partner/Senior Employment Solicitor
Department: Employment
Responsible to: Head of Department
Hours: Full time - 37 hours per week
overview
We are seeking a highly experienced and motivated Employment Partner/Senior Employment Solicitor to assist in the expansion of a successful and well-respected employment team. This is a key leadership role that requires exceptional legal expertise, business development skills and a proven ability to bring in a client following, while generating new business.
Responsibilities
- Take the lead in business development, developing and nurturing client relationships, leveraging existing networks and contacts while actively seeking new Identify and pursue potential business opportunities, actively engaging in marketing and business development activities to expand the firm’s client base.
- Engage in networking events, industry conferences and seminars to enhance the firm’s reputation and promote its employment law expertise.
- Provide expert legal advice and guidance on a wide range of employment law matters to corporate clients and individuals.
- Handle complex employment cases, including discrimination claims and unfair dismissals.
- Draft and advise upon employment documentation, including contracts of employment, policies, disciplinary and grievances procedures.
- Deal with all aspects of the employment / tribunal process, including drafting Particulars of Complaint and Grounds of Resistance, attend Preliminary Hearings, deal with case management steps, prepare witness statements and trial bundles.
- Liaise with company commercial and corporate departments and advise clients with respect to employment issues associated with share and asset (TUPE) sales.
- Collaborate closely with other members of the firm, including partners, associates and support staff to deliver comprehensive and efficient legal services.
- Stay abreast of changes and developments in employment law, keeping clients informed of relevant updates and implications.
Eaton Smith LLP is committed to promoting equality of opportunity for all staff and job applicants. We aim to create a working environment in which all individuals are able to make best use of their skills, free from discrimination or harassment and in which all decisions are based on merit. We aim to ensure that all staff are treated and treat others with dignity and respect.
Looking for solicitor jobs in Huddersfield, legal careers in Yorkshire, or an opportunity to develop your career with an established and ambitious law firm?
At Eaton Smith LLP, we believe great legal services start with great people. As we prepare to celebrate our 100th anniversary in 2027, there has never been a more exciting time to join our team. For almost a century, we have advised businesses, individuals and families across Yorkshire and beyond, earning a reputation for delivering practical legal advice, exceptional client service and trusted expertise.
Today, we continue to grow. Our lawyers and legal professionals advise clients throughout Yorkshire, across the UK and internationally, whilst enjoying the support, opportunities and culture of a firm committed to long-term success. Each year, we help more than 6,000 individuals and businesses navigate important legal issues and achieve their objectives.
Whether you are an experienced solicitor, legal executive, paralegal, trainee or business support professional, we would love to hear from you.
Why Join Eaton Smith?
Choosing the right firm is about more than finding your next role. It is about finding a place where you can build a fulfilling and rewarding career.
At Eaton Smith, you will work alongside experienced and highly regarded legal professionals who are committed to helping both clients and colleagues succeed. We offer high-quality work, opportunities for progression and a supportive working environment where people are encouraged to develop and thrive.
Our reputation has been built over decades, but our focus is firmly on the future. We continue to invest in our people, technology, client experience and growth across multiple practice areas.
We are proud to be:
- An award-winning Yorkshire law firm.
- Members of LawNet, a national network of quality-assured law firms.
- Winners and shortlisted for the TIGA Games Industry Awards Best Legal Service Supplier category on multiple occasions.
- Shortlisted on many occasions for Family Law in the Yorkshire Business Awards
- Recognised nationally for excellence in Business Law services.
- Approaching our centenary year while continuing to grow and innovate.
Current Vacancies
We are always looking for talented individuals who can contribute to the continued success of our firm.
Current opportunities include:
- Employment Partner / Senior Employment Solicitor
- Private Client Lawyer
- Corporate Solicitor (3+ Years PQE or Equivalent Experience)
- Senior Corporate Solicitor / Partner (5+ Years PQE or Equivalent Experience)
View our current vacancies and apply online.
Legal Careers Across Multiple Practice Areas
As a full-service law firm, we offer career opportunities across a broad range of legal disciplines.
Our teams include:
- Corporate & Commercial
- Commercial Property
- Employment Law
- Family Law
- Residential Property
- Wills, Trusts & Probate
- Dispute Resolution
- Debt Recovery
- Personal Injury
- Medical Negligence
- Business Support Services
If your preferred area is not currently recruiting, we still welcome speculative applications from exceptional candidates who share our values and ambitions.
Career Development and Progression
Many of our people have built long-term careers with Eaton Smith, progressing from junior positions into senior legal, management and leadership roles.
We are committed to supporting professional development through:
- Exposure to high-quality and varied legal work.
- Ongoing training and development.
- Mentoring and support from experienced colleagues.
- Opportunities to develop specialist expertise.
- Clear pathways for career progression.
- Long-term partnership opportunities for ambitious lawyers.
As we enter our second century, we remain committed to developing the next generation of legal talent.
Employee Benefits
We recognise that attracting and retaining talented people requires more than interesting work. We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your wellbeing, financial security and work-life balance.
Holiday Entitlement
- Minimum of 24 days' annual leave plus bank holidays.
- Additional birthday leave.
- Additional time off over the Christmas period.
- Long-service holiday enhancements.
- Annual holiday buy and sell scheme.
Pension Scheme
- 4% employer contribution.
- 5% employee contribution.
- Additional voluntary contribution options.
Life Assurance
- Three times annual salary death-in-service benefit.
Employee Rewards
- Perkbox membership with discounts across hundreds of national retailers & services.
Flexible Working
- Hybrid and remote working opportunities where appropriate.
Additional Benefits
- On-site parking for eligible roles.
- Supportive and collaborative culture.
- Modern office environment.
- Opportunities to participate in firm events and community initiatives.
Working in Huddersfield, Serving Yorkshire
Our offices are based in Huddersfield, providing an accessible location for professionals living throughout West Yorkshire.
Many of our employees commute from:
- Huddersfield
- Halifax
- Leeds
- Bradford
- Wakefield
- Kirklees and the surrounding areas
- Manchester
For legal professionals seeking high-quality work without sacrificing work-life balance, Eaton Smith offers an attractive alternative to larger city-centre firms.
Be Part of Our Next 100 Years
Reaching our centenary in 2027 is a proud milestone, but we see it as the beginning of our next chapter rather than simply a celebration of the past.
As we continue to grow, we are looking for talented people who want to contribute to the future success of the firm. Whether you are taking the next step in your legal career or seeking a fresh challenge, Eaton Smith offers the opportunity to build something meaningful within a trusted and respected Yorkshire law firm.
Speculative Applications
Even if there is not currently a vacancy that matches your experience, we are always interested in hearing from talented individuals.
If you believe you could make a positive contribution to the firm, please send us your CV together with a brief covering letter outlining your experience, career goals and areas of interest.
Many successful careers at Eaton Smith have started with an informal conversation.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
is committed to promoting equality of opportunity for all employees and applicants. We are dedicated to creating a working environment where everyone can make the best use of their skills and talents, free from discrimination, harassment or unfair treatment. Decisions are made on merit, and all individuals are treated with dignity, respect and fairness.
Contact Our HR Team
To discuss career opportunities in confidence, please contact:
Jonathan Clegg
Head of HR
01484 821311
jonathanclegg@eatonsmith.co.uk
Start the next chapter of your career with Eaton Smith Solicitors and help shape the future of a firm preparing to celebrate 100 years of legal excellence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our current vacancies are listed above and updated regularly as opportunities arise across the firm.
Yes. We welcome speculative applications from talented legal professionals and business support staff.
Many positions offer flexible or hybrid working arrangements, depending on the role and operational requirements.
Our offices are based in Huddersfield, serving clients throughout Yorkshire, the UK and internationally.
We regularly recruit solicitors, legal executives, paralegals, trainees and support staff across numerous legal disciplines.
You will be joining a respected, award-winning Yorkshire law firm approaching its 100th anniversary, offering excellent benefits, career progression opportunities, high-quality legal work and a supportive working environment.
