At Thorntons Law, every moment matters. Join us as an Employment Associate and you’ll feel inspired. You’ll feel connected. You’ll feel like you belong. And it all begins from the moment you join us.

That’s because we’ve created a different kind of law firm. Here, you’ll build relationships with clients and colleagues that really last. You’ll help shape what happens now, and what comes next. And we’ll support and encourage you to be the best you can be.

This is what life at Thorntons is all about. And this is your moment to be part of it.

About the role

At Thorntons, our Employment team advises clients across a broad range of sectors on the full spectrum of employment law matters, helping them navigate complex workplace issues with confidence. From high-growth businesses and owner-managed companies to public sector organisations and established national employers, we provide pragmatic legal advice tailored to our clients’ commercial objectives.

As part of a highly regarded team, you’ll work across a varied mix of contentious and non-contentious employment matters, with a particular focus on contentious work. This is an excellent opportunity to further develop your expertise within a collaborative and supportive team, working closely with clients across a diverse range of industries. It’s about:

• Employment Disputes – advising clients on a broad range of employment disputes including unfair dismissal, discrimination, whistleblowing and breach of contract claims
• Tribunal Litigation – assisting with the preparation and defence of Employment Tribunal proceedings, representing clients at hearings and participating in judicial mediations
• Advisory Work – providing practical day-to-day advice on disciplinary, grievance, absence management and workplace policies and procedures
• Transactional Support – supporting our high-growth and innovations teams on transactional matters including mergers and acquisitions, due diligence and TUPE-related issues
• Employment Contracts and Agreements – drafting and reviewing employment contracts, consultancy agreements, service agreements and Non-Executive Director (NXD) appointments
• Restructuring and Workforce Change – advising clients on restructures, redundancies, settlement agreements and negotiated exits with sensitivity and commercial awareness
• Restrictive Covenants and Business Protection – collaborating with dispute resolution colleagues on matters involving restrictive covenants and post-termination obligations
• Client Training and Thought Leadership – delivering client training sessions and webinars, as well as drafting articles, blogs and legal updates on employment law developments
• Client Relationships – developing trusted relationships by delivering commercially focused advice aligned with clients’ business objectives
• Collaboration – working closely with colleagues across the firm to deliver integrated legal solutions and excellent client service

What you’ll need

We’re looking for:

• A lawyer with established experience in Employment Law, ideally at Associate level, although candidates outwith this level are encouraged to apply
• Experience handling a mix of contentious and non-contentious employment law matters
• Strong knowledge of employment and discrimination law
• Experience of Employment Tribunal litigation and advocacy support
• Some experience of transactional work, including M&A and TUPE matters, would be advantageous
• Excellent drafting, negotiation and communication skills
• A commercial and solutions-focused mindset
• The ability to manage a varied workload and work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative team
• A proactive and enthusiastic approach to business development, networking and client service

Why Thorntons

• A genuinely varied mix of contentious, advisory and transactional employment matters across a diverse client base
• The opportunity to play an active role in established and new client relationships
• Working with colleagues across the firm on complex and high-profile matters
• A supportive and approachable culture where collaboration, mentoring and development are genuinely valued.
• An environment that values practical thinking, commercial awareness and delivering solutions that make a real difference to clients
• High-quality work while being part of a firm that appreciates the importance on flexibility, wellbeing and work-life balance

What we offer

We offer much more than just a competitive salary, and we’re committed to looking after our people in every way. Here’s just some of the benefits available:

Benefits

• 39 Days Annual Leave (includes 5 fixed public holidays)
• Contributory Pension Scheme with salary exchange
• Private Medical Insurance
• Critical Illness Cover
• Income Protection Cover
• Group Life Assurance
• Exceptional maternity, paternity, partner and adoption leave packages
• Assisted Conception & IVF Leave
• Health care cash plan to support everyday health expenses
• 24-hour wellbeing support
• Free Legal fees for moving home and life planning
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Gym Discounts
• Retail Discounts
• Hybrid Working

Professional development

Access to a wide range of opportunities to build your expertise and advance your career, through courses, specialist accreditations, training, or business skills development.

Belonging

At Thorntons, we embrace diversity and are committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.

As a Disability Confident employer, we want to ensure that everyone has a positive experience when applying to join us. If you have a disability or are neurodivergent and need any adjustments during the recruitment process, just let us know — we’ll do everything we can to support you.

We work flexibly to meet the needs of our clients and our people. While not every role is the same, most offer a hybrid working pattern. We’ll work with you to agree the right arrangement that supports you, the role, and our clients.

Make the moment matter

If you’re looking for a career with a different kind of law firm, this is the moment to find out more - and apply.

Choosing the right company is about more than just the work—it’s about the people, the culture, and the opportunities to grow. At Thorntons Law, we’ve built something different. We’re one of Scotland’s largest and most respected full-service legal firms, but more importantly, we’re a firm that invests in you—your development, your ambitions, and your future.

All you need to do is apply here OR send a CV to opportunities@thorntons-law.co.uk and we’ll be in touch.