The pathway
How you actually get there, here
How you become one varies far more by country than what one does. This is the UK route. Most people take one of these ways in; the right one depends on where you're starting from.
- 1
Senior Employment Counsel (In-House)
3-5 years as a Senior CounselSkills to master
- Deep expertise in a specific area of employment law (e.g., wage & hour, investigations), managing a complex caseload, and providing advice to senior business partners.
You're ready to move on when
- You've successfully led multiple complex internal investigations independently.
- You've managed employment litigation matters from start to finish, including working with outside counsel.
- You're regularly sought out by HR and business leaders for advice on tricky employment issues.
- You've mentored junior team members or paralegals.
- 2
Senior Associate / Junior Partner (Private Practice)
8-12 years PQE in a top-tier employment practiceSkills to master
- Client management, business development, managing a team of junior lawyers, deep specialisation in employment litigation or advisory work, and managing client budgets.
You're ready to move on when
- You've managed a significant portfolio of employment law clients and matters.
- You've handled complex employment tribunal claims and high court litigation.
- You're responsible for managing junior fee-earners and delegating work effectively.
- You have a strong reputation in the market for your employment law expertise.
- 3
Government Agency Lawyer (e.g., EHRC, ACAS)
5-8 years in a relevant government legal roleSkills to master
- Deep understanding of regulatory enforcement, policy development, public sector employment law, and advising government bodies.
You're ready to move on when
- You've played a key role in enforcing employment legislation or advising on policy development.
- You have a strong understanding of the public sector approach to employment law and dispute resolution.
- You've managed complex legal projects within a government framework.
- You're comfortable navigating political and public interest considerations in legal advice.