Designed for the experienced and independent

Watershed is not a place for juniors cutting their teeth or for those seeking a rigid partner track. We are built for seasoned employment solicitors, typically qualified for eight or more years, who are confident in their craft and ready for a different kind of legal career.

Our lawyers are client-facing, commercially astute, and adept at managing complex matters from instruction to resolution. They have often trained or worked in large firms, in-house teams, or top-ranked smaller growing firms, and they come to Watershed for more autonomy, not less.

This is not a stepping stone. It is a platform, for those who want to deepen their advisory work, shape their practice, and contribute meaningfully to a growing firm.

What we call ourselves (and what we mean)

We use the term ‘consultant solicitor’, but do not let that mislead you. Our consultants are employed, not contractors.

There is no umbrella company, no self-employment, no fee splits. You are a salaried employee, with the same security and benefits as any senior lawyer in a well-run firm.

The title is a legacy of our integration with Collinson Grant, our consultancy partner.

Internally, we focus less on job titles and more on impact. Career progression exists, it is just not modelled on the traditional ladder. Recognition here comes through influence, contribution, and, for some, statutory directorship.

The qualities we value

Watershed lawyers tend to share certain traits. If this sounds like you, you will likely fit in, and flourish:

  • Autonomy with accountability – You enjoy owning your work and your time, and you do not need managing. But you also take responsibility, stay communicative, and put the client first.
  • Low ego, high standards – You are not chasing status or internal politics. You care more about doing good work than appearing important.
  • Team-minded, not territorial – You see colleagues as allies, not competitors. You will share a case load, offer a second view, and never hoard work.
  • Client-focused and commercially aware – You think beyond black-letter law. You know how businesses work and why good advice sometimes means offering a better path, not just a correct one.

Space to practise your way

We recognise that experienced lawyers work best in different ways, and at different paces. Some of our team want to lead major investigations and manage high-stakes advocacy.

Others prefer to focus on nuanced advisory work or specialise in complex redundancy exercises. We support both. There is no mould to fit into, only the space to build a practice that plays to your strengths.

That includes how you work. While we are not repeating our cultural stance here, which is covered elsewhere, suffice to say you will have freedom to develop professionally in ways that suit your career stage.

Who we are not right for

We are upfront about fit. Watershed will not suit everyone, and that is intentional.

If you are looking for a training ground, a rigid career ladder, or a high-volume caseload of routine matters, this is not the place.

If you thrive on prestige, status, or internal competition, we wish you well elsewhere. And if you need close supervision or are not yet comfortable managing clients independently, our model may not give you what you need.

But if you are an experienced employment solicitor who wants to do high-calibre work with smart, grounded colleagues – without the baggage of traditional firms – then we would like to hear from you.