Job Purpose
To provide autonomous, accurate and legally robust employment law advice, representation and casework across the Council. The Employment Lawyer will advise client departments and HR colleagues on a broad range of employment matters, manage an independent caseload and provide practical, solution-focused advice that supports lawful, effective and timely decision-making.
The post holder will manage Employment Tribunal matters, provide advice on complex workforce issues, represent the Council where required, and contribute to the development of effective legal processes, guidance and governance arrangements.
- Manage an autonomous caseload of employment law matters, providing timely, accurate and commercially proportionate legal advice.
- Provide expert legal advice to client departments and HR colleagues on all aspects of employment law and workforce practice.
- Advise on disciplinary, grievance, capability, attendance management, whistleblowing and safeguarding matters.
- Advise on employment status, contracts, contractual disputes and workforce policies and procedures.
- Provide legal advice on equality, discrimination, harassment, diversity and inclusion matters.
- Manage Employment Tribunal claims and associated employment litigation from initial instruction through to resolution.
- Prepare pleadings, witness statements, case strategies, schedules and other legal documentation to a high professional standard.
- Represent the Council at Employment Tribunals, hearings, committees and other relevant proceedings as required.
- Instruct and liaise with external counsel and other legal professionals where appropriate.
- Advise client departments on litigation risks, prospects of success, settlement options and appropriate case strategy.
- Draft, review and negotiate legal documents, agreements, contracts and employment-related documentation.
- Provide clear and practical advice on legal and procedural requirements, supporting effective and lawful operational decision-making.
- Maintain accurate case records, time recording, billing and file management in accordance with legal service procedures.
- Contribute to the development and improvement of legal templates, precedents, processes, policies and guidance.
- Provide training and guidance to client departments on relevant employment law issues and developments.
- Support and mentor junior colleagues, including trainee solicitors and solicitor apprentices, where required.
- Keep up to date with developments in employment law, case law, legislation and relevant public sector practice.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues across Legal Services, HR, governance and Council departments.
- Ensure compliance with Council policies and procedures, including equality, safeguarding, confidentiality, health and safety and financial requirements.
- Undertake other duties commensurate with the level and responsibilities of the post.
- Admitted Solicitor, Barrister or Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (FCILEx).
- Demonstrable post-qualification experience in employment law, with the ability to manage matters autonomously.
- Strong knowledge and practical experience of employment law and Employment Tribunal procedures.
- Experience advising on disciplinary, grievance, capability, attendance, whistleblowing and safeguarding matters.
- Experience advising on equality, discrimination, harassment, diversity and inclusion issues.
- Experience advising on employment status, contractual matters and workforce policies.
- Demonstrable experience managing Employment Tribunal claims and employment-related litigation.
- Experience preparing pleadings, witness statements, case strategies and other litigation documentation.
- Experience representing clients before Employment Tribunals, courts, committees or other relevant hearings.
- Strong legal research, analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to assess risk and provide proportionate, solution-focused advice.
- Excellent advocacy, negotiation, drafting and written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to explain complex legal issues and risks clearly to non-legal professionals and senior stakeholders.
- Strong judgement and decision-making skills, particularly when dealing with sensitive or contentious employment matters.
- Ability to prioritise and manage a demanding caseload independently while meeting statutory and organisational deadlines.
- Strong organisational skills and the ability to plan and manage work over both short and longer-term timescales.
- Ability to work effectively and collaboratively as part of a wider legal and corporate team.
- Understanding of local government law, governance, constitutional arrangements and public sector decision-making is desirable.
- Previous local government or wider public sector legal experience is desirable.
- Experience using legal case management and administrative systems is desirable.
- Evidence of continuing professional development.
- Additional specialist legal training or higher rights of audience accreditation would be desirable.
- Ability to handle sensitive, confidential and potentially distressing case material with professionalism and discretion.
- Commitment to equality, diversity, customer-focused service delivery and high professional standards.
- Ability to work effectively in a fully remote environment.
- Hours per Week: Full-time
- Location: Fully remote
- Bi-Weekly Payments: Paid bi-weekly
