Employment Lawyer

West Midlands Police; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional law enforcement agency in Birmingham seeks an Employment Lawyer to provide legal advice and representation. Responsibilities include handling employment matters, advising on policy and tribunal cases, and collaborating with stakeholders. Applicants should have a legal qualification expected within three months and relevant experience in employment law. This position offers competitive benefits and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Competitive pay

Pension schemes

Enhanced leave

Wellbeing support

Qualifications

• Legal qualification expected within 3 months.
• Experience in employment claims and public sector dealings desirable.

Responsibilities

• Advise clients in legal matters before Courts & Tribunals.
• Prepare Tribunal files including legal advice.
• Instruct Counsel and coordinate external legal services.

Skills

Legal advice in Employment Law

Advocacy

Client representation

Education

Legal qualification (Solicitor, Barrister, or Chartered Legal Executive)

Job description

The Employment Lawyer will provide legal advice and representation under the general direction of the Director of Joint Legal Services (JLS). As a Solicitor, you will work collaboratively with clients, colleagues, and stakeholders to deliver comprehensive legal services to the Chief Constable and Police and Crime Commissioner for Staffordshire and West Midlands Police.

Your primary responsibilities will include advising on employment matters such as employee relations, policies, restructures, defending employment tribunal cases (including advocacy), liaising with external stakeholders like Counsel, and supporting high-profile cases within the Employment Team.

Responsibilities

• Advise and represent clients in legal proceedings before Courts & Tribunals, including advocacy where required.
• Prepare files for Tribunal, including statements, disclosures, bundles, and legal advice on merits.
• Instruct Counsel and prepare for hearings.
• Coordinate with external legal services, including Counsel.
• Provide timely legal advice on Employment Law, Tribunal, County Court matters, and Pension issues.
• Support senior team members and assist in witness preparation for trials.
• Manage a complex caseload involving advice and advocacy.
• Draft legal documents as needed.

Experience and Qualifications

• Legal qualification (Solicitor, Barrister, or Chartered Legal Executive) expected within 3 months.
• Experience in employment claims, non-contentious employment matters, and public sector or union dealings is desirable.

Prospective officers and staff are held to high standards of behaviour and accountability, with privacy considerations in certain circumstances to ensure professionalism and accountability in police powers.

Hours: Core service hours required.

Location: Lloyd House, Birmingham.

Vetting: Successful applicants must pass Management Vetting and Security Clearance, including background and financial checks.

Medical: Medical, drugs, and fitness tests may be required.

Interviews: Dates to be confirmed.

Contact: For more information, contact Michael Smith at [e-mail].

West Midlands Police is a Disability Confident Leader and operates a 'Disability Confident Interview Scheme' to ensure fair opportunity for disabled candidates.

We may limit interviews for disabled candidates in high-volume or seasonal recruitment to select those who best meet the essential criteria.

Diversity and Inclusion: We aim to maximize potential through fairness and inclusion to serve our communities effectively.

Joining West Midlands Police includes benefits like competitive pay, pension schemes, enhanced leave, discounts, and wellbeing support.