Employment Lawyer

CRA Group Limited; Greater London; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A public sector organization in Greater London seeks a qualified legal professional to provide specialist advice on employment law and manage complex legal matters. You will directly advise senior officers, draft legal documents, and represent the organization in Employment Tribunals. Ideal candidates will have significant experience in employment law, including advocacy skills, and must be able to work independently. The role contributes to achieving the Council's strategic objectives and promotes excellent employment practices.

Qualifications

• Qualified legal professional with expertise in employment law.
• Proven experience managing a caseload of employment law matters.
• Experience drafting complex legal documents such as contracts and settlement agreements.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver strategies for employment law issues.
• Manage a caseload of employment law matters with minimal supervision.
• Provide legal advice and represent in Employment Tribunals.

Skills

Advising on employment law

Managing complex cases

Drafting legal documentation

Advocacy

Communication skills

Education

Qualified Solicitor, Barrister (England & Wales) or Fellow of CILEX

Tools

Legal case management system

Job description

Responsibilities

• To contribute to the development and delivery of corporate and service strategies, policies and operational plans that secure the achievement of service and Council objectives.
• To manage a caseload of routine and complex employment law matters with minimal supervision.
• To provide clear, consistent, timely and accurate employment law advice and representation to clients across the Council, supporting effective people management and lawful decision-making.
• To provide specialist employment law advice to Members, senior officers, managers and HR colleagues on a wide range of employment‑related matters including (but not limited to) disciplinary and grievance issues, restructures, redundancies, TUPE, equality matters, industrial relations and workforce change.
• To undertake advocacy and representation on behalf of the Council in Employment Tribunals and other courts or tribunals, including preliminary hearings and full hearings where appropriate.
• To draft complex legal documentation including contracts of employment, settlement agreements, policies, procedures, pleadings, witness statements and instructions to counsel.
• To deliver training sessions, seminars and briefings on employment law issues to managers, HR professionals, Members and other stakeholders.
• To research, analyse and interpret legislation, case law and best practice developments in employment law and advise on their implications for the Council.
• To ensure compliance with the Service's practice management standards, including effective case planning, file management and risk management.
• To use the case management system effectively and accurately record chargeable hours per annum required for the post, or such other outcome‑focused targets as may be set by the Head of Service or Director of Legal and Governance.
• To provide performance, management and financial data as required by the Service promptly and accurately.
• To ensure that all work is delivered in accordance with agreed service standards, client care protocols and any formal arrangements with internal or external clients.
• To support the Council in achieving its strategic aims and corporate objectives, including promoting equality, fairness and good employment practice.
• To play a full and active role within the Legal & Governance Services team, attending team meetings, briefings and working collaboratively with colleagues.
• To participate in client liaison arrangements, attend meetings as required and implement agreed client care procedures.
• To keep up to date with developments in employment law, HR practice and relevant local authority services, assessing the impact of such changes on the Council, and to take responsibility for continuous professional development.
• To notify Legal Partners, the Head of Service and the Director of Legal & Governance of any instructions, risks or events that may result in legal non‑compliance, maladministration or reputational risk to the Council.
• To supervise and mentor junior staff, trainees or legal assistants when required.
• To attend evening meetings as required and represent the Council at external meetings, Council committees, hearings and working groups, which may fall outside normal office hours.
• To work collaboratively with clients to ensure a customer‑focused, pragmatic and holistic approach to employment law service delivery.
• To demonstrate and contribute to an ambitious, agile and modern legal service with a strong understanding of the Council's priorities and transformation programme.
• To undertake any other duties appropriate to the grade and nature of the role as reasonably required by the Head of Service.

Qualifications

• Qualified Solicitor, Barrister (England & Wales) or Fellow of CILEX
• Proven experience managing a caseload of employment law matters, including complex cases
• Strong experience providing clear, accurate and practical employment law advice
• Experience of advocacy in Employment Tribunals
• Experience drafting complex employment documentation (e.g. contracts, pleadings, policies, settlement agreements)
• Ability to work with minimal supervision and manage competing priorities
• Experience using a legal case management system
• Ability to meet chargeable hours or performance targets
• Strong knowledge of employment legislation and case law
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work effectively with senior officers, Members, HR teams and external stakeholders
• Strong commitment to confidentiality, equality, diversity and professional standards