Group Employment Legal Counsel

DFS; Doncaster; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading furniture retail group is seeking an Employment Lawyer to join its in-house legal team. This hybrid role involves providing expert legal advice on various employment matters, drafting contracts, and managing tribunal claims. Candidates should be qualified solicitors with strong negotiation skills and a proactive approach to legal challenges.

Benefits

Car or car allowance - £6,000 per annum

Annual bonus based on performance

25 days holiday plus 8 bank holidays

Enhanced family leave policies

Paid volunteering day

Generous staff discounts and savings

Private medical insurance for individual and family coverage

Qualifications

• Strong employment law expertise.
• Confident communicator translating complex legal advice into practical guidance.
• Proactive and organized individual thriving in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Providing legal advice on employment matters including contracts and grievance procedures.
• Managing Employment Tribunal claims and advocating at hearings.
• Drafting employment contracts and policies.

Skills

Legal research

Analytical skills

Communication

Negotiation

Risk assessment

Relationship building

Education

Qualified solicitor (4+ years PQE)

Job description

Your new role

We're looking for a passionate Employment Lawyer to join our in-house legal team. This is a fantastic opportunity to play a key role in providing expert legal advice across a wide range of employment matters, partnering with our People and ER teams to help us stay ahead of the curve.

This is a hybrid role based at our Doncaster Group Support Centre, with 2-3 days a week onsite.

What you'll be doing

• Reporting to the Group Senior Legal Counsel (Employment & Commercial), deputising for them when necessary
• Responsible for delivering timely, specialist legal advice on a range of employment matters including contracts, disciplinary and grievance procedures, absence, family leave, redundancy, restructuring, discrimination, and whistleblowing
• Work closely with the ER team on managing and resolving cases, advising on risk and strategy
• Drafting employment contracts and conducting periodic reviews to ensure they reflect best practices and are legally compliant
• Supporting the development and renewal of employment policies in line with legal standards
• Managing Employment Tribunal claims from start to finish, including providing advocacy at preliminary hearings where appropriate
• Preparing and delivering training sessions to educate the Group People team on employment law topics
• Assisting in advising on and implementing employment law aspects of key projects, including large-scale consultations
• Representing the Group positively in interactions with external bodies and opposing Counsel
• Keeping the business updated on legal developments affecting employment policies and practices

The role is for you if...

If you feel you have the skills and experience for this role, we encourage you to apply even if you don't meet all the listed requirements.

• A qualified solicitor (4+ years PQE) with strong employment law expertise
• Excellent research, analytical, and drafting skills
• Confident communicator capable of translating complex legal advice into practical guidance
• Strong negotiation skills and the ability to persuade
• Ability to assess and advise on commercial risks
• Excellent relationship-building skills and a collaborative approach
• A commercially minded professional balancing legal risk with business priorities
• Comfortable working with colleagues at all levels
• A proactive, organized individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment
• In-house experience is a plus but not essential

About DFS

DFS Group is home to DFS, Sofology, and The Sofa Delivery Company — brands committed to bringing great design and comfort into homes responsibly and affordably.

We foster a culture that values diversity, inclusion, and support for our colleagues through various networks and initiatives. We are an equal opportunities employer committed to reflecting the communities we serve.

Benefits include:

• Car or car allowance - £6,000 per annum
• Annual bonus based on performance
• Hybrid working (3 days in Doncaster, 2 days from home)
• 25 days holiday plus 8 bank holidays, with options to buy additional days
• Enhanced family leave policies
• Paid volunteering day
• Generous staff discounts and savings
• Wellbeing perks including Employee Assistance Programme, healthcare, and gym discounts
• Group pension and Sharesave schemes
• Life assurance and sick pay
• Private medical insurance for individual and family coverage