Senior Lawyer (Employment) - Surrey County Council

Michael Page (UK); Greater London; On-site; GBP 59,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading local authority in Greater London is seeking an Employment Senior Lawyer to join their legal team. This pivotal role involves advising on various employment law matters, managing tribunal cases, and supporting Human Resources. Ideal candidates will be qualified Solicitors, Barristers, or Cilex Fellows with substantial employment law expertise. The role offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits including generous leave and wellness support.

Benefits

26 days' holiday plus public holidays

Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave

Family Friendly policies

Extensive Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

Local government pension scheme

Lifestyle discounts for gym, travel, shopping

Paid volunteering days

Learning and development hub access

Qualifications

• Substantial experience in employment law required.
• Ability to provide clear, accurate, practical advice.
• Experience in both contentious and non-contentious matters.

Responsibilities

• Provide solutions focused advice on employment law matters.
• Manage Employment Tribunal cases and liaise with ACAS.
• Assist in training and supervising junior team members.

Skills

Employment law expertise

Legal advice

Client management

Tribunal case management

Education

Qualified Solicitor, Barrister or Cilex Fellow

Job description

• Wide-ranging in-house employment counsel role with Surrey County Council
• Working with Human Resources to provide Legal support on employment matters

About Our Client

Our Client is Surrey County Council.

Job Description

As an Employment Senior Lawyer, you will be expected to carry out a range of key responsibilities, which will include:

• Providing solutions focused advice on Employment law matters to the Council, Surrey Fire and Rescue and Surrey schools
• Working with Human Resources to provide practical support and technical legal advice on a wide range of matters including disciplinary action, grievances, discrimination, whistleblowing, recruitment matters, restructures, TUPE and exit strategies
• Managing Employment Tribunal cases on behalf of the Council and liaising with ACAS in relation to conciliation including drafting responses to claims and advocacy at some hearings
• Instruct and manage suppliers of external legal services such as solicitors and barristers in accordance with client requirements
• Running internal training and providing legal updates on relevant topics and advising Members and Senior Officers of the Council

The role will also involve assisting with management and supervision of junior members of the team, including trainees and paralegals including ensuring the effective use of the Council's case management systems and work in accordance with the standards set out in the team's Lexcel manual and policies and procedures.

The Successful Applicant

The successful candidate will

• be a qualified Solicitor, Barrister or Cilex Fellow with substantial experience of the law and practice in the area of employment law.
• have experience of both contentious and non-contentious matters and the ability to work with clients at all levels and give clear, accurate and practical advice

NB: Surrey County Council welcomes applications from candidates with relevant experience from both the public and private sector. Candidates with private sector experience should have a solid understanding of how local authorities operate and demonstrate their ability to transfer knowledge and skills to successfully deliver advice within local government.

What's on Offer

The starting salary for this role is £59,868 to £65,755 per annum depending on experience. This salary is based on a 36-hour working week.

Additional benefits:

• 26 days' holiday plus public holidays (prorated for part time staff), rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 30 days after 5 years' service
• Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
• Family Friendly policies including excellent Maternity, Paternity and Adoption entitlements and up to 5 days carer's leave per year
• An extensive Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) supporting health and wellbeing
• A generous local government salary related pension
• Lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, shopping and many more
• 2 paid volunteering days plus 1 team volunteering day per year
• Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources