At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our legal team to provide expert advice on employment matters and support our People and ER teams.
- Company: DFS is the UK's leading sofa retail specialist, creating stylish sofas since 1969.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, generous holiday, enhanced family leave, and great staff discounts.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team shaping employment policies and making a real impact in the business.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor with 4+ years PQE and strong employment law expertise; in-house experience is a plus.
- Other info: Don't worry if you don't meet all requirements; we welcome your application if you have relevant skills.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
We’re looking for an 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.
What you\’ll be doing
- Delivering specialist legal advice on employment matters, including contracts, disciplinaries, grievances, family leave, redundancy, discrimination, and whistleblowing.
- Supporting our ER team with case management, helping to resolve issues effectively.
- Drafting and reviewing employment contracts to ensure they reflect best practice and are legally up to date.
- Shaping our employment policies and procedures, ensuring they align with our Group’s values and legal obligations.
- Managing Employment Tribunal claims from start to finish, including advocacy at preliminary hearings where appropriate.
- Delivering training sessions to upskill our People team on employment law topics.
- Supporting the business on large-scale projects with employment law implications, including major consultations.
- Keeping the business informed on employment law developments, providing regular updates on key changes.
The role is for you if…
Don\’t worry if you don\’t meet all of the requirements – if you feel that you have the skills and experience for this role, then we\’d really welcome your application.
- A qualified solicitor (4+ years PQE) with strong employment law expertise.
- A confident legal expert with excellent research, analytical, and drafting skills.
- A natural communicator who can break down complex legal advice into clear, practical guidance.
- A commercially minded professional who balances legal risk with business priorities.
- A relationship builder, comfortable working with colleagues at all levels of the business.
- A proactive, organised individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment.
- Previous in-house experience is a plus, but not essential.
About DFS
Did you know a DFS sofa is in one-third of Britain’s homes?
Since 1969, we’ve been creating, marketing, and selling sofas that reflect people’s unique styles and tastes. We’ve always led the market, bringing comfort and great design to communities both online and in person.
We’re the UK’s leading sofa retail specialist, but here’s the secret to our success – it’s our people. They’re at the heart of what we do, and together, they’re crafting us towards our ambitious future.
Benefits
- Annual bonus based on business performance.
- Hybrid working – 3 days in Doncaster, 2 days from home.
- 24 days’ holiday + 8 bank holidays, with the option to buy up to 5 extra days.
- Enhanced family leave – including maternity, paternity, shared parental, and adoption leave.
- Paid volunteering day to support a cause you care about.
- Generous staff discounts – 30% off DFS and Sofology products, plus big-brand savings at ASOS, IKEA, and more.
- Wellbeing perks – including an Employee Assistance Programme, healthcare services, and discounted gym memberships.
- Pension & savings – Group pension and Sharesave schemes.
- Life assurance & sick pay for added peace of mind.
- Private medical insurance (individual cover).
Location: Doncaster, United Kingdom (Incl. Northern Ireland)
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Group Employment Legal Counsel employer: DFS Furniture PLC
Contact Detail:
DFS Furniture PLC Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Group Employment Legal Counsel
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the latest developments in employment law, especially those relevant to the retail sector. This will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your proactive approach to staying informed.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the legal and HR fields, particularly those who have experience in in-house roles. Engaging with them can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed employment issues in the past. Highlight your ability to balance legal risks with business priorities, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your communication skills by practicing how to explain complex legal concepts in simple terms. This will be key when discussing your approach to training sessions with the People team.
We think you need these skills to ace Group Employment Legal Counsel
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take the time to thoroughly read the job description for the Group Employment Legal Counsel position. Make sure you understand the key responsibilities and required skills, as this will help you tailor your application effectively.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasize your experience in employment law, particularly any relevant cases or projects you've worked on. Mention your ability to provide clear legal advice and your experience with drafting contracts and managing tribunal claims.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since the role requires breaking down complex legal concepts into practical guidance, include examples in your application that demonstrate your strong communication skills. Highlight any experience you have in delivering training or working collaboratively with teams.
Tailor Your Cover Letter: Craft a personalized cover letter that reflects your understanding of DFS's values and how your skills align with their needs. Mention your proactive approach and ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment, as these traits are essential for the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at DFS Furniture PLC
✨Showcase Your Employment Law Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your experience with various employment law matters, such as contracts, grievances, and discrimination. Highlight specific cases where you've successfully navigated complex legal issues.
✨Demonstrate Your Communication Skills
As a natural communicator, you should be ready to explain how you break down complex legal advice into clear, practical guidance. Consider sharing examples of how you've effectively communicated with non-legal colleagues.
✨Emphasize Your Commercial Mindset
Discuss how you balance legal risks with business priorities. Provide examples of how your legal advice has positively impacted business decisions or projects in the past.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios. Think about how you would handle specific employment law challenges and be ready to articulate your thought process.