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- Tasks: Provide expert legal advice on employment matters and support the ER team.
- Company: Join DFS, the UK's leading sofa retail specialist since 1969, known for comfort and design.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, generous holiday, enhanced family leave, and staff discounts.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team shaping employment policies and making a real impact.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor with 4+ years PQE and strong employment law expertise required.
- Other info: Previous in-house experience is a plus, but not essential.
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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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
Familiarise yourself with the latest employment law developments in the UK. Being well-versed in current legislation and recent case law will not only boost your confidence but also demonstrate your commitment to staying ahead in the field.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the legal and HR sectors. Attend industry events or webinars where you can connect with others who work in employment law. This can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals or recommendations.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss real-life scenarios during interviews. Think of examples from your past experience where you've successfully managed employment issues or provided legal advice, as this will showcase your practical skills and problem-solving abilities.
✨Tip Number 4
Research DFS's company culture and values. Understanding their approach to employee relations and how they align with your own values will help you articulate why you're a great fit for the team during your interview.
We think you need these skills to ace Group Employment Legal Counsel
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in employment law, particularly any work related to contracts, grievances, and tribunal claims. Use specific examples that demonstrate your expertise and achievements in these areas.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Highlight your qualifications, such as your PQE and any in-house experience, and explain how your skills align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since the role requires breaking down complex legal advice, provide examples in your application of how you've effectively communicated legal concepts to non-legal colleagues or stakeholders in the past.
Demonstrate Proactivity: Mention instances where you took the initiative in previous roles, whether it was leading training sessions on employment law or managing casework efficiently. This will show that you thrive in a fast-paced environment and can contribute positively to the team.
How to prepare for a job interview at DFS Furniture PLC
✨Know Your Employment Law
Brush up on key employment law topics relevant to the role, such as contracts, discrimination, and whistleblowing. Being able to discuss these areas confidently will demonstrate your expertise and readiness for the position.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a natural communicator, you’ll need to break down complex legal advice into clear guidance. Prepare examples of how you've successfully communicated legal concepts to non-legal colleagues in the past.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Awareness
Be ready to discuss how you balance legal risks with business priorities. Think of instances where your legal advice positively impacted business decisions or outcomes, showcasing your understanding of the commercial landscape.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios. Prepare to discuss how you would handle specific employment issues, such as managing a grievance or advising on redundancy processes.
