At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead employment law cases, advising clients on complex legal matters and managing a diverse workload.
- Company: Join a top-rated city law firm known for its collaborative culture and market-leading employment practice.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hybrid working, generous holiday, bonuses, and comprehensive health insurance.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team, work with renowned brands, and grow your legal expertise in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Must have at least six years' post-qualification experience in employment law and strong communication skills.
- Other info: Opportunity to mentor junior lawyers and gain experience in both claimant and respondent work.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Ortus Group have been retained by a growing city law firm to attract a high quality and ambitious Employment Legal Director who will work alongside the head of group as the business enters its next stage of growth. This firm is highly rated in both Chambers and The Legal 500 directories as having one of the leading employment practices in the UK. They provide advice across the UK and internationally, with strong alliances across Europe and a brand in the UK that is widely recognised as being market leading.
The firm operates a collegiate one-firm policy, and lawyers in all offices often work together on client matters. The employment team is made up of over 30 lawyers nationally and covers all forms of employment work. The London HQ office, where this role will be based, houses 18 lawyers alone. The successful candidate will be expected to take on a balanced workload of employee and employer work.
At the mid-senior level, employee work is for senior executives, partners and managers and can range from advice on grievance and disciplinary matters, performance management, unfair dismissal, discrimination and whistleblowing issues and claims, assistance with litigation in the Employment Tribunal and High Court including on team moves, and settlement agreements. Employer clients include well-known brands in tech, retail and pharma and a wide range of financial services organisations. Work will include the same matters as well as general day-to-day advice, work on contracts and policies, strategic and management issues, reorganisations and business transfers. We also expect mid-senior level lawyers to be a role model and sounding board for junior lawyers.
Role Requirements
- Excellent attention to detail.
- Excellent organisational and prioritisation skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Ability to multi-task and manage sensitive documents.
- A flexible, ‘can and will do’ attitude with a desire to learn and grow.
- Being proactive, especially in anticipating potential issues.
- Strong oral and written communication skills, particularly the ability to communicate clearly and professionally.
- Excellent client care approach.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage a busy workload.
- Ability to manage client and colleague expectations effectively, including when issues arise.
- Confident user of Microsoft Office products and other common software/applications.
- Strong experience in claimant or respondent work, or both.
- Experience in Tribunal and High Court litigation.
- Minimum of six years’ post-qualification experience.
Benefits
- 28 or 30 days’ holiday (dependent on role and in addition to bank holidays).
- Birthday off as an additional day’s leave.
- Bonus.
- 5% matched pension contributions.
- 26 weeks paid Maternity Leave.
- 6 weeks paid Paternity Leave.
- Eye tests.
- Hybrid working (usually three days in the office and two days from home).
- Private Medical Insurance.
- Income Protection Insurance.
- Life Assurance.
- Household and lifestyle shopping discounts.
Please get in touch to find out more.
Dan Sill - Ortus Group
Contact Detail:
Ortus Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Legal Director (Employment)
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the legal field, especially those who specialise in employment law. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and learn more about the firm's culture and values.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends and developments in employment law, particularly those relevant to the sectors the firm serves, such as tech and finance. This knowledge will help you engage in meaningful conversations during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with both claimant and respondent work, as well as any litigation experience you have in Employment Tribunals and the High Court. Be ready to share specific examples that highlight your skills and achievements.
✨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your proactive approach by thinking of potential challenges the firm might face in their employment practice and how you could contribute solutions. This shows your forward-thinking mindset and commitment to the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Legal Director (Employment)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in employment law, particularly any work with senior executives or complex litigation. Emphasise your organisational skills and ability to manage sensitive documents.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the firm. Mention specific cases or experiences that demonstrate your expertise in both claimant and respondent work, and how you can contribute to the firm's growth.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since strong oral and written communication skills are crucial for this role, consider including examples of how you've effectively communicated complex legal issues to clients or colleagues in your application.
Highlight Team Collaboration: Given the firm's collegiate approach, mention instances where you've successfully worked as part of a team on client matters. This will show that you can thrive in a collaborative environment.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ortus Group
✨Showcase Your Expertise
Make sure to highlight your experience in both claimant and respondent work. Be prepared to discuss specific cases you've handled, especially those involving complex employment issues like unfair dismissal or discrimination.
✨Demonstrate Team Collaboration
Since the firm values a collegiate approach, share examples of how you've successfully worked within a team. Discuss any instances where you collaborated with colleagues on client matters, showcasing your ability to contribute to a collective effort.
✨Exhibit Strong Communication Skills
Prepare to demonstrate your oral and written communication skills during the interview. You might be asked to explain complex legal concepts clearly, so practice articulating your thoughts in a professional manner.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Anticipate questions that may require you to think on your feet, such as how you would handle a sensitive client issue or manage expectations during a challenging case. This will show your proactive attitude and problem-solving abilities.