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- Tasks: Join our legal team to provide expert advice on employment matters and manage Tribunal claims.
- Company: DFS is the UK's leading sofa retailer, creating stylish sofas since 1969.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, annual bonus, and generous staff discounts.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team that values its people and fosters professional growth.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor with 4+ years PQE in employment law and strong communication skills.
- Other info: Opportunity for paid volunteering and enhanced family leave.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ 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. We offer hybrid working with our '3 days together, 2 days wherever' approach, so this role will be a mix of working from our Doncaster Support office and home.
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.
What you’ll be doing:
- Reporting to the Group Senior Legal Counsel (Employment & Commercial), deputising for them when necessary.
- Responsible and accountable for the delivery of timely, specialist legal advice on a range of contentious and non-contentious employment matters including contracts, disciplinary and grievance, absence, family leave, redundancy and restructuring, discrimination, whistleblowing.
- Work closely with the ER function on day to day matters advising on managing and resolving cases, identifying and managing risk, with a focus on strategy.
- Draft contracts of employment and undertake periodic reviews, responsible for ensuring they reflect best practice and are kept legally up to date.
- Support the Group People function in drafting, developing and renewing the Group’s employment policies, ensuring they reflect best practice.
- Leading the day to day management of Employment Tribunal claims from start to finish with minimal supervision and where appropriate providing advocacy at preliminary Tribunal hearings. Advising on legal and commercial risks and setting the defence strategy.
- Prepare and deliver presentations/training sessions to educate and up-skill the Group People team on a variety of topics.
- Support the Group Senior Legal Counsel - Employment and Group General Counsel in advising on and implementing key projects with employment law aspects, including those which involve large scale consultations.
- Represent the Group companies positively in interactions with external bodies and opposing Counsel.
- Responsible for keeping the business up to date with legal developments and horizon scanning for changes which will impact policy and practice, preparing regular legal updates for circulation to relevant business areas.
The role is for you if...
- 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.
- Strong drafting and negotiation skills with a well-honed ability to persuade both clients and opponents.
- Ability and confidence to give tailored legal advice which reflects sound judgement of commercial risk.
- Great at building relationships so that you can work as a true business partner, giving reasoned opinions on strategy and approach, not just a list of options.
- 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.
DFS Benefits:
- Car or car allowance.
- Annual bonus based on business performance.
- Hybrid working – 3 days in Doncaster, 2 days from home.
- 25 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).
Group Employment Legal Counsel employer: DFS
Contact Detail:
DFS Recruiting Team
VPDE0067AF.567@vacancyposter.com
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Group Employment Legal Counsel
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with DFS's business model and values. Understanding how they operate and what they stand for will help you tailor your conversations during interviews, showing that you're not just a legal expert but also a great cultural fit.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of DFS, especially those in the legal department. They can provide valuable insights into the company culture and the specific challenges faced by the legal team, which can help you prepare more effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on recent developments in employment law, particularly those that may impact retail businesses. Being able to discuss current trends and their implications during your interview will demonstrate your proactive approach and expertise.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to showcase your ability to communicate complex legal concepts clearly. Consider preparing examples from your past experience where you've successfully simplified legal advice for non-legal colleagues, as this is a key skill for the role.
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 in-house roles. Emphasise your skills in drafting contracts, managing tribunal claims, and providing legal advice.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, explain why you are passionate about employment law and how your background aligns with the role at DFS. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to provide clear, practical legal guidance.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since the role requires excellent communication skills, include examples of how you've effectively communicated complex legal concepts to non-legal colleagues or clients. This will show your ability to be a true business partner.
Highlight Your Proactivity: Demonstrate your proactive nature by discussing instances where you've anticipated legal issues or changes in legislation and how you addressed them. This will reflect your ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
How to prepare for a job interview at DFS
✨Know Your Employment Law
Make sure you brush up on the latest developments in employment law. Be prepared to discuss recent cases or changes in legislation that could impact the role. This shows your commitment and expertise in the field.
✨Demonstrate Your Communication Skills
As a legal counsel, you'll need to convey complex legal concepts clearly. Practice explaining intricate legal issues in simple terms, as this will be crucial when advising non-legal colleagues.
✨Showcase Your Relationship-Building Abilities
Highlight examples from your past where you've successfully built relationships with stakeholders. This role requires collaboration with various teams, so demonstrating your interpersonal skills will be key.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific employment law scenarios. Think through potential challenges you might face in the role and prepare your responses to showcase your problem-solving skills.
