At a Glance
- 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 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Job Type: Permanent Job Sector: Legal Region: Yorkshire Location: Doncaster Salary Description: Competitive + Car Allwance + Bonus + Benefits Posted: 05/06/2025 Recruiter: DFS Job Ref: dfs/TP/113423/2587 Job Views: 2
We’re looking for anEmployment Lawyerto 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 DFSDid 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 doingReporting to the Group Senior Legal Counsel (Employment & Commercial), deputising for them when necessaryResponsible 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, whistleblowingWork closely with the ER function on day to day matters advising on managing and resolving cases, identifying and managing risk, with a focus on strategyDraft contracts of employment and undertake periodic reviews, responsible for ensuring they reflect best practice and are kept legally up to dateSupport 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 topicsSupport 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 consultationsRepresent 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 areasThe 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.Aqualified 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 negtotiation skillls with a well honed ability to persuade both clients andopponentsAbility and confidence to give tailored legal advice hwich reflects sound judgement of commercial riskGreat 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 BenefitsCar orcar allowanceAnnual bonusbased 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 dayto 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 payfor added peace of mind.Private medical insurance(individual cover)
Contact Details: DFS
Tel: 000 000 0000
Contact: Stacey Williams
Email:
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Group Employment Legal Counsel employer: DFS
Contact Detail:
DFS Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Group Employment Legal Counsel
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with DFS's company culture and values. Understanding how they prioritise their people and the importance of teamwork will help you align your approach during interviews and discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare to discuss specific employment law cases you've handled in the past. Highlight your experience in managing Employment Tribunal claims and your ability to provide strategic legal advice, as this will demonstrate your expertise.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your communication skills by preparing to explain complex legal concepts in simple terms. This is crucial for the role, as you'll need to educate and up-skill the Group People team on various topics.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with current or former employees of DFS, if possible. Gaining insights into their experiences can provide you with valuable information about the role and the company, which you can use to tailor your approach.
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 interested in the role at DFS and how your background aligns with their needs. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to provide expert legal advice and work collaboratively with teams.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since the role requires breaking down complex legal concepts, include examples in your application of how you've effectively communicated legal advice to non-legal colleagues or clients.
Highlight Your Proactive Approach: Demonstrate your proactive nature by discussing instances where you identified legal risks and implemented solutions. This will show that you can thrive in a fast-paced environment and contribute positively to the team.
How to prepare for a job interview at DFS
✨Know Your Employment Law
As a Group Employment Legal Counsel, you'll need to demonstrate a strong understanding of employment law. Brush up on recent legal developments and be prepared to discuss how they might impact the company. This shows your commitment to staying ahead in the field.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
This role requires you to break down complex legal advice into clear guidance. During the interview, practice explaining legal concepts in simple terms. This will highlight your ability to communicate effectively with non-legal colleagues.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios. Think of examples from your past experience where you've successfully managed employment issues or disputes, and be ready to discuss your approach and outcomes.
✨Demonstrate Your Relationship-Building Skills
The role involves working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you've built relationships in previous roles, particularly in high-pressure situations. Highlight your ability to collaborate and provide strategic legal advice that aligns with business goals.