Employment Counsel - EMEA

Employment Counsel - EMEA

Full-Time 55000 - 65000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
BlackLine

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Provide legal advice on employment law for diverse jurisdictions in a fast-paced SaaS environment.
  • Company: Join a dynamic tech company with a collaborative culture and global reach.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Exciting chance to work with a global team and develop your legal expertise.
  • Why this job: Make an impact by shaping employment practices across Europe and the Middle East.
  • Qualifications: 2-5 years of experience in employment law and a qualified solicitor in England & Wales.

The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.

We are seeking a proactive, driven, and business-minded Employment Counsel to support our European and Middle Eastern operations, with a strong focus on supporting our Go-To-Market (GTM) organization. Based in London, you will work closely with BlackLine’s Global Legal Team to partner with our People Team and business leaders to scale and support our fast‑paced SaaS environment. You will assist in providing day‑to‑day employment law advice and counsel for a diverse range of jurisdictions including the UK, EU, and Middle East. The ideal candidate is an adaptable, eager‑to‑learn legal professional who thrives in a fast‑paced corporate environment and is looking to grow their expertise in international employment law.

Responsibilities and Duties

  • Assist the Associate General Counsel, Global Employment in providing day‑to‑day advice to HR and management on a variety of employment and compliance issues, including recruiting, employee relations, performance management, leaves of absence, grievances, and disciplinary actions.
  • Monitor and advise on emerging labor and employment law developments across covered jurisdictions, identify compliance gaps, and develop thorough remediation measures in partnership with key stakeholders.
  • Support the coordination and management of external local counsel across various jurisdictions, including oversight of litigation matters.
  • Serve as a legal partner to HR and business leaders for our Go‑To‑Market organization (Sales, Marketing, Customer Success) across EMEA, providing strategic advice tailored to the pace and structure of a high‑growth SaaS business.
  • Advise on employment law aspects of variable and incentive‑based compensation, including commission plans, bonuses, and incentive‑related disputes.
  • Assist in drafting, reviewing, and updating employment agreements, offer letters, separation agreements, employee handbooks, and internal HR policies in jurisdictions where BlackLine operates across Europe and the Middle East.
  • Draft, review, and enforce restrictive covenants (non‑competes, non‑solicits) and intellectual property agreements specifically designed for enterprise software sales and marketing roles across varying EMEA jurisdictions.
  • Support the People Team in managing employment‑related disputes, claims, and regulatory proceedings, by identifying and mitigating risk for the business.
  • Develop and deliver training materials for HR and management on evolving employment laws and best practices.

Required Qualifications

  • 2 to 5 years of Post‑Qualification Experience (PQE) specializing in employment law, gained at a reputable law firm and/or in‑house legal department.
  • Licensed qualified solicitor in England & Wales (or equivalent relevant qualification).
  • A pragmatic approach to the law with a desire to provide strategic and well‑reasoned advice that balances legal risk with business objectives.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to distill complex legal concepts into clear, actionable advice for non‑legal stakeholders.
  • Proven ability to manage competing priorities, take initiative, and work collaboratively under the guidance of senior team members in a dynamic environment.
  • Strong interpersonal skills with the confidence to spot issues, assess risks and participate in strategic discussions.

We’re Even More Excited If You Have

  • Experience supporting and advising on European Works Councils, particularly in France.
  • Fluency in at least one European language, in addition to English.
  • Licensed to practice law in both the UK and either the US or an EU member country.

BlackLine is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity or expression, race, ethnicity, age, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, ancestry, color, marital status, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking, medical condition, genetic information, or any other protected class or category recognized by applicable equal employment opportunity or other similar laws.

Employment Counsel - EMEA employer: BlackLine

At BlackLine, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and inclusive work culture in the heart of London. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through our collaborative environment, where you will have the opportunity to work alongside industry leaders and gain invaluable experience in international employment law. With a focus on innovation and support for our fast-paced SaaS operations, we offer a unique platform for legal professionals to thrive and make a meaningful impact across EMEA.

BlackLine

Contact Details:

BlackLine Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Employment Counsel - EMEA

Get Involved in Law Societies

Join local law societies and attend their events – they're often a goldmine for networking and job opportunities in the legal field. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other budding lawyers and experienced solicitors who could provide vital insights and connections.

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Attend Career Fairs and Workshops

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We think you need these skills to ace Employment Counsel - EMEA

Employment Law Expertise
Legal Research
Compliance Knowledge
Contract Drafting
Litigation Oversight
Strategic Legal Advice
Interpersonal Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at BlackLine, make sure to demonstrate your understanding of key legal principles and areas of law relevant to the position. Include any specific coursework, modules, or certifications, like LPC or BPTC qualifications, that showcase your legal expertise directly on your CV.

Showcase Your Research Skills:In the legal field, strong research skills are crucial. Use your application to illustrate how you've utilised these skills in past studies or work experiences – whether that's through past internships or significant projects. Mention any legal databases or tools you’re proficient in, as this can give you an edge.

Tailor That Cover Letter!:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make it personal by expressing your genuine interest in BlackLine and the specific role of Employment Counsel - EMEA. Talk about why you want to be part of their team, how your unique experiences align with their values, and why you’re passionate about the legal sector.

Stay Formal but Friendly:While we all know the legal world can be pretty formal, don’t be afraid to let a bit of personality shine through in your written application. Use a respectful tone, but feel free to inject a little warmth; this approach can help you stand out and show you're a great fit for BlackLine’s culture!

How to prepare for a job interview at BlackLine

Know Your Legal Principles

Brush up on foundational legal principles relevant to the specific area of law you’re applying for, whether it’s corporate, criminal, or family law. We might get asked situational questions to test your knowledge, so being articulate about key concepts will make you stand out.

Be Ready for Case Studies

Full-time legal roles often involve case studies during interviews. Prepare to analyse a hypothetical case and discuss your approach to it. Practising this with a peer or mentor can help us refine our reasoning and articulate a solid legal argument.

Show Off Your Research Skills

As legal professionals, strong research skills are a must. Have examples ready of how you've effectively used legal databases or conducted thorough legal research in your past experiences. It's a great way to demonstrate your readiness for the role at BlackLine.

Exude Professionalism and Confidence

In the legal field, professionalism is key. During the interview, we should maintain good eye contact and communicate clearly to show that we’re not just knowledgeable, but also confident. This can make a positive impression on your potential colleagues at BlackLine.