At a Glance
- Tasks: Advise schools on employment law and conduct tribunal advocacy.
- Company: Join a top-ranked legal team dedicated to education.
- Benefits: Flexible working, private medical insurance, and enhanced parental leave.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with strong career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the education sector while developing your legal expertise.
- Qualifications: Experience in employment law within the education sector is essential.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
Join our employment education team consistently ranked Band One in the Legal 500 and Chambers UK to deliver pragmatic, solution-focused employment advice to schools, academies and other education sector clients. This is an opportunity to be part of a highly regarded team of legal and HR specialists united by a clear purpose: helping education clients do what is fundamentally right for their pupils and their organisations.
What You'll Do
- Advise schools and academies on the full range of employment law matters, with a deep understanding of the sector context in which they operate.
- Conduct employment tribunal advocacy, from directions and preliminary hearings through to full hearings.
- Prepare tribunal cases end-to-end, including claims/responses, witness statements, skeleton arguments and interlocutory applications.
- Draft contracts, policies and procedures tailored to the education sector.
- Advise on trade union matters, including policy negotiations, restructures, changes to terms and conditions, and industrial action.
- Advise on TUPE, including academy transfers and wider transfer projects.
- Provide day‑to‑day guidance on disciplinary and grievance processes, redundancy programmes, holiday pay, flexible working, and family‑related leave.
What We're Looking For
You will have experience in contentious and non‑contentious employment work within the education sector. With the ability to build strong relationships at all levels both with clients and colleagues, and are committed to delivering advice at the forefront of national best practice. You will share our dedication to the ongoing development of the firm's services to the education sector.
Why Join Us?
We offer a flexible and hybrid working model. Our comprehensive benefits package includes private medical insurance, pension contributions, an employee assistance programme, and a range of wellbeing initiatives. Enhanced parental leave is also available, reflecting our commitment to supporting you through every stage of your career and life. Many of our people work flexibly in some way and we’re open to considering how we can accommodate flexible working arrangements alongside role requirements. If this is important to you, please talk to us about it during the recruitment process. We celebrate diversity and welcome applicants from all backgrounds. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, national origin, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, social economic background or age. We’re a Disability Confident Employer and will offer an interview to disabled applicants who best meet the minimum/essential criteria for the role.
Senior Associate - Employment (Education) employer: Browne Jacobson LLP
Join a leading employment education team that is consistently ranked Band One in the Legal 500 and Chambers UK, where you will have the opportunity to provide impactful legal advice to schools and academies across the UK. Our flexible working model, comprehensive benefits package, and commitment to employee wellbeing create a supportive environment for professional growth and work-life balance. We celebrate diversity and are dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace that empowers all employees to thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Associate - Employment (Education)
✨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.
✨Tap into Online Legal Communities
Don’t underestimate the power of online platforms like LinkedIn and specific legal forums. Get active in discussions or share your thoughts on recent legal developments – this not only builds your visibility but also showcases your passion and knowledge in law.
✨Attend Career Fairs and Workshops
Look out for career fairs and workshops specifically focused on law. Many law firms, including Browne Jacobson LLP, will be scouting for fresh talent, so bring your A-game and don’t shy away from making a memorable impression.
✨Leverage Your University’s Career Services
If you’re still in university or have recently graduated, latch onto your career services! They often have connections with law firms looking for graduates and can guide you through the application process tailored for the legal sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Associate - Employment (Education)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Browne Jacobson LLP, 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 Browne Jacobson LLP and the specific role of Senior Associate - Employment (Education). 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 Browne Jacobson LLP’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Browne Jacobson LLP
✨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 Browne Jacobson LLP.
✨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 Browne Jacobson LLP.