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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, generous holiday, staff discounts, and wellbeing perks.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team shaping employment law strategy in a thriving company.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor with 4+ years PQE and strong employment law expertise required.
- Other info: Previous in-house experience is a plus, but not essential.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ 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 Furniture Ltd
Contact Detail:
DFS Furniture Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Group Employment Legal Counsel
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest developments in employment law, especially those relevant to the retail sector. This will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your proactive approach and commitment to staying ahead of legal changes.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the legal and HR fields, particularly those who have experience in in-house roles. Attend industry events or webinars to build connections that could provide insights into the company culture and expectations.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples from your past experience where you've successfully managed employment law issues. Highlight your ability to balance legal risks with business priorities, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your communication skills by being clear and concise in all interactions. Whether it's during a phone call or a video interview, practice breaking down complex legal concepts into simple terms, as this is key 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 Employment Tribunal claims, and providing legal advice on employment matters.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to provide expert legal advice and your understanding of the commercial aspects of employment law.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since the role requires breaking down complex legal advice into clear guidance, include examples in your application that showcase your communication skills. Highlight any experience in delivering training or presentations to non-legal audiences.
Highlight Relationship-Building Abilities: The job involves working closely with various teams. Use your application to illustrate how you've successfully built relationships in previous roles, focusing on your ability to partner with business functions and provide strategic legal advice.
How to prepare for a job interview at DFS Furniture Ltd
✨Know Your Employment Law
Brush up on the latest developments in employment law, especially those relevant to the role. Be prepared to discuss recent cases or changes in legislation that could impact the business and demonstrate your expertise.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a natural communicator, you’ll need to break down complex legal advice into clear guidance. Prepare examples of how you've successfully communicated legal concepts to non-legal colleagues or clients in the past.
✨Demonstrate Relationship Building
Highlight your ability to build relationships across different levels of an organisation. Share specific instances where you’ve collaborated with HR or management to resolve employment issues or implement policies.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and judgement. Think about how you would handle various employment matters, such as disciplinary actions or redundancy processes, and be ready to articulate your approach.
