Senior Legal Counsel

Senior Legal Counsel

Full-Time 70000 - 90000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
DiverseJobsMatter

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Provide expert legal advice on employment law across the UK and Europe.
  • Company: Leading international organisation in the financial services sector.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, hybrid working, and flexible arrangements.
  • Other info: Opportunity for career growth and to work closely with HR and senior stakeholders.
  • Why this job: Join a dynamic team and influence strategic decisions in a regulated environment.
  • Qualifications: Qualified employment lawyer with 7+ years’ experience and strong UK employment law expertise.

The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.

Our client, a leading international organisation within the financial services sector, is seeking a Senior Legal Counsel – Employment Law to join their in-house legal team. This is a permanent role based in London or Leeds, with hybrid working (2–3 days in the office) and flexibility to consider part-time arrangements. Reporting to the Head of Legal (Employment), this role provides high-quality, pragmatic legal advice across the UK and European business.

This opportunity is ideal for an experienced employment lawyer looking to take on a strategic, business-facing role within a dynamic and regulated environment.

Responsibilities
  • Provide expert legal advice and guidance on a broad range of employment law matters across the UK and Europe
  • Advise on disciplinaries, grievances, recruitment, restructures, and organisational change programmes
  • Support on employment contracts, policies, compensation, and benefits frameworks
  • Manage legal aspects of redundancies, negotiated exits, and business transfers (including TUPE-related matters)
  • Provide guidance on regulatory and compliance-related employment issues within a financial services context
  • Partner closely with HR/People teams and senior stakeholders to deliver commercially focused legal solutions
  • Draft, review, and update employment documentation and policies
  • Identify legal risks and provide proactive mitigation strategies
  • Operate as a trusted advisor, influencing and challenging stakeholders where appropriate
Requirements
  • Qualified employment lawyer with 7+ years’ post-qualification experience
  • Strong expertise in UK employment law (European employment law exposure advantageous)
  • Experience advising within a regulated environment, ideally financial services
  • Ability to provide pragmatic, commercially focused legal advice
  • Strong analytical thinking and sound judgement
  • Confidence to work independently and influence senior stakeholders
  • Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills
  • Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines
  • Right to work in the UK (sponsorship may be considered at the client’s discretion)
Benefits
  • Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package
  • Generous annual leave with option to purchase additional days
  • Hybrid working model (2–3 days in office)
  • Employer pension contributions
  • Flexible working arrangements, including part-time options
  • Access to a broader flexible benefits platform

Senior Legal Counsel employer: DiverseJobsMatter

Join a leading international organisation in the financial services sector that values its employees and fosters a dynamic work culture. With a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits package, and flexible working arrangements, including hybrid and part-time options, this role as Senior Legal Counsel offers not only professional growth but also a supportive environment where your expertise in employment law will be highly valued. Located in vibrant cities like London or Leeds, you will have the opportunity to influence key stakeholders while enjoying a healthy work-life balance.
DiverseJobsMatter

Contact Detail:

DiverseJobsMatter Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Legal Counsel

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those in employment law. Attend industry events or webinars to meet potential employers and get your name out there.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of UK and European employment law. Be ready to discuss real-life scenarios where you've provided pragmatic legal advice, as this will show your expertise and confidence.

✨Tip Number 3

Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation and reiterate your interest in the role. It keeps you fresh in their minds!

✨Tip Number 4

Apply through our website for the best chance at landing that Senior Legal Counsel role. We’re always looking for top talent, and applying directly can help us see your application faster!

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Legal Counsel

Expertise in UK Employment Law
European Employment Law Knowledge
Experience in Regulated Environment
Pragmatic Legal Advice
Analytical Thinking
Sound Judgement
Stakeholder Influence
Interpersonal Skills
Relationship-Building Skills
Organisational Skills
Ability to Manage Competing Priorities
Drafting and Reviewing Employment Documentation
Compliance Knowledge
Understanding of TUPE-related Matters

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Legal Counsel role. Highlight your experience in employment law and any relevant achievements that showcase your expertise in a regulated environment like financial services.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific experiences that align with the responsibilities listed in the job description, and don’t forget to show your enthusiasm for joining our team.

Showcase Your Soft Skills: While your legal expertise is crucial, don’t overlook the importance of interpersonal skills. Highlight your ability to build relationships and influence stakeholders, as these are key in a business-facing role like this one.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!

How to prepare for a job interview at DiverseJobsMatter

✨Know Your Employment Law Inside Out

Make sure you brush up on UK employment law, especially the nuances that apply within the financial services sector. Be prepared to discuss recent case law or changes in legislation that could impact the role, as this will show your expertise and commitment.

✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking

This role is all about providing pragmatic legal advice that aligns with business goals. Think of examples from your past experience where you've successfully influenced stakeholders or navigated complex legal issues while keeping the business's best interests in mind.

✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions

Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific employment law scenarios, such as restructures or grievances. Practise articulating your thought process and the steps you would take to mitigate risks while ensuring compliance.

✨Build Rapport with HR and Stakeholders

Since you'll be partnering closely with HR and senior stakeholders, demonstrate your interpersonal skills during the interview. Share examples of how you've built strong relationships in previous roles and how you can bring that collaborative spirit to their team.

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