At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide expert legal advice on employment law and support HR teams globally.
- Company: Mission-driven organisation committed to ethical practice and inclusion.
- Benefits: Flexible working arrangements, continuous learning, and professional growth opportunities.
- Other info: Join a supportive team that values diversity and offers global exposure.
- Why this job: Make a real-world impact while working in a dynamic legal environment.
- Qualifications: UK legal qualification with 6+ years' PQE in employment law required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
With a strong commitment to ethical practice, inclusion, and progressive organisational values, the organisation places legal expertise at the heart of its operations, helping to drive accountability, compliance, and sustainable change. Working within a highly regarded Legal and Governance team, you will collaborate with colleagues across the UK and internationally, supporting a mission-driven organisation that operates in complex and constantly evolving environments. You will be required to attend the Oxford office ideally one day per week, with some flexibility available for the right candidate and/or attend the London office instead.
As Employment Legal Counsel, you will play a pivotal role in providing expert legal advice on a broad spectrum of employment law matters across the UK and global operations, including:
- Advising on employee relations, employment disputes, and litigation across multiple jurisdictions.
- Supporting HR teams in the UK and international programmes on complex employment law issues, including investigations and whistleblowing.
- Managing and tracking litigation cases globally, liaising with external counsel where required.
- Drafting and reviewing HR policies and procedures to ensure compliance with current legislation and best practice.
- Providing practical, risk-based legal advice aligned with organisational values and priorities.
- Delivering training, guidance, and self-service legal tools to empower internal stakeholders.
- Monitoring legal and regulatory developments and advising senior leadership on emerging risks.
This role offers exposure beyond employment law, with opportunities to contribute to a wider range of commercial and organisational legal matters. To thrive in this role, you will bring a strong mix of technical expertise, commercial awareness, and the ability to operate effectively in complex, international environments.
You will have:
- UK legal qualification with 6+ years' PQE in employment law.
- Broad commercial legal experience gained in-house or within private practice.
- Experience supporting stakeholders across different jurisdictions and managing cross-border legal issues.
- Strong drafting skills, particularly around HR policies and procedures.
- Desirable experience includes multi-jurisdictional employment law exposure, additional legal specialisms (e.g. charity or commercial law), and experience advising on equality, diversity, and inclusion initiatives, however this is not essential.
A varied and intellectually stimulating legal role with global impact, flexible and hybrid working arrangements, and a supportive environment that values continuous learning, inclusion, and professional growth.
If you are an experienced employment lawyer looking for an in-house role that combines high-quality legal work with real-world impact, we want to hear from you.
Contact Details:
Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Legal Counsel - Compliance in Oxford
✨Get Involved in Law Societies
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We think you need these skills to ace Legal Counsel - Compliance in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited, 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 Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited and the specific role of Legal Counsel - Compliance. 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 Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited
✨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 Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited.
✨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 Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited.
