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- Tasks: Manage complex Employment Tribunal claims and provide expert legal advice.
- Company: Join a well-established public sector legal service in Manchester.
- Benefits: Flexible remote working, supportive team environment, and potential for contract extension.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities to guide junior colleagues.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in high-profile employment law cases while supporting local authorities.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified Solicitor, Barrister or CILEX Lawyer with 3+ years' PQE.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 ÂŁ per year.
Your new company
You will be joining a large, well‑established public sector legal service providing specialist legal support to multiple local authorities and wider public bodies across Manchester. The service works closely with senior officers, elected members and partner organisations to support effective policy, governance and decision‑making. The team is known for handling high‑profile, complex and politically sensitive matters, offering a collaborative and professional environment where high‑quality legal advice is central to organisational success. This role sits within a supportive Legal Services Department and is offered on a maternity cover contract, initially for three months with a strong likelihood of extension.
Your new role
As a Senior Employment Lawyer, you will act as a subject matter expert within Employment Law, managing a broad range of contentious and non‑contentious employment matters with a high degree of autonomy. Your responsibilities will include:
- Managing complex Employment Tribunal claims, from ET3 drafting through to final hearing
- Preparing cases for hearing and attending Tribunal hearings in person and via CVP
- Dealing with interim applications and undertaking advocacy at interim hearings
- Advising on and managing Early Conciliation matters
- Providing clear, pragmatic employment law advice to officers and key stakeholders
- Managing a personal caseload of high‑value, sensitive and complex matters
- Supporting and, where appropriate, providing guidance to junior colleagues
- Working collaboratively across services to support effective, lawful and timely decision‑making
The role is full‑time (35 hours per week). Office attendance will be expected for the first couple of weeks, followed by mainly remote working, with availability to attend final hearings as required.
What you'll need to succeed
To be successful in this position, you will have:
- You must be a Solicitor, Barrister or CILEX Lawyer
- At least 3 years' PQE in Employment Law
- Proven experience handling complex Employment Tribunal litigation
- Strong knowledge of employment legislation, Tribunal procedure and civil procedure rules
- The ability to pick up complex matters quickly and work with minimal supervision
- Experience drafting pleadings, legal advice, instructions to Counsel and court documentation
- Confidence undertaking advocacy at interim hearings
- Experience in a local authority or wider public sector environment (desirable)
- Strong stakeholder management skills and political awareness
What you need to do now
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV.
Senior Employment Lawyer employer: Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited
Contact Detail:
Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Employment Lawyer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who work in public sector roles. They might have insider info on job openings or can even refer you directly to hiring managers.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of employment law and recent cases. We recommend practising common interview questions with a friend or mentor to boost your confidence and articulate your expertise clearly.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your experience! When you get the chance to meet potential employers, be ready to discuss specific cases you've handled, especially those that demonstrate your ability to manage complex matters and provide clear legal advice.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Employment Lawyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your experience in Employment Law. We want to see how your skills match the specific requirements of the Senior Employment Lawyer role, so don’t be shy about showcasing your relevant achievements!
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. We love seeing candidates who can articulate their passion for employment law and how they can contribute to our collaborative environment.
Showcase Your Advocacy Skills: Since advocacy is key in this role, make sure to mention any relevant experiences where you've successfully represented clients or managed Tribunal hearings. We’re looking for confidence and competence, so let us know what you’ve achieved!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited
✨Know Your Employment Law Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on the latest developments in employment law. Be prepared to discuss recent cases or changes in legislation that could impact your role. This shows you're not just knowledgeable but also genuinely interested in the field.
✨Showcase Your Tribunal Experience
Be ready to share specific examples of your experience with Employment Tribunal claims. Talk about the complexities you've managed and how you approached them. This will demonstrate your capability and confidence in handling high-stakes situations.
✨Understand the Public Sector Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the challenges and nuances of working within the public sector, especially in relation to local authorities. Highlight any relevant experience you have and how it can benefit the organisation you're interviewing with.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Management Questions
Expect questions about how you manage relationships with various stakeholders. Think of examples where you've successfully navigated political sensitivities or provided clear advice to senior officers. This will show your ability to work collaboratively and effectively.