At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide high-quality legal support on employment law matters, focusing on litigation and collaboration.
- Company: Join Imperial College London, a top global university making a real-world impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy 41 days of annual leave, flexible working, and generous pension schemes.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive culture with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team shaping the future of employment law in a prestigious institution.
- Qualifications: Degree-level education, solicitor or barrister qualification, and experience in employment litigation required.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
Salary: Professional Services Level 4 (Salary scales) - pay point on Grade 4 scale dependent upon experience.
Location: The post is a hybrid working post with an expectation that 40% of time is spent on campus. We are primarily based at White City but on occasion travel to South Kensington may be required.
About the role: This is an exciting opportunity for an early career level employment lawyer with experience in advising on a broad range of employment matters to play a key role in the Legal & Regulatory Affairs team supporting Imperial College London’s People Function Team. The Legal & Regulatory Affairs team is well‑respected within Professional Services and plays a central role in enabling the University to achieve its strategic objectives. The team delivers consistently excellent, timely and pragmatic legal advice across the breadth of Imperial’s activities, with employment law forming a significant and high‑impact area of work. As the University continues to navigate a complex and evolving employment landscape, including litigation, organisational change, trade union engagement, and specialist matters such as TUPE, safeguarding and staff immigration, a requirement has arisen for this new post.
What you would be doing: You will provide high quality, timely, commercially focused legal support on a broad range of employment law matters, with a primary focus on litigation. The role will assist the Senior Legal Counsel (Employment), where capacity permits, in advising on disciplinaries; grievances, TUPE transactions, investigations and restructuring exercises. You will work collaboratively with colleagues across Legal & Regulatory Affairs, People Function and external stakeholders, delivering pragmatic, robust, solutions focused advice and litigation support that is based upon a sound assessment of legal and other risks and represents excellent value for money to support the operational and strategic objectives of the University.
What we are looking for:
- A minimum of degree-level education or equivalent experience;
- Qualified as a solicitor or barrister;
- Current Practising Certificate to practise law in England and Wales;
- Demonstrable experience of delivering high-quality employment litigation advice and representation together with providing legal advice at pace on a range of employment law work;
- Experience of working within a unionised work environment and having advised on collective consultation and pay and reward matters;
- A sound understanding of core employment law principles, with the confidence to apply legal judgement pragmatically across varied employment law queries;
- Clear ability to analyse and evaluate often complex data to identify risks and make well considered, pragmatic decisions that demonstrate reliable legal judgement;
- Excellent oral and written communication skills, with demonstrable ability to explain complex legal matters in a clear, concise way, both orally and in writing;
- Strong drafting and negotiation skills.
A full list of essential and desirable criteria can be found in the Job Description and Person Specification.
What we can offer you: The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to use science for humanity. Benefit from a sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 41 days’ annual leave and generous pension schemes). Access to a range of workplace benefits including a flexible working policy from day one, generous family leave packages, on-site leisure facilities and cycle-to-work scheme. Interest‑free season ticket loan schemes for travel. Be part of a diverse, inclusive and collaborative work culture with various staff networks and resources to support your personal and professional wellbeing.
If you require any further details on the role please contact Senior Legal Counsel (Employment), Melissa Powys‑Rodrigues on m.powys‑rodrigues@imperial.ac.uk.
Please note that job descriptions are not exhaustive, and you may be asked to take on additional duties that align with the key responsibilities mentioned above.
About Imperial: Welcome to Imperial, a global top ten university where scientific imagination leads to world‑changing impact. Join us and be part of something bigger. From global health to climate change, AI to business leadership, here at Imperial we navigate some of the world’s toughest challenges. Whatever your role, your contribution will have a lasting impact. As a member of our vibrant community of 22,000 students and 8,000 staff, you’ll collaborate with passionate minds across nine London campuses and a global network. This is your chance to help shape the future. We hope you’ll join us at Imperial College London.
Our Culture: We work towards equality of opportunity, to eliminating discrimination, and to creating an inclusive working environment for all. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, communities and industries, and are committed to employing a team that has diverse skills, experiences and abilities. You can read more about our commitment on our webpages. Our values are at the root of everything we do and everyone in our community is expected to demonstrate respect, collaboration, excellence, integrity, and innovation.
Legal Counsel (Employment) employer: Imperial College London
Imperial College London is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation within the International Relations Office. Employees benefit from professional growth opportunities, a commitment to diversity, and the chance to engage in meaningful projects that have a global impact, all set in the heart of one of the world's leading academic institutions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Legal Counsel (Employment)
✨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 Imperial College London, 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 Legal Counsel (Employment)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Imperial College London, 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 Imperial College London and the specific role of Legal Counsel (Employment). 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 Imperial College London’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Imperial College London
✨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 Imperial College London.
✨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 Imperial College London.
