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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage employment litigation and support the Employment Legal Team in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Join the largest employee-owned business in the UK, known for its innovative culture.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in employment law while working with diverse teams across the partnership.
- Qualifications: Legal experience, strong communication skills, and a passion for continuous improvement.
- Other info: Flexible working options available; apply early as roles may close quickly.
The predicted salary is between 37700 - 45000 £ per year.
Reporting into a Senior Lawyer within the Employment Legal Team, the John Lewis Partnership is looking for a Paralegal, Employment, to join the team. You will work with all trading divisions of the partnership – John Lewis, Waitrose and Group – on a wide range of matters. This fast‑paced in‑house role will require you to manage the partnership’s employment litigation and pre‑litigation matters together with an experienced senior paralegal. You will instruct and coordinate the retained panel law firm, liaise with the People team and witnesses, advise on settlement strategy, review and draft defence and witness statements, and ensure all court and tribunal deadlines are met. You will act as the primary point of contact for business queries on ACAS conciliations and employee litigation, and provide general paralegal support for the Employment Legal Team.
At a Glance
- Hybrid working – team based in Central London with flexible office days and occasional travel to other UK locations.
- Expected salary – £37,700 – £45,000 (depending on experience).
- Contract type – Permanent.
Key Responsibilities
- Litigation management: work with the Senior Paralegal to manage the end‑to‑end employment litigation process across the UK and Channel Islands, instructing panel firms, overseeing disclosure and reviewing monthly invoices.
- ACAS Early Conciliation: oversee all ACAS early conciliation cases and proactively handle potential claims before they reach the tribunal stage.
- Stakeholder partnership: act as the primary point of contact for internal witnesses and other departments such as the People and Data Privacy teams, managing expectations and providing strategic settlement recommendations.
- Settlement administration: execute and administer COT3 and settlement agreements, drafting documents, managing DocuSign processes and ensuring strict adherence to payment and reaffirmation timelines.
- Operational support: manage the Employment Legal team inbox and maintain accurate trackers for litigation, projects, and TUPE‑related employee liability information.
- Continuous improvement: identify lessons learned from litigation outcomes, provide feedback and training to the ER team, and update legal templates and precedents to reflect best practice.
Essential Skills
- Minimum one year of experience working in a legal team; in‑house experience in a retail or employee‑heavy company is advantageous but not essential.
- Experience managing all phases of UK employment litigation, including ACAS conciliation, and a strong knowledge of relevant court procedures.
- Clear understanding of general legal concepts and the ability to advise on disciplinary, grievance, and Equality Act matters.
- UK Law degree, CILEX, PGDL or equivalent UK legal qualification.
- Strong interpersonal skills to influence stakeholders and thrive in a fast‑paced environment.
- Highly organised with excellent time‑management skills, able to prioritise effectively and meet deadlines.
- Excellent attention to detail, able to handle complex legal documents accurately.
- Effective communicator who can explain legal concepts in simple terms; able to conduct legal research and problem solve.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team, developing processes for continuous improvement.
- Strong administration and IT skills, with an interest in AI and legal technology to support efficient ways of working.
Additional Information
The application form requires a CV upload followed by application questions. Full details are available at https://www.jlpjobs.com/how-to-apply/journey/. Successful candidates will proceed to a formal interview. Screening and interviews are anticipated to commence from the week commencing 12 January 2026.
About The Partnership
The John Lewis Partnership is the largest employee‑owned business in the UK, encompassing the John Lewis and Waitrose brands. We are driven by a purpose to build a happier world for our Partners and customers alike. As part of our commitment to growth, we continuously innovate, adapt and diversify, ensuring we remain the best in retail and grocery.
Important Points to Note
- Some roles require pre‑employment vetting, which may include DBS checks for successful candidates. These checks will be conducted by a third‑party registered body.
- We may also carry out financial probity checks for particular roles.
- We may close vacancies early if we receive a high volume of applications, so early application is recommended.
- If you need a reasonable adjustment due to a disability, please contact us as soon as possible.
- We support flexible working, including flexible or compressed hours, job sharing or shorter hour contracts where possible. Discuss these options with the hiring manager during your interview.
Paralegal – Employment Law employer: John Lewis Partnership
Contact Detail:
John Lewis Partnership Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Paralegal – Employment Law
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who work in employment law. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of ACAS conciliation and employment litigation. We want you to be able to discuss these topics confidently and show how you can add value to the team.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance at landing that paralegal position. We love seeing candidates who take the time to engage with our application process directly!
We think you need these skills to ace Paralegal – Employment Law
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Paralegal role in Employment Law. Highlight relevant experience, especially in managing employment litigation and ACAS conciliation, as this will show us you understand the key responsibilities.
Showcase Your Skills: In your application, emphasise your strong interpersonal skills and ability to work in a fast-paced environment. We want to see how you can influence stakeholders and manage expectations effectively.
Be Clear and Concise: When answering application questions, be clear and concise. Use simple language to explain your legal knowledge and experiences, as we appreciate effective communicators who can break down complex concepts.
Apply Early: Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application! We may close vacancies early if we get a lot of applications, so applying through our website sooner rather than later is a smart move.
How to prepare for a job interview at John Lewis Partnership
✨Know Your Employment Law Basics
Brush up on key employment law concepts, especially those relevant to the role. Be prepared to discuss ACAS conciliation and litigation processes, as well as any recent changes in employment legislation that could impact the business.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
Since this role requires excellent time management and organisation, come ready with examples of how you've successfully managed multiple tasks or projects in the past. Highlight your ability to prioritise effectively under pressure.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Interaction
As a primary point of contact for various departments, demonstrate your interpersonal skills. Think of scenarios where you’ve influenced stakeholders or resolved conflicts, and be ready to share these experiences during the interview.
✨Demonstrate Continuous Improvement Mindset
The role involves identifying lessons learned from litigation outcomes. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve contributed to process improvements in previous roles, and show your enthusiasm for learning and adapting in a fast-paced environment.