Legal Counsel, Employment Law at Kraken

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Legal Counsel, Employment Law at Kraken

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Organising Institution / Firm

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London, England, United Kingdom

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Qualified solicitor, barrister, or equivalent legal qualification in the UK or another major jurisdiction; significant experience advising on employment law at a leading law firm and/or multinational in-house legal department; expertise in UK, EU, US employment law and comfort with other major jurisdictions; experience advising People and senior business leaders in a fast-paced global organization; demonstrated ability to independently manage complex and sensitive workplace issues; experience handling workplace investigations, employment disputes, and litigation management; strong commercial judgment and communication skills. Bonus points for 5+ years of employment law experience, technology/SaaS background, support for distributed/multinational workforces, familiarity with Europe, North America, APAC, M&A integration experience, and global public company experience.

Job

Full Opportunity Brief

Why This Employment Law Role at Kraken Stands Out

In the fast-evolving intersection of energy technology and global business, legal counsel are no longer just risk managers—they are strategic architects of culture, compliance, and growth. Kraken, the technology company driving innovation in smart, sustainable energy, is seeking an experienced Employment Counsel to join their London-based team. This is not a typical in-house legal role. It is an opportunity to shape the employment framework of a company that powers some of the most transformative developments in energy worldwide. For legal professionals passionate about both the law and the green transition, this position offers a unique platform to influence how a global technology leader treats its most valuable asset—its people.

“Help us use technology to make a big green dent in the universe! Kraken powers some of the most innovative global developments in energy.”

As the company’s primary legal advisor on employment matters, you will work alongside the People team, business leaders, and employees across multiple jurisdictions, providing practical, risk-based guidance that balances legal compliance with business objectives. This role is designed for a trusted advisor with deep employment law expertise, who thrives in a fast-paced, global technology organization and can navigate the complexities of a distributed workforce.

Inside the Day-to-Day: What You’ll Own

Kraken’s legal counsel role is comprehensive and demanding. You will be the go-to expert for all employment law matters, from daily employee relations to high-stakes workplace investigations. The responsibilities span the full employee lifecycle, making this a role for someone who enjoys variety and strategic impact.

• Employee Relations: Provide guidance on performance management, disciplinary actions, grievances, accommodations, leaves of absence, and terminations.
• Compliance: Ensure employment law compliance across multiple jurisdictions, coordinating with external counsel where necessary.
• Investigations: Lead and support workplace investigations involving discrimination, harassment, retaliation, misconduct, and other sensitive issues.
• Policy Development: Draft, review, and update employment agreements, policies, handbooks, and procedures.
• Workforce Planning: Advise on reorganisations, restructurings, reductions in force, and other organisational changes.
• Global Expansion: Support international growth by advising on new markets, hiring strategies, and workforce models.
• Disputes: Manage employment disputes, agency inquiries, claims, and litigation in partnership with external counsel.
• Regulatory Monitoring: Track legal developments and advise stakeholders on emerging risks.
• Training: Develop training and best practices for workplace conduct and compliance.
• M&A Support: Provide employment due diligence and integration support for mergers and acquisitions.

This list is not exhaustive. The role demands versatility and the ability to jump between strategic projects and urgent, sensitive investigations—all while maintaining commercial judgment and building strong relationships across the organization.

The Ideal Candidate: More Than Just a Legal Expert

Kraken is looking for someone with a strong legal foundation, but equally important are the soft skills that make an effective in-house counsel in a global tech company. You should be a qualified solicitor, barrister, or equivalent in the UK or another major jurisdiction, with significant experience in employment law, ideally from a leading law firm or multinational in-house department. Expertise in UK, EU, and US employment law is essential, and familiarity with other jurisdictions is a bonus.

Beyond credentials, the ideal candidate is a trusted advisor who can independently manage complex workplace issues, lead investigations with sensitivity and fairness, and provide advice that is both legally sound and commercially practical. Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills are non-negotiable, as you will be advising People leaders and senior executives across the business. The ability to work in a fast-paced, often ambiguous environment is critical.

Bonus Points That Set You Apart

• 5+ years of employment law experience at a leading law firm.
• Experience in technology, SaaS, or high-growth companies.
• Support for distributed and multinational workforces.
• Understanding of employment law issues across Europe, North America, and APAC.
• Experience with mergers, acquisitions, and workforce integrations.
• Experience in a global public company.

If you tick even some of these boxes, Kraken encourages you to apply. Their inclusive hiring philosophy explicitly welcomes candidates who may not meet every requirement, recognising that diverse backgrounds and perspectives strengthen the team.

Why Kraken? A Culture That Values People and Planet

Kraken is not just an energy technology company; it is a certified Great Place to Work in multiple countries. In the UK, it ranks among the Best Workplaces on Glassdoor with a score of 4.5. The company’s mission‑driven focus on sustainability permeates its culture, and it seeks employees who are genuinely decent, honest, and empathetic. As an equal opportunity employer, Kraken considers all applicants without regard to protected attributes and is committed to providing accommodations for those who need them.

The role sits within a legal team that directly supports the company’s mission by ensuring that Kraken’s growth is ethical, compliant, and human‑centric. For an employment lawyer, this is an opportunity to contribute to a workplace culture that is as innovative as the products the company builds. The company’s use of AI tools in hiring is transparent, and final decisions remain human‑driven, reflecting a careful balance between technology and human judgment.

Career Impact: Why This Role Could Be Transformative

Employment law is a dynamic field, but in‑house roles at technology companies give a unique vista. You are not just applying legal rules; you are shaping the people infrastructure of a company that is scaling globally. This is a high‑visibility role with direct access to executives and the opportunity to influence decisions that affect hundreds of employees worldwide. Moreover, the experience of handling M&A due diligence, global compliance projects, and complex investigations will hone skills that are highly transferable to any future General Counsel or leadership role.

For Indian legal professionals with UK or international qualifications, this role is a gateway to the London legal market and the global energy sector. The cross‑border nature of the work provides exposure to multiple legal frameworks, making you a more versatile and sought‑after legal advisor. Even if you are not yet at the 5+ years mark, the role’s focus on potential and inclusivity means that passionate, high‑performing candidates are encouraged to apply.

“Studies have shown that some groups of people, like women, are less likely to apply to a role unless they meet 100% of the job requirements. Whoever you are, if you like one of our jobs, we encourage you to apply.”

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is this role open to candidates without UK legal qualification?

Yes. The job description states that candidates must be a qualified solicitor, barrister, or equivalent legal qualification in the UK or another major jurisdiction. So, a qualified lawyer from a major jurisdiction with relevant employment law experience is eligible to apply.

2. Does Kraken offer sponsorship or relocation support for this role?

The job posting does not specify relocation or visa sponsorship details. However, Kraken is a global company with a supportive HR team. It is advisable to ask during the interview process or contact the recruitment team directly.

3. What is the company culture like at Kraken?

Kraken is certified as a Great Place to Work in several countries, including the UK, and has a strong emphasis on innovation, inclusivity, and employee well‑being. The company values people who are honest, empathetic, and collaborative, and it actively encourages candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply, even if they don't meet every criteria.

4. How does Kraken use AI in the hiring process?

Kraken may use AI tools to assist with reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, and assessing responses, but final hiring decisions are made by humans. The company is transparent about AI usage and provides contact for questions about data processing.

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