Employment Counsel

Employment Counsel

Temporary 43200 - 72000 € / year (est.) Home office (partial)
LAW Absolute

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Provide legal advice on employment law matters and manage HR legal risks.
  • Company: Join a leading global FMCG organisation with a dynamic legal team.
  • Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, flexible hours, and a supportive work culture.
  • Other info: This is an 8-month contract role based in London, starting ASAP.
  • Why this job: Be part of a high-performing team and make a real impact in employment law.
  • Qualifications: UK qualified solicitor with 4+ years’ PQE in employment law required.

The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 € per year.

A global FMCG organisation is seeking a talented Employment Counsel to support their in-house legal function on an 8-month contract.


The full job description covers all associated skills, previous experience, and any qualifications that applicants are expected to have.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a proactive and commercially minded employment lawyer to work with a high-performing legal team. You’ll provide strategic and day-to-day legal support on a broad range of employment matters, partnering closely with HR and senior stakeholders across the UK.

Location: London, hybrid working

Start Date: ASAP

The Role

  • Provide legal advice on a variety of employment law matters within the UK, including employee relations, disciplinary/grievance issues, investigations, and organisational change.
  • Manage HR legal risks and ensure compliance with employment legislation and internal policies.
  • Provide legal support in relation to TUPE, restructuring, and workforce transitions.
  • Draft, review, and update employment contracts, policies, handbooks, and other documentation.
  • Negotiate settlement agreements and manage sensitive exits where appropriate.
  • Collaborate with and manage external counsel as required.
  • Support training and compliance initiatives across the business.

Ideal candidate

  • UK qualified solicitor with 4+ years’ PQE in employment law (in-house or private practice).
  • Strong understanding of UK employment law
  • Proven experience advising on TUPE, restructures, and risk management.
  • Commercially astute with excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
  • International employment exposure is beneficial

To register an interest, please send through your updated CV to kwilliams@lawabsolute.com

Working through LAW Absolute

As the first recruitment agency to specialise only in placing interim lawyers, LAW Absolute has a long history in supporting lawyers who want to work flexibly and in control of their career.

We are able to offer our contractors a range of challenging opportunities across private practice, corporates, financial services and within the not-for-profit sector. With over 20 years of placing contract lawyers in these markets, we have built excellent networks and many of the lawyers that we work with are contract lawyers that we have successfully placed on multiple assignments, allowing them to work with autonomy and build their career in the way they choose to. For our clients, we have worked closely with legal teams to help them plan and manage delivery of their services in a more efficient way in terms of resources, costs and timescales.

To find out more about how LAW Absolute can assist you, or your team, through flexible working, please contact us or visit www.lawabsolute.com

Please note our advertisements use PQE/salary levels purely as a guide. However we are happy to consider applications from all candidates who are able to demonstrate the skills necessary to fulfil the role.

At LAW Absolute we endeavour to respond to all applications within 48 hours. However due to the volume of applications we receive we may not be able to respond to every candidate individually.

If you have not heard from us within a 48 hour timeframe your application has not been successful and your details have not been retained. LAW Absolute acts as an employment business for temporary recruitment and as an employment agency for fixed term contract and permanent recruitment.

LAW Absolute

Contact Detail:

LAW Absolute Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Employment Counsel

Tip Number 1

Network with professionals in the FMCG sector, especially those who work in legal roles. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and learn more about the specific challenges they face.

Tip Number 2

Familiarise yourself with recent changes in UK employment law, particularly those affecting employee relations and TUPE. Being well-versed in current legislation will demonstrate your proactive approach and commitment to staying updated.

Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss your experience with sensitive HR matters during interviews. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully managed disciplinary issues or restructures, highlighting your strategic thinking and stakeholder management skills.

Tip Number 4

Research the company culture of the organisation you're applying to. Understanding their values and how they approach employee relations can help you tailor your discussions and show that you're a good fit for their team.

We think you need these skills to ace Employment Counsel

UK Employment Law Expertise
Employee Relations Management
Disciplinary and Grievance Procedures
TUPE Regulations Knowledge
Restructuring and Workforce Transition Experience
Contract Drafting and Review
Policy Development and Compliance

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your experience in employment law, particularly focusing on your 4+ years’ PQE. Emphasise any relevant work with TUPE, restructures, and risk management to align with the job requirements.

Craft a Strong Cover Letter:Write a compelling cover letter that showcases your understanding of UK employment law and your proactive approach. Mention specific examples of how you've provided legal support in previous roles, especially in relation to employee relations and compliance.

Highlight Stakeholder Management Skills:In your application, be sure to illustrate your excellent communication and stakeholder management skills. Provide examples of how you have successfully collaborated with HR and senior stakeholders in past positions.

Proofread Your Application:Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any errors or typos. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for a role in legal counsel.

How to prepare for a job interview at LAW Absolute

Know Your Employment Law

Make sure you have a solid understanding of UK employment law, especially areas like TUPE and restructuring. Brush up on recent changes and be prepared to discuss how they might impact the organisation.

Showcase Your Commercial Acumen

Demonstrate your ability to think commercially. Be ready to provide examples of how you've balanced legal advice with business needs in previous roles, highlighting your stakeholder management skills.

Prepare for Scenario Questions

Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills. Think about past experiences where you've handled employee relations or sensitive exits, and be ready to explain your approach.

Engage with HR Perspectives

Since you'll be partnering closely with HR, show your understanding of their challenges. Discuss how you can support them in managing legal risks while ensuring compliance with internal policies.