At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide smart, commercial employment law advice and support recruitment activities.
- Company: Join a dynamic global legal team at Oliver James.
- Benefits: Gain exposure to senior leadership and broad employment law experience.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for continuous improvement and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a tangible impact in a growing global business.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor with up to 3 years' experience in employment law.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
As the Legal Counsel (Employment) for Oliver James, you will join the Oliver James Legal Team as part of its Employment Law Service, reporting directly to the Head of Employment Law and Employee Relations. The Employment Law Service is part of a centralised Group Legal Team based in Manchester but working across the global Oliver James business, including the US, APAC and across Europe. This is a newly created opportunity ideal for a confident, ambitious employment lawyer at an early stage in their career who is keen to take ownership, build relationships with stakeholders, and make a tangible impact.
We are looking for someone pragmatic and solutions‑driven, with strong fundamentals and a genuine enthusiasm for employment law work. The Legal Counsel (Employment) will support in providing smart, commercial, value‑driven, quality employment law advice, including for both Oliver James's internal employees and as part of its business recruitment activities. Working closely with the senior members of the Legal team, including the Head of Employment Law and Employee Relations, you will gain exposure to the full spectrum of employment law across the business and contribute to building a modern, high‑performing Employment Law Service that is closely aligned to business priorities. The Legal Team was nominated for in‑house legal team of the year 2025 and is looking for bright and dynamic people to help us build on that success.
What we're looking for:
- Qualified solicitor (or equivalent) with up to c.3 years' post‑qualification experience in employment law.
- Strong grounding in advising on contentious and non‑contentious employment law.
- Keen interest in developing expertise in other jurisdictions.
- Commercially aware, with good judgement and a practical approach to risk.
- Confident communicator who can engage effectively with non‑legal stakeholders.
- Proactive, organised, and comfortable managing competing priorities.
- Collaborative team player who enjoys working closely with colleagues across functions.
- Interest in improving processes, and legal operations.
Key responsibilities:
- Support the Employment Law Service on employment law matters relevant to the Oliver James business recruitment activities and internal workforce. This will include advising senior Group stakeholders (Executive and Directors) and being a trusted advisor to the People Team.
- Support the development and refinement of templates, policies, contractual documents and guidance materials.
- Assist in identifying and escalating legal risks in line with Group frameworks.
- Work with external counsel where required, supporting efficient and cost‑effective engagement.
- Contribute to legal projects and continuous improvement initiatives within the team.
- Build strong working relationships across the business to ensure Legal is seen as a trusted and accessible partner.
- Take a proactive approach in horizon‑scanning and the identification of employment law updates; proactively identifying and guiding the Oliver James business in response to regulatory and legislative change.
- Support on the preparation and negotiation of client commercial contracts.
- Seek opportunities to impact the development of the Oliver James Legal Team members and share knowledge with the wider business.
Why This Role?
- High visibility within a growing global business.
- Direct exposure to senior leadership.
- Broad employment law experience across jurisdictions.
- Opportunity to shape how the Employment Law Service supports the business as it scales.
Legal Counsel (Employment) employer: Oliver James
Oliver James is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and dynamic work culture, providing its employees with the opportunity to make a tangible impact within a growing global business. Located in Manchester, the Legal Counsel (Employment) role offers high visibility and direct exposure to senior leadership, along with ample opportunities for professional growth and development in a supportive environment. With a focus on innovation and continuous improvement, Oliver James encourages its team members to take ownership of their work while contributing to a modern, high-performing Employment Law Service.
