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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide expert legal advice on employment matters and manage tribunal claims.
- Company: Join The Open University, a leader in flexible education and inclusivity.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous pension, and flexible working options.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a supportive public sector environment.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor with 4+ years' experience in employment law.
- Other info: Embrace a diverse workplace that values different perspectives.
The predicted salary is between 47389 - 56535 £ per year.
Location: Milton Keynes (Hybrid / Remote - 1 day on-site)
Salary: £47,389 - £56,535 per annum
Contract: Permanent | Full time (37 hours per week)
Pertemps is proud to be recruiting on behalf of The Open University, the UK's largest university and a global leader in flexible education. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Employment Solicitor to join a respected in-house legal team, supporting a complex and values-driven organisation with a national footprint.
The Role
Working alongside an established in-house employment lawyer, you will act as a key legal adviser to the University on the full range of employment law matters. You will provide pragmatic, commercially focused advice to stakeholders at all levels and play a hands-on role in contentious and non-contentious work. This role offers genuine variety, autonomy, and the chance to make a real impact in a public sector environment.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide day-to-day employment law advice across the full employee lifecycle
- Manage Employment Tribunal claims from Early Conciliation through to final hearing, including advocacy where appropriate
- Draft and review employment contracts, policies, procedures, settlement agreements and TUPE provisions
- Advise on complex matters including restructures, redundancies, trade union issues and freedom of speech
- Deliver employment law training to People Services and wider University teams
- Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external legal advisers
- Manage external legal spend and ensure best value and quality of service
- Maintain CPD and a current practising certificate
About You
Essential:
- Qualified Solicitor (or equivalent) with at least 4 years' PQE in employment law
- Strong experience across contentious and non-contentious employment matters
- Proven ability to manage Employment Tribunal claims end-to-end
- Excellent drafting, communication and stakeholder management skills
- Commercially astute, pragmatic, and confident working independently
Desirable:
- In-house legal experience
- Experience within higher education, public sector or unionised environments
- Private practice experience advising similar organisations
What's in It for You
- Competitive salary and generous pension (6.1% employee 14.5% employer)
- Flexible and hybrid working options
- Strong focus on work-life balance
- 33 day+ Christmas closure + bank holidays.
How to Apply
Please submit:
- Your CV
- Supporting statement (up to 1,000 words) outlining your suitability for the role which can be uploaded or if you struggle to do this please email:
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
The Open University is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion which is reflected in our mission to be open to people, places, methods and ideas. We aim to foster a diverse and inclusive environment so that all in our OU community can reach their potential. We recognise that different people bring different perspectives, ideas, knowledge, and culture, and that this difference brings great strength. We strive to recruit, retain and develop the careers of a diverse pool of students and staff, and particularly encourage applications from all underrepresented groups. We also aspire to make The Open University a supportive workplace for all through our policies, services and staff networks.
Pertemps acts as both an employment business and an employment agency on behalf of The Open University.
Legal Counsel Employment in Milton Keynes employer: Pertmeps Warwick County Council
Contact Detail:
Pertmeps Warwick County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Legal Counsel Employment in Milton Keynes
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the legal field! Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to current employees at The Open University. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Ace the Interview
Prepare for your interview by researching common employment law scenarios and how you would handle them. Practice articulating your experience with Employment Tribunal claims and stakeholder management. Confidence is key, so show them you know your stuff!
✨Show Your Passion
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let your enthusiasm for employment law shine through. Talk about why you love the field and how you can contribute to their mission. A genuine passion can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining The Open University and being part of their amazing team.
We think you need these skills to ace Legal Counsel Employment in Milton Keynes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Legal Counsel in Employment. Highlight your relevant experience, especially in employment law, and don’t forget to showcase your skills in managing Employment Tribunal claims.
Craft a Compelling Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Be specific about your experience and how it aligns with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: As a Legal Counsel, strong communication is key. Make sure your application reflects your ability to communicate complex legal concepts clearly and effectively. This will show us that you can engage with stakeholders at all levels.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and allows you to keep track of your application status easily.
How to prepare for a job interview at Pertmeps Warwick County Council
✨Know Your Employment Law Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on the latest developments in employment law, especially those relevant to the public sector and higher education. Being able to discuss recent cases or changes in legislation will show that you're not just knowledgeable but also genuinely interested in the field.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific employment law scenarios, such as managing a tribunal claim or advising on redundancies. Think through your past experiences and be ready to share examples that highlight your problem-solving skills and practical approach.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills
Since this role involves building relationships with various stakeholders, prepare to discuss how you've successfully managed relationships in previous roles. Highlight your communication style and any strategies you've used to ensure all parties are aligned and informed.
✨Craft a Compelling Supporting Statement
Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Tailor it to reflect your experience and how it aligns with the job description. Use clear examples to demonstrate your qualifications and enthusiasm for the role, making sure to keep it concise and focused.
