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- Tasks: Provide expert legal advice on employment law to the Council and its partners.
- Company: Join a supportive, Lexcel accredited in-house legal team at Surrey County Council.
- Benefits: Enjoy 26-31 days holiday, hybrid working, and a generous pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in local government while developing your legal career.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor, Barrister or FILEX with experience in employment law.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for professional growth and community impact.
The starting salary for this role is 61,784 to 67,859 per annum depending on experience. This salary is based on a 36-hour working week.
Are you a qualified Solicitor, Barrister or FILEX of England and Wales with a current practising certificate looking for a new opportunity to develop your career in Employment Law? As an Employment Senior Lawyer, you will join a supportive, successful and Lexcel accredited in-house legal team that delivers effective legal advice, representation and assistance to the Council.
We offer hybrid working which allows for remote working but we also require regular office attendance with the aim to give everyone a balanced work/life ratio. You will be expected to attend a Surrey office a minimum of 40% of your working week, with the ability to access offices across Surrey's estate in Reigate, Leatherhead, Weybridge and Woking. The team are very approachable so there will always be someone to provide you with support and discuss matters with.
Our Offer to You
- 26 days' holiday, rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 31 days after 5 years' service
- Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
- A generous local government salary related pension
- Up to 5 days of carer's leave and 2 paid volunteering days per year
- Paternity, adoption and dependents leave
- An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
- Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
- Wellbeing and lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, and shopping
- A chance to make a real difference to the lives of our residents
About the Role
As an Employment Senior Lawyer, you will be expected to carry out a range of key responsibilities, which will include:
- Providing solutions focused advice on Employment law matters to the Council, Surrey Fire and Rescue and Surrey schools
- Working with Human Resources to provide practical support and technical legal advice on a wide range of matters including disciplinary action, grievances, discrimination, whistleblowing, recruitment matters, restructures, TUPE and exit strategies
- Developing and maintaining effective business partnering relationships
- Managing Employment Tribunal cases on behalf of the Council and liaising with ACAS in relation to conciliation including drafting responses to claims and advocacy at some hearings
- Instruct and manage suppliers of external legal services such as solicitors and barristers in accordance with client requirements
- Running internal training and providing legal updates on relevant topics
- Leading/contributing at client meetings
- Advising Members and Senior Officers of the Council
- Managing competing priorities to achieve client, statutory and Tribunal deadlines
- Exemplary client care and organisational skills
- Assisting with management and supervision of junior members of the team, including trainees and paralegals including ensuring the effective use of the Council's case management systems and work in accordance with the standards set out in the team's Lexcel manual and policies and procedures
- Contribute to the development, training or mentoring of colleagues where required.
Your application
In order to be considered for shortlisting, your application will clearly evidence the following skills and align with our behaviours:
- You are a skilled employment lawyer with substantial experience of the law and practice in this area
- Experience of both contentious and non-contentious matters
- The ability to work with clients at all levels and give clear, accurate and practical advice
- We welcome applications from candidates with relevant experience from both the public and private sector. Candidates with private sector experience should have a solid understanding of how local authorities operate and demonstrate their ability to transfer knowledge and skills to successfully deliver advice within local government.
Before submitting your application, we recommend you read the job description & Our Life at Surrey handbook to get an insight into working at Surrey.
This post has been designated as a politically restricted post in accordance with the Local Government and Housing Act 1989. The job advert closes at 23:59 on 01/03/2026 with interviews planned to follow.
We look forward to receiving your application, please click on the apply online button below to submit.
Contact Us
Please contact us for any questions relating to the role. This could be to discuss flexible working requests, transferable skills or any barriers to employment.
If you are looking for a role which is both varied and interesting with an opportunity to develop your existing skills and employment experience by working in local government, please click the apply button below to submit your application. For an informal discussion please contact Julie Care via email.
Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)
Surrey County Council is undergoing Local Government Reorganisation, moving from a two-tier system to two new unitary councils in April 2027. If you are employed by Surrey on 1st April 2027, your role will transfer with current terms and conditions to one of the new organisations, supporting local devolution and greater powers for our communities.
Join our dynamic team and shape the future of local government. Make a lasting impact with innovative solutions and improved services for our community. Help us build a brighter future for our residents!
Commitment
We are a disability confident employer which means if you have shared a disability on your application form and have evidenced you meet the minimum criteria, we guarantee you an interview. Your skills and experience truly matter to us. From application to your first day, we're committed to supporting you with any adjustments you need, we value inclusion and warmly welcome you to join and help build a workplace where everyone belongs.
Employment Senior Lawyer in Reigate employer: Surrey County Council
Contact Detail:
Surrey County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Employment Senior Lawyer in Reigate
✨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 key employment law topics. Be ready to discuss real-life scenarios where you've provided solutions-focused advice. Show them you know your stuff!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just wait for job postings; be proactive! Reach out directly to organisations you admire, like Surrey County Council, and express your interest in potential opportunities. You never know what might come up!
✨Tip Number 4
Utilise our website to apply! It’s super easy and ensures your application gets seen. Plus, you can find loads of resources to help you ace that interview and land the job.
We think you need these skills to ace Employment Senior Lawyer in Reigate
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know the Job Description: Before you start writing, give the job description a good read. Make sure you understand what they're looking for in an Employment Senior Lawyer and tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experience match their needs.
Showcase Your Experience: When detailing your experience, focus on both contentious and non-contentious matters you've handled. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to provide clear, practical advice and manage competing priorities effectively.
Be Personable: Remember, they want someone who can build relationships! Use a friendly tone in your application and show that you're approachable. Mention any experience working with clients at all levels, as this will resonate well with the team.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to the right people. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our dynamic team at Surrey County Council.
How to prepare for a job interview at Surrey County Council
✨Know Your Employment Law Inside Out
As an Employment Senior Lawyer, you’ll need to demonstrate a solid grasp of both contentious and non-contentious employment law. Brush up on recent case law and be prepared to discuss how it applies to the role. This will show your expertise and readiness to provide practical advice.
✨Showcase Your Client Management Skills
You’ll be working with clients at all levels, so it’s crucial to highlight your ability to communicate clearly and effectively. Prepare examples of past experiences where you’ve successfully managed client relationships or resolved complex issues, as this will illustrate your capability in this area.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Local Government Operations
If you come from a private sector background, make sure you understand how local authorities operate. Research Surrey County Council’s structure and current challenges, and think about how your skills can transfer to this environment. This knowledge will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect to face situational questions during the interview. Think through potential scenarios you might encounter in the role, such as handling a grievance or advising on TUPE. Practising your responses will help you articulate your thought process and problem-solving skills effectively.
