At a Glance
- 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.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for professional growth and community impact.
- 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.
The predicted salary is between 53000 - 58000 £ per year.
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
As a Technology Adoption Support Advisor, you will join a forward-thinking team dedicated to empowering SME manufacturers in the South East to embrace digital transformation. Our company fosters a collaborative work culture that prioritises employee development and offers extensive growth opportunities, ensuring you can thrive in your career while making a meaningful impact on the industry. With competitive benefits and a commitment to innovation, we provide a unique environment where your contributions are valued and recognised.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Employment Senior Lawyer in Reigate
✨Get Involved in Law Societies
Join local law societies and attend their events – they're often a goldmine for networking and job opportunities in the legal field. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other budding lawyers and experienced solicitors who could provide vital insights and connections.
✨Tap into Online Legal Communities
Don’t underestimate the power of online platforms like LinkedIn and specific legal forums. Get active in discussions or share your thoughts on recent legal developments – this not only builds your visibility but also showcases your passion and knowledge in law.
✨Attend Career Fairs and Workshops
Look out for career fairs and workshops specifically focused on law. Many law firms, including Surrey County Council, will be scouting for fresh talent, so bring your A-game and don’t shy away from making a memorable impression.
✨Leverage Your University’s Career Services
If you’re still in university or have recently graduated, latch onto your career services! They often have connections with law firms looking for graduates and can guide you through the application process tailored for the legal sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Employment Senior Lawyer in Reigate
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Surrey County Council, make sure to demonstrate your understanding of key legal principles and areas of law relevant to the position. Include any specific coursework, modules, or certifications, like LPC or BPTC qualifications, that showcase your legal expertise directly on your CV.
Showcase Your Research Skills:In the legal field, strong research skills are crucial. Use your application to illustrate how you've utilised these skills in past studies or work experiences – whether that's through past internships or significant projects. Mention any legal databases or tools you’re proficient in, as this can give you an edge.
Tailor That Cover Letter!:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make it personal by expressing your genuine interest in Surrey County Council and the specific role of Employment Senior Lawyer. Talk about why you want to be part of their team, how your unique experiences align with their values, and why you’re passionate about the legal sector.
Stay Formal but Friendly:While we all know the legal world can be pretty formal, don’t be afraid to let a bit of personality shine through in your written application. Use a respectful tone, but feel free to inject a little warmth; this approach can help you stand out and show you're a great fit for Surrey County Council’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Surrey County Council
✨Know Your Legal Principles
Brush up on foundational legal principles relevant to the specific area of law you’re applying for, whether it’s corporate, criminal, or family law. We might get asked situational questions to test your knowledge, so being articulate about key concepts will make you stand out.
✨Be Ready for Case Studies
Full-time legal roles often involve case studies during interviews. Prepare to analyse a hypothetical case and discuss your approach to it. Practising this with a peer or mentor can help us refine our reasoning and articulate a solid legal argument.
✨Show Off Your Research Skills
As legal professionals, strong research skills are a must. Have examples ready of how you've effectively used legal databases or conducted thorough legal research in your past experiences. It's a great way to demonstrate your readiness for the role at Surrey County Council.
✨Exude Professionalism and Confidence
In the legal field, professionalism is key. During the interview, we should maintain good eye contact and communicate clearly to show that we’re not just knowledgeable, but also confident. This can make a positive impression on your potential colleagues at Surrey County Council.
