At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide expert employment law guidance and support across diverse jurisdictions.
- Company: Join Swiss Re, a leading global reinsurance and insurance provider.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance-based bonuses, and global benefits.
- Other info: Hybrid work model with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while supporting our most valuable asset – our people.
- Qualifications: Fully UK-qualified lawyer with 7+ years of employment law experience.
The predicted salary is between 94000 - 140000 £ per year.
Are you a qualified UK legal professional looking to apply your expertise in a dynamic global reinsurance / insurance environment? Join our Employment Advisory Team, where you'll provide critical employment law guidance mainly for the UK but also across diverse jurisdictions while supporting our most valuable assets – our people.
As Legal Counsel specializing in Employment Law, you'll serve as a valued and trusted advisor across Swiss Re's operations, with a primary focus on the UK. You will provide expert guidance on a wide range of employment matters, from routine advisory work to complex employee relations issues and multinational cross-border projects, navigating the evolving workplace environment successfully, always in compliance with both external and internal requirements.
Key responsibilities:
- Provide comprehensive legal counsel on the whole employee lifecycle (recruiting, hiring, promotions, development, employee relations, discipline, terminations / retirement)
- Draft, review and negotiate a wide range of HR related legal documents
- Support employment aspects of corporate restructurings, acquisitions, and dispositions
- Develop and improve local as well as global templates, policies, processes and best practices for the business and HR teams to enhance efficiency and effectiveness
- Ensure adherence to legal and regulatory requirements including pay equity, discrimination prevention, wage and hour issues, workplace safety, data protection, and global mobility
- Monitor and report on developments and trends in laws and regulations, providing timely updates and guidance
- Prepare and deliver presentations, legal reports and in-house trainings
This role reports to the Head of Employment Advisory. You will join a global team of passionate and solution-oriented employment legal counsels operating in a culturally diverse environment. The team is committed to providing exceptional legal guidance on a wide range of employment law issues across all Swiss Re's businesses and jurisdictions.
About You
You are an experienced and skilled employment lawyer who combines strong technical employment law expertise with commercial awareness, a 'can do' mindset and thrives when working independently and managing multiple requests with competing deadlines. You like working in a complex, regulated environment and balancing legal considerations with practical business solutions. Your strong communication skills allow you to translate complex legal concepts clearly and succinctly. You are comfortable sharing your thought process openly and welcome constructive challenge.
We are looking for candidates who meet these requirements:
- Fully UK-qualified lawyer
- Minimum of 7+ years post-qualification employment law experience (both contentious and non-contentious)
- Law firm as well as prior in-house experience in a multi-national company, preferably in banking, insurance, financial services, or another regulated industry
- Strong familiarity with corporate HR operations and the employee lifecycle
- Excellent drafting, negotiation, and influencing skills
- Strong commitment to high-quality, timely, and pragmatic, solution-oriented client service
These are additional nice to haves:
- Experience working on international employment law issues
- Proficiency in additional language beyond English
- Knowledge of emerging technologies affecting the workplace
- Project management experience with multi-jurisdictional initiatives
- Advanced degree or certification in employment law or related field / having worked abroad
Our company has a hybrid work model where the expectation is that you will be in the office at least three days per week.
For London, the annual base salary range for this position is between GBP 94,000 and GBP 140,000 (for a full-time role). The specific salary offered considers the requirements, scope, complexity and responsibilities of the role, the applicant's own profile including education/qualifications, expertise, specialisation, skills and experience. In addition to your base salary, Swiss Re offers an attractive performance-based variable compensation component, designed to recognise your achievements. Further, you will enjoy a variety of global and location-specific benefits. Eligibility may vary depending on the terms of Swiss Re policies and your employment contract.
Swiss Re is one of the world’s leading providers of reinsurance, insurance and other forms of insurance-based risk transfer, working to make the world more resilient. We anticipate and manage a wide variety of risks, from natural catastrophes and climate change to cybercrime. Combining experience with creative thinking and cutting-edge expertise, we create new opportunities and solutions for our clients. This is possible thanks to the collaboration of more than 15,000 employees across the world.
Our success depends on our ability to build an inclusive culture encouraging fresh perspectives and innovative thinking. We embrace a workplace where everyone has equal opportunities to thrive and develop professionally regardless of their age, gender, race, ethnicity, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, physical or mental ability, skillset, thought or other characteristics. In our inclusive and flexible environment, everyone can bring their authentic selves to work and their passion for sustainability.
If you are an experienced professional returning to the workforce after a career break, we encourage you to apply for open positions that match your skills and experience.
Legal Counsel - Employment Law Advisory (Hybrid - 80-100%) in Vauxhall employer: Swiss Re
Swiss Re is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that champions innovation and collaboration. As a Behavioural Science and Human-AI Consultant, you will have the opportunity to work at the forefront of AI transformation, partnering with multidisciplinary experts to drive meaningful change while enjoying flexible working arrangements and a competitive benefits package. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, Swiss Re empowers you to make a significant impact in the reinsurance industry from their vibrant London office.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Legal Counsel - Employment Law Advisory (Hybrid - 80-100%) in Vauxhall
✨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.
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✨Attend Career Fairs and Workshops
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✨Leverage Your University’s Career Services
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We think you need these skills to ace Legal Counsel - Employment Law Advisory (Hybrid - 80-100%) in Vauxhall
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Swiss Re, 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 Swiss Re and the specific role of Legal Counsel - Employment Law Advisory (Hybrid - 80-100%). 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 Swiss Re’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Swiss Re
✨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 Swiss Re.
✨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 Swiss Re.
