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- Tasks: Lead employment law matters and manage disputes for a dynamic fashion retailer.
- Company: Join a well-known fashion retailer with a fun and collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £90,000, flexible working, and great company perks.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a vibrant team while developing your legal expertise.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor with 5+ years PQE in employment law.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and to work in a supportive environment.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 72000 £ per year.
If you’re a bright, engaging and solutions focused employment counsel with commercial acumen and ability to build lasting relationships with stakeholders at all levels, this role could be for you!
We are working with a well known fashion retailer seeking an employment specialist to join the legal team on an initial 9 month FTC, with the possibility of extensions. They are a fun, dynamic and collaborative team/business and you will be the sole employment specialist in a team of commercial lawyers. Therefore, you’ll have the opportunity to advise at all levels and lead the way with all matters relating to people and employment law.
Accountabilities & Responsibilities
- Litigation: managing all employment disputes from the point of contact from ACAS conciliators. These typically include claims of discrimination, unfair and constructive unfair dismissal, and unlawful deductions from wages. Ideally, representing the company in the Employment Tribunal at preliminary hearings, judicial mediations and if appropriate, at full hearing.
- Advisory: Providing ad hoc advice to the business on a range of matters such as discrimination complaints, maternity rights, grievances, sickness absence management, redundancy and re‐structuring, health and safety, TUPE, bonus arrangements, holiday entitlement, retirement, performance management, disciplinaries and dismissal, varying terms of employment, grievances, continuous service and employment status or corporate projects as may arise from time to time.
- Drafting: Advising on the terms of contracts of employment at all levels, supporting with maintaining staff handbooks and policies, drafting consultancy agreements, appointments of non‐executive directors, settlement and secondment agreements.
- Stakeholder management: Managing upwards, keeping the General Counsel & Company Secretary and other Commercial Solicitors in the team informed about important issues and able to present clearly and precisely, enabling others to understand the key facts and issues.
- Legal developments & Regulations: Staying up to date with legal developments and key business information and is aware of the marketplace and the company's position within it.
- Relationship development: Cultivating and maintaining a relationship with internal stakeholders and external counsel.
- Training: Identifying and providing training to the business on relevant legal issues.
- Projects: Coordinating projects, liaising with and managing external law firms to obtain advice (UK and overseas).
Minimum Qualifications & Desired Attributes
- Qualified Solicitor
- 5+ year PQE (we will consider applications at other PQE levels)
- Experience gained within a highly regarded Employment department either in house or as part of a leading National/International Firm providing you have experience of working in house either on secondment or as part of your employment
- Excellent IT skills.
- In-house experience (including secondment) and/or experience advising retail/consumer clients.
- Excellent technical skills across the full remit of employment law matters.
- Excellent drafting, negotiating and communication skills
- Personable and confident, able to build relationships with partners/key stakeholders quickly
- Resilient and calm under pressure. Adaptable and flexible approach.
- Ability to take responsibility and act autonomously with minimal supervision
- Excellent organisational skills - ability to plan, organise and prioritise tasks and projects.
- Ability to work under pressure, to prioritise tasks and manage deadlines.
- Innovative, proactive and able to respond creatively and effectively in offering solutions whilst managing expectations.
- Commercial awareness and ability to produce innovative and cost-effective legal solutions.
- A high degree of professionalism and willingness to constructively challenge the status quo.
- A true trusted business partner.
Duration: 9 month Fixed Term Contract
Start date: Feb/March 2026
Salary: DOE - Up to £90,000 with company benefits
Office working: London 1-2 days a week - Also have Weymouth office so some travel may be required on occasions.
Please note our advertisements use PQE/salary levels purely as a guide. However we are happy to consider applications from all candidates who are able to demonstrate the skills necessary to fulfil the role.
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Senior Counsel (Employment) – 9-12 month FTC in London employer: Taylor Root
Contact Detail:
Taylor Root Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Counsel (Employment) – 9-12 month FTC in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who have experience in employment law. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Since this role is with a fun and dynamic fashion retailer, show your enthusiasm for their brand and how you can contribute to their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the role of Senior Counsel. Highlight your commercial acumen and ability to build relationships, as these are key for this position.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Counsel (Employment) – 9-12 month FTC in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Personality: When writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to inject a bit of your own style into your cover letter and CV. Remember, we’re looking for someone engaging and solutions-focused, just like you!
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application to the role. Highlight your experience in employment law and how it aligns with the responsibilities mentioned in the job description. We love seeing candidates who can connect their skills directly to what we need!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and experience at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about us and what we do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Taylor Root
✨Know Your Employment Law Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on the latest developments in employment law, especially those relevant to the retail sector. Be prepared to discuss recent cases or changes in legislation that could impact the role, as this will show your commercial acumen and proactive approach.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills
Since you'll be the sole employment specialist, it's crucial to demonstrate your ability to build relationships with various stakeholders. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed upwards or collaborated with different teams in the past, highlighting your communication skills.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect to be asked about real-life scenarios involving employment disputes or advisory situations. Think through your past experiences and be ready to explain how you would handle specific issues, such as discrimination complaints or redundancy processes, showcasing your problem-solving abilities.
✨Demonstrate Your Drafting Expertise
As drafting is a key part of the role, be ready to discuss your experience with contracts, handbooks, and policies. You might even want to bring along samples of your work (if confidentiality allows) to illustrate your drafting skills and attention to detail.