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- Tasks: Advise on employment law, manage disputes, and support HR across a dynamic fashion retailer.
- Company: Join a well-known fashion retailer with a fun and collaborative legal team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, company benefits, and potential for contract extension.
- Why this job: Be the sole employment specialist and make a real impact in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: 5+ years PQE in employment law, excellent communication, and relationship-building skills.
- Other info: Opportunity to work closely with senior stakeholders and develop innovative legal solutions.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 126000 £ 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.
About the Job
This is an exciting role in a fun, fast-paced business. You will report directly to our General Counsel & Company Secretary as part of a small legal team of 8 based in London and Weymouth. You’ll primarily advise and support all areas of the People and HR Team with their work across stores, distribution and support centres, as well as advising the board of directors and other areas of the business, such as procurement and customer services.
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
- 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.
- 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
Salary: DOE – Approximately £90,000 per annum with company benefits
Senior Counsel (Employment) - 9 month FTC employer: Taylor Root
Contact Detail:
Taylor Root Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Counsel (Employment) - 9 month FTC
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to current employees at the company you’re eyeing. Building relationships can give you the inside scoop on job openings and company culture.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its legal challenges. Show them you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate your understanding of their business and how your skills can help tackle their specific employment law issues. We want to see that you’re genuinely interested!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You’ll want to clearly articulate your experience and how it aligns with the role. Think about examples from your past that showcase your problem-solving skills and ability to manage stakeholder relationships. Confidence is key, so rehearse until you feel ready to shine!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. It’s also a chance to reiterate your enthusiasm for the role and remind them why you’d be a great fit. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Counsel (Employment) - 9 month FTC
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Personality: We want to see the real you! Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through in your application. Use a friendly tone and share a bit about what makes you tick, especially in relation to employment law.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for this role. Highlight your experience in employment law and how it aligns with the responsibilities mentioned in the job description. We love seeing how you can fit into our dynamic team!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the point while showcasing your skills.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to 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 business, as this will show your commercial acumen and expertise.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills
Since you'll be advising various teams, think of examples where you've successfully built relationships with stakeholders. Prepare to share how you’ve managed upwards and communicated complex legal issues clearly to non-legal colleagues.
✨Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Abilities
This role requires a solutions-focused mindset. Come ready with examples of how you've tackled challenging employment disputes or provided innovative legal solutions in past roles. Highlight your adaptability and creativity in resolving issues.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect scenario-based questions that test your advisory skills. Think about how you would handle specific situations like discrimination complaints or redundancy processes. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your thought process and approach effectively.
