Employment Lawyer in Colchester

Employment Lawyer in Colchester

Colchester Full-Time 53460 - 61638 ÂŁ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
T

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Provide expert legal advice on employment matters and manage a varied caseload.
  • Company: Join Thurrock Council's dynamic Legal Services team.
  • Benefits: Generous leave, pension scheme, flexible working, and ongoing training.
  • Other info: Supportive environment with opportunities for professional development.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in employment law while growing your career.
  • Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor/Barrister or Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives required.

The predicted salary is between 53460 - 61638 ÂŁ per year.

Thurrock Council's Legal Services team is seeking an Employment Lawyer to provide expert legal advice and representation on employment matters for the Council. This includes managing a varied caseload, ensuring compliance with statutory obligations, and supporting governance processes to protect the Council's interests.

We are looking for someone with a passion for employment law, a proactive mindset and a desire to grow professionally in a supportive and experienced environment.

Responsibilities
  • Provide legal advice and support on a wide range of issues varying in complexity including:
  • Providing legal advice to internal clients and stakeholders in relation to all aspects of employment law.
  • Taking instructions and responding to employment claims.
  • Drafting legal responses.
  • Conducting case management and preliminary hearings.
  • Instructing and liaising with counsel in relation to any tribunal proceedings where external legal counsel may be required.
  • Drafting settlement agreements.
  • Advising panel members in relation to disciplinary hearings and drafting outcome decisions.
  • Providing case management and advice of any legal challenges around the SEND process and TUPE process.
  • Maintaining up-to-date knowledge of legislation, case law, and best practice.
  • Provide advice to councillors, stakeholders and senior officers, liaise with external bodies and legal advisers, attend decision‐making meetings (including committee meetings) remotely or in person, and undertake advocacy at the Employment Tribunal when necessary.
  • Contribute to the innovative improvement of the Legal Services Team, including streamlining and case‐management workflow systems.
  • Support junior members of the team, including the Legal Apprentice, in legal practice and procedure and contribute to their professional development.
  • Contribute to governance processes and ensure legal compliance and sound decision‐making.
  • Carry out research and provide legal advice to client departments on all related legal transactions.
  • Engage with senior officers and Members to offer high‐quality legal services, focusing on social justice and collaborating closely with directorates to ensure efficient delivery of Council priorities.
  • Personally manage a caseload and work unsupervised.
  • Prepare, negotiate, draft, agree and process legal documents, record key actions, update data and templates, protect Council interests and mitigate fraud and money‐laundering risks.
  • Notify and advise on any instructions or events that would result in a breach of legislation, common law, standing orders or propriety, or constitute maladministration.
  • Attend and participate in meetings with Officers of the Council and provide legal advice when required.
  • Work flexibly and agilely, with a minimum of two days in the office, using remote or home working as required.
  • What We're Looking For
    • Essential: Excellent demonstrable knowledge of leading complex and high‐profile local government employment cases, including preliminary hearings, tribunal proceedings, counsel instruction for trials, drafting settlement agreements, advising on disciplinary hearings, TUPE and other employment matters; excellent communication and interpersonal skills; ability to work collaboratively, high EQ, active leadership in legal services, organisational skills, proactive self‐motivation, ability to relate policy objectives to service delivery, advocacy skills, IT competence, numeracy and literacy, understanding of local government and law society standards, commitment to agile working, and commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
    • Desirable: Experience delivering annual work plans, monitoring performance, innovating workflow systems, and contributing to quality initiatives.
    • Essential qualifications: Qualified Solicitor/Barrister or Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives.
    • DBS Check: Standard.
    Benefits of Working with Us
    • Generous annual leave entitlement
    • Local Government Pension Scheme
    • Flexible and hybrid working opportunities
    • Ongoing training and professional development
    • Employee assistance programme and wellbeing support
    • Staff discounts and local offers
    • Supportive and inclusive working environment
    Important Dates
    • Closing Date (Redeployment Only): 23rd April 2026
    • Closing Date (Internal & External): 24th May 2026
    • Interview Date: To Be Confirmed

    If you have any questions about the role or interview process, please contact: Godwin Mangse – Principal Lawyer, Litigation Team.

    Employment Lawyer in Colchester employer: Thurrock Council

    Thurrock Council offers a dynamic and supportive environment for Employment Lawyers, where you can thrive professionally while making a meaningful impact on local governance. With generous annual leave, a Local Government Pension Scheme, and flexible working options, we prioritise employee wellbeing and development. Join us to collaborate with passionate colleagues in a culture that values diversity, inclusion, and continuous improvement.
    T

    Contact Detail:

    Thurrock Council Recruiting Team

    StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

    We think this is how you could land Employment Lawyer in Colchester

    ✨Tip Number 1

    Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who work in employment law. They might have insider info on job openings or even refer you directly to hiring managers.

    ✨Tip Number 2

    Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of recent employment law cases and trends. Show that you're not just passionate but also well-informed about the current landscape in employment law.

    ✨Tip Number 3

    Practice your advocacy skills! Whether it's mock interviews or presenting your case to friends, being able to articulate your thoughts clearly and confidently will set you apart from other candidates.

    ✨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 are proactive and engaged with our process.

    We think you need these skills to ace Employment Lawyer in Colchester

    Employment Law Expertise
    Legal Advice and Representation
    Case Management
    Drafting Legal Documents
    Tribunal Proceedings
    Settlement Agreements
    Disciplinary Hearings
    TUPE Process Knowledge
    Advocacy Skills
    Communication Skills
    Interpersonal Skills
    Organisational Skills
    IT Competence
    Agile Working
    Commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

    Some tips for your application 🫡

    Show Your Passion for Employment Law: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for employment law shine through. We want to see that you’re not just qualified, but genuinely excited about the role and how you can contribute to our team.

    Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills that match the job description. We love seeing how your background aligns with what we’re looking for in an Employment Lawyer.

    Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key achievements stand out. This helps us quickly see why you’d be a great fit for the role.

    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 us you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter.

    How to prepare for a job interview at Thurrock Council

    ✨Know Your Employment Law Inside Out

    Make sure you brush up on the latest developments in employment law, especially those relevant to local government. Familiarise yourself with key cases and legislation that could come up during your interview, as this will show your passion and expertise in the field.

    ✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions

    Expect to be asked how you would handle specific employment law scenarios. Think about your past experiences and prepare examples that demonstrate your problem-solving skills and legal knowledge. This will help you articulate your thought process clearly during the interview.

    ✨Showcase Your Communication Skills

    As an Employment Lawyer, you'll need excellent communication skills. Practice explaining complex legal concepts in simple terms, as you may need to advise non-legal stakeholders. This will highlight your ability to engage effectively with various audiences.

    ✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit

    The role involves working collaboratively with other team members and stakeholders. Be ready to discuss how you've supported colleagues in the past and contributed to a positive team environment. This will reflect your proactive mindset and commitment to professional growth.

    Employment Lawyer in Colchester
    Thurrock Council
    Location: Colchester

    Land your dream job quicker with Premium

    You’re marked as a top applicant with our partner companies
    Individual CV and cover letter feedback including tailoring to specific job roles
    Be among the first applications for new jobs with our AI application
    1:1 support and career advice from our career coaches
    Go Premium

    Money-back if you don't land a job in 6-months

    >