At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide expert employment law advice to schools and educational institutions.
- Company: Join a top-ranked Legal 500 education department in London.
- Benefits: Collaborative environment, career growth, and exposure to interesting legal work.
- Other info: Opportunity to create your own practice niche in a supportive team.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the education sector while developing your legal expertise.
- Qualifications: Experience in employment law and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
Due to growth and an influx of client work, we are excited to be recruiting for a new Senior Associate/Legal Director level employment lawyer to join our successful and Legal 500 ranked Education department based in our London office. The department undertakes all and any legal work for schools and colleges. It is organised into three teams: (1) Property & School Organisation; (2) School Support; and (3) Schools HR/Employment.
This new hire for our Schools HR/Employment team would see you provide a broad range of employment advice to schools, academies, multi-academy trusts, dioceses and other educational institutions, as well as our strategic partners and HR consultancies in the education sector. The candidate will also provide support to the School Support team, who advise on admissions, exclusions, parental complaints, FOIA and DPA, governance, contracts and safeguarding.
The team has built a reputation for high-quality, cost-effective advice to schools and academies. Our service is highly responsive and clients, many of whom are inexperienced buyers of legal services, require quick, good legal advice often in a crisis. A typical day would be varied as you provide advice on a wide range of employment/HR matters, including the opportunity to get involved in contentious work dealing with claims in the employment tribunal and at appeal level (including to the EAT).
ABOUT YOU
If you have a passion for employment law and want a job that is different to other employer work (due to its rewarding nature acting for schools and benefiting the interests of children and the wider education system), this would be an excellent opportunity to work in a highly regarded and supportive team. The work the Schools HR team is also often at the leading edge of employment law.
As an experienced employment lawyer, you would be able to comfortably explain your technical expertise in providing day-to-day HR and employment law advice and support in a variety of scenarios, confidently handling employment tribunal claims from inception to final hearing and have the ability to provide clear and easy to understand advice.
We would welcome applications from private practice, in-house and public sector legal teams. In return, you will be exposed to great quality interesting work and have the opportunity to grow your expertise and personal brand in a collaborative, entrepreneurial and supportive working environment. For the right person, the opportunity to develop their own practice niche and team around them would also be available.
Schools HR/Employment Lawyer employer: Winckworth Sherwood LLP
Contact Detail:
Winckworth Sherwood LLP Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Schools HR/Employment Lawyer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the education sector. Attend events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to current employees at firms you’re interested in. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience in employment law and how it relates to schools and educational institutions. Tailor your conversations to demonstrate your understanding of their specific needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on recent developments in employment law, especially those affecting the education sector. Be ready to discuss how you can provide quick, effective legal advice in crisis situations – that’s what they’re looking for!
✨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 brand. Let’s get you on board!
We think you need these skills to ace Schools HR/Employment Lawyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Employment Law: Make sure to highlight your enthusiasm for employment law in your application. We want to see that you genuinely care about making a difference in the education sector and how your skills can benefit schools and their communities.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Don’t just send a generic CV! We recommend customising your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific requirements of the Schools HR/Employment role. Mention relevant experiences and skills that align with what we’re looking for.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your qualifications and experiences shine through without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Winckworth Sherwood LLP
✨Know Your Employment Law Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on the latest developments in employment law, especially as it pertains to the education sector. Be prepared to discuss recent cases or changes in legislation that could impact schools and academies.
✨Showcase Your Client-Focused Approach
Since the role involves advising inexperienced buyers of legal services, demonstrate your ability to provide clear, concise, and practical advice. Think of examples where you've successfully communicated complex legal concepts to clients in a straightforward manner.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in real-life situations, such as handling an employment tribunal claim or advising on a sensitive HR matter. Practise articulating your thought process and how you would approach these scenarios effectively.
✨Highlight Your Collaborative Spirit
This role is all about teamwork, so be ready to discuss how you've worked with others in the past. Share examples of how you've collaborated with different teams or departments to achieve a common goal, particularly in a legal context.