Employment Lawyer

The salary range for this role is £52,047 to £57,125 per annum depending on experience. This salary is based on a 36-hour working week, but we will consider applications from candidates looking for part time or flexible hours (subject to a minimum commitment of 28 hours per week).

Are you an admitted Solicitor, Barrister or FILEX of England and Wales with a current practicing certificate looking for a new opportunity to develop your career in Employment Law? As an Employment Lawyer, you will join a supportive, successful and Lexcel accredited in-house legal team that delivers effective legal advice, representation and assistance to the Council.

Our team culture is one which is supportive and engaged. If you are interested in developing and enhancing your existing skills whilst undertaking quality and varied work in the area of employment, we'd love to hear from you.

The Council adopts an agile working policy with flexible working arrangements which include access to our offices in Reigate, Leatherhead, Weybridge and Woking combined with remote or home working. The team are very approachable (even when working remotely!) so there will always be someone to provide you with support and discuss matters with.

Rewards and Benefits

• 26 days' holiday (prorated for part time staff), rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 30 days after 5 years' service.
• Buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
• Up to 5 days of carer's leave per year
• An extensive Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) supporting health and wellbeing
• A generous local government salary related pension
• Lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, shopping and many more
• 2 paid volunteering days plus 1 team volunteering day per year
• Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources

You will have the opportunity to join our Lawyers Career Scheme which will allow for accelerated career and salary progression based on performance. You will be supported through training, regular supervision and development plans to continue learning and developing your expertise and so achieve successful progression through the career scheme.

About the Role

As an Employment Lawyer, you will be expected to carry out a range of key responsibilities, which will include:

• Providing advice on employment law matters to the Council, Surrey Fire and Rescue and Surrey schools
• Working with Human Resources in order to provide practical support and advice on a wide range of matters including disciplinary action, grievances, discrimination, whistleblowing, recruitment matters, restructures, TUPE and exit strategies
• Managing Employment Tribunal cases on behalf of the Council and liaising with ACAS in relation to conciliation
• Deputising for the Senior Solicitor and assisting in the management of external counsel relationships
• Involvement in internal training and legal updates on relevant topics

Shortlisting Criteria

You will be someone with experience of employment law in either the private or public sector and have experience of both contentious and non-contentious matters. You will have experience working with clients at all levels and have the ability to give clear, accurate and practical advice. We welcome applications from candidates with private sector experience with transferable skills and knowledge who are interested in working within local government.

To be considered for shortlisting for this position, your application will clearly evidence the following:

• You are a Solicitor, barrister or Fellow of CILEX, eligible to practise in England and Wales with a current practicing certificate issued by the relevant regulatory authority
• Experience of employment law in either the private or public sector
• Experience of both contentious and non-contentious matters
• Experience working with clients at all levels
• Ability to give clear, accurate and practical advice

Please contact us for any questions relating to the role. This could be to discuss flexible working requests, transferable skills or any barriers to employment.

This post has been designated as a politically restricted post in accordance with the Local Government and Housing Act 1989.

The job advert closes at 23:59 on 28th July 2024 with interviews planned for 1st or 2nd August 2024.

We look forward to receiving your application, please click on the apply online button below to submit.

Our Commitment

Surrey County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. A guaranteed interview will be offered to all disabled applications where:

• The candidate has evidenced the minimum criteria for the role through their application
• The candidate has chosen to share that they have a disability on the application form

Our application form and onboarding process will provide an opportunity to request any reasonable adjustments for the interview and/or the role.