Employment Solicitor

Full time Civic Recruitment Limited United Kingdom

Job Information

Legal / Security / Law

City Dudley

Province West Midlands

Postal Code DY1

6 Month Contract With A local Authority

Job Purpose

The Employment Lawyer is responsible for assisting in the provision of an efficient, effective, and high-quality legal service to the Council, its Members, Directorates, and Officers, with a particular focus on employment law matters.

The postholder will provide legal advice and representation on a broad range of employment-related issues, including disciplinary matters, grievances, Employment Tribunal claims, TUPE matters, settlement agreements, and employment policies, ensuring the Council's interests are protected and legal obligations are met.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a varied caseload of employment law matters on behalf of the Council.
• Prepare and conduct Employment Tribunal cases, including drafting ET3 responses, witness statements, disclosure, case bundles, and settlement agreements.
• Provide legal advice verbally and in writing to Directorates, Officers, and Elected Members on employment law matters.
• Advise and represent Directors and officers at disciplinary hearings, appeals, and related employment proceedings.
• Provide advice relating to TUPE and organisational change processes.
• Represent the Council at Employment Tribunals, hearings, appeals, and committee meetings where required.
• Instruct and liaise with Counsel where specialist representation or appeals are necessary in the Council's best interests.
• Ensure all legal proceedings are managed effectively and in accordance with procedural and statutory requirements.
• Build effective working relationships with Members, Officers, external legal representatives, and stakeholders.
• Provide practical, solution-focused legal guidance to support operational and strategic decision-making.
• Contribute to the delivery of a responsive and customer-focused legal service across the organisation.
• Ensure compliance with employment legislation, tribunal procedures, Council policies, and professional standards.
• Maintain accurate legal records, case files, and documentation.
• Support equality, diversity, safeguarding, data protection, and health & safety responsibilities in all areas of work.
• Undertake continuous professional development and participate in performance review processes.
• Undertake additional duties commensurate with the level of the post as required by the Head of Law & Governance or Principal Lawyer (Corporate & Litigation Services).
• Promote collaborative working and contribute to achieving Directorate and Council objectives.
• Represent the Council professionally and uphold corporate values and standards at all times.

Requirements

• Experience handling employment law matters, including Employment Tribunal litigation and advisory work.
• Strong knowledge of employment law, tribunal procedures, TUPE, and employee relations matters.
• Experience preparing legal documentation, pleadings, witness statements, and settlement agreements.
• Experience providing legal advice to senior managers, elected members, or public sector clients is desirable.
• Understanding of local government legal frameworks and governance arrangements is advantageous.
• Strong advocacy, negotiation, and case management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to provide clear, practical, and commercially focused legal advice.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a legal team environment.
• High level of professionalism, discretion, and attention to detail.
• Qualified Solicitor, Barrister, or Chartered Legal Executive with a current practising certificate.
• Evidence of continuing professional development relevant to employment law.
• Commitment to equality, diversity, safeguarding, and excellent public service delivery.
• Compliance with DBS/CRB requirements where applicable.
• Valid driving licence and access to a vehicle insured for business use may be required.
• Commitment to complying with Council policies including Health & Safety and Data Protection requirements.