Employment Legal Counsel
- Location Milton Keynes
- Job type Permanent
- Salary £47,389 - 56,535 per year
- Discipline Local Government & Public Sector Legal
- Reference 93208
Employment Legal Counsel
Location: Hybrid (with on-site presence in the South East as required)
 Salary: £47,389 – £56,535
 Contract: Permanent, Full-time (37 hours per week)
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Employment Solicitor to join a respected in-house legal team supporting a large, mission-driven organisation with national impact and international reach.
The Role
Working alongside another employment lawyer, you’ll act as a trusted advisor on all aspects of employment law — balancing legal rigour with practical judgement to support a wide range of people-related matters.
You’ll provide expert advice across contentious and non-contentious issues, lead on Employment Tribunal claims, and shape employment policy and practice across the organisation. The variety of work is significant, ranging from complex employee relations and TUPE matters to strategic workforce projects and freedom of speech considerations.
Key responsibilities include:
- Advising on day-to-day employment law issues, including discrimination, grievances, disciplinaries, redundancies, TUPE transfers, performance management, and trade union matters.
- Managing Employment Tribunal claims from early conciliation through to final hearing, including advocacy where appropriate.
- Drafting and reviewing employment contracts, policies, procedures, and settlement agreements.
- Delivering training on employment law to HR and leadership teams.
- Building effective relationships with People Services, senior leaders, and external legal advisers.
- Managing external legal spend and ensuring best value.
- Keeping up to date with developments in employment law and maintaining CPD requirements.
About You
You’ll be a qualified Solicitor (or equivalent) with at least four years’ post-qualification experience specialising in employment law. You’ll bring:
- Strong, up-to-date knowledge of UK employment law across both contentious and non-contentious matters.
- Confidence in handling Employment Tribunal claims, including advocacy.
- Excellent drafting skills and attention to detail.
- The ability to translate complex legal principles into clear, practical guidance.
- Strong relationship-building skills and sound commercial judgement.
- A proactive, pragmatic, and collaborative approach to problem-solving.
Experience in-house, within higher education, the public sector, or a unionised environment would be advantageous but is not essential.
What’s on Offer
You’ll join a forward-thinking organisation that values flexibility, professional development, and meaningful work. The benefits package includes:
- A generous pension scheme and financial wellbeing support.
- Up to 33 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays and additional closure days.
- Hybrid and flexible working arrangements.
- Access to professional development, apprenticeships, and study fee waivers.
- Private healthcare, an employee assistance programme, and wellbeing initiatives.
- Cycle to Work and Electric Vehicle schemes, season ticket loans, and more.
This is a rewarding opportunity to apply your expertise in a role that combines high-quality legal work with a strong sense of purpose and balance.
If you’re looking to move into a stimulating, values-driven environment where your advice truly makes a difference, we’d love to hear from you.