Legal Counsel

Job Location:

Milton Keynes, Remote/Hybrid

Department:
Legal Services

Closing Date: 19 February 2026

Weekly

Working Hours:

37

Contract Type:
Permanent

Fixed Term

Contract:

End Date:
Not Applicable

Welsh Language:
Not Applicable

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This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced employment law professional who is a qualified solicitor with at least 4 years’ post qualification experience. The post-holder, together with the existing in-house employment lawyer, will be the main source of legal advice to the University on employment issues.

The role will cover all aspects of employment law and the post-holder will provide legal support and advice to University colleagues in relation to contentious and non-contentious employment law matters.

• Providing legal advice on day-to-day employment law issues, both contentious and non-contentious. This will cover all aspects of employment law ranging from discrimination, performance management, redundancies, disciplinaries and grievances to Trade Union issues, TUPE transfers, employment status, reorganisations and Freedom of Speech.
• Handling Employment Tribunal claims from inception to final hearing, including drafting and preparing Employment Tribunal documentation and witness statements. Representing the University at Employment Tribunal hearings, and where necessary, instructing and liaising with counsel in relation to any tribunal proceedings where external legal counsel is engaged.
• Conducting and/or contributing to negotiations (if appropriate) on behalf of the University where a dispute has arisen, or in relation to contentious matters.
• Drafting, updating and reviewing employment contracts, policies and procedures, settlement agreements and other employment related documentation, including the employment law provisions of wider commercial agreements.
• Delivering training on employment law topics/issues to the People Services department and others across the University when required.
• Develop and maintain effective relationships with key stakeholders, in particular within People Services, and external legal advisors.
• Communicate legal options and advice to colleagues at all levels, and provide advice on the merits of claims and disputes. Make commercial recommendations based upon risk assessment of the situation.
• Contribute to the management of relationships with external law-firms to ensure best value and consistently high levels of quality and service. Help to monitor and manage external employment law-related spend, ensuring costs are controlled.
• Keep up to date with Continuing Professional Development (CPD) so as to maintain a practicing certificate and to ensure legal advice and documentation are aligned with current law.
• Other reasonable duties may be required consistent with the grade of the post.

• Qualified Solicitor (or equivalent), with at least 4 years’ post qualification experience, specialising in employment law.
• Highly developed knowledge and understanding of all aspects of employment law. Experience of managing and advising on a wide range of employment related issues (contentious and non-contentious).
• Ability to handle Employment Tribunal claims from Early Conciliation through to final hearing, including advocacy/representation at hearings.
• Strong drafting skills in relation to both contentious and non-contentious work. This includes pleadings, witness statements and other documentation in relation to Employment Tribunal claims; contracts; policies and procedures; settlement agreements; TUPE provisions in commercial agreements; and other employment-related documentation.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team, to tight deadlines and to manage own case load as well as to prioritise effectively against conflicting demands.
• Excellent…