Legal Counsel

Contract: 12-month fixed term (extension may be possible afterwards)

To be considered for an interview, please make sure your application is full in line with the job specs as found below.

Location: Hybrid with 1+ days per week in-office (Essex)

Hours: Part-time, this can be flexible over 2-4 days/week or just mornings/afternoons as preferred

Industry: Public Sector

A respected public sector organisation is searching for an experienced Employment Lawyer on a flexible, part-time basis for an initial 1 year contract.

The Opportunity

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Employment Lawyer with 5+ years PQE to provide high-quality legal advice and strategic guidance on complex people and employment law matters within a specialist public sector environment.

Working as part of a supportive team, you will play a key role in managing sensitive employment issues, supporting senior stakeholders, and reducing litigation risk through proactive legal and policy input.

The position offers part-time flexibility (2-4 days per week) and hybrid working, with only one office-based day per week required.

Key Responsibilities

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• Provide expert legal advice on complex employment matters including discrimination, harassment, whistleblowing, pay disputes, pensions, restructures, TUPE, disciplinary hearings, and unfair dismissal.
  
• Conduct in-depth legal research and keep the organisation informed on relevant case law, statutory updates, and sector-specific regulations.
  
• Prepare concise, high-quality reports and briefing papers with clear legal recommendations.
  
• Draft, review, and advise on a variety of employment-related documents, including policies, contracts, and agreements.
  
• Deliver training and guidance to internal teams, supporting upskilling in employment law compliance and risk management.
  
• Collaborate with HR, Professional Standards, and Learning & Development teams to enhance internal capability and ensure best practice.
  
• Maintain accurate records and contribute to governance, audit, and continuous improvement processes.
  
• Take responsibility for maintaining professional knowledge and CPD.
  

About You

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• Qualified Solicitor, Barrister, or Chartered Legal Executive, holding a current practising certificate.
  
• Minimum 4 years' experience handling employment tribunal matters (respondent or predominantly respondent background preferred).
  
• Experience advising public sector clients is advantageous but not essential.
  
• Strong understanding of unionised environments and public-sector employment frameworks.
  
• Excellent advocacy, drafting, and communication skills, with the ability to translate complex legal concepts into clear, practical advice.
  
• Strong organisational ability and resilience in managing multiple priorities.
  
• High attention to detail and commitment to professional standards. xwzovoh
  

Interested?

If you're an experienced employment lawyer who thrives on complex, purpose-driven work in a public-sector environment, we'd love to hear from you.