Vivid Resourcing
Location: United Kingdom
Contract: Locum
Start date: ASAP
Duration: Until December
Working pattern: Hybrid or fully remote
About the role
Our client is looking to appoint an experienced Employment Lawyer on a locum basis to take on a busy respondent caseload. The role has arisen following the departure of a permanent member of the team around six weeks ago, and there is currently no dedicated employment lawyer in place. The work has been picked up by a colleague in the meantime, so there is a real need for someone to step in quickly and take ownership of live matters.
The successful candidate will act for the respondent in Employment Tribunal claims, with a particular focus on discrimination matters. You will be expected to take cases through to final hearing, including instructing counsel and preparing matters for the hearing itself. Alongside litigation, you will provide day-to-day advice to HR colleagues and the wider organisation, support policy work and advise on strategic exits.
The contract runs until December and there is a strong likelihood of extension. The preference is for hybrid working, with office attendance possible around once a month as a nice option rather than a requirement, and fully remote candidates will also be considered. Part-time applicants will be considered where they can commit to at least 30 hours a week.
Main responsibilities
- Act as respondent in Employment Tribunal claims, including discrimination claims, from receipt of the claim through to final hearing
- Manage tribunal litigation, including preparing responses, case management, disclosure, witness evidence and hearing bundles
- Instruct and work with counsel on final hearings and any preliminary hearings
- Provide practical employment law advice to HR and managers on day-to-day matters
- Advise on discrimination issues, disciplinary and grievance processes, restructures and strategic exits
- Support the development, review and updating of employment policies
- Manage a busy caseload and prioritise work to bring matters up to date
- Keep accurate case records and report progress clearly to stakeholders
- Support the handover of matters at the end of the contract
Requirements
Essential
- Qualified lawyer with current experience of employment law, predominantly on the respondent side
- Experience of taking Employment Tribunal claims through to final hearing, including instructing counsel
- Experience of handling discrimination claims
- Confident advising HR and senior stakeholders
- Ability to manage a heavy caseload independently and work to tight deadlines
- Availability to start as soon as possible
Desirable
- Over three years of relevant post-qualification experience
- Local authority experience (preferred)
- Private sector experience combined with trade union experience (also considered)
- Experience of policy drafting and review
- Experience advising on strategic exits and organisational change
The offer
This is a locum engagement running until December with a strong likelihood of extension. Flexibility for part-time candidates working a minimum of 30 hours. Working arrangements are hybrid, with occasional office attendance possible, or fully remote. The client is keen for someone to start as soon as possible.
If you are an experienced employment lawyer who enjoys tribunal advocacy preparation and discrimination work, this role offers meaningful responsibility from day one and the potential for a longer engagement. Apply below.