Employment Solicitor
- Recruiter
- Stone King
- Location
- Leeds
- Salary
- Competitive + Excellent Benefits
- Posted
- 01 Dec 2015
- Closes
- 29 Dec 2015
- Ref
- leedsHS123ES
- Contact
- Stone King
- Vacancy Type
- Solicitors
- Contract
- Permanent
- Hours
- Full Time
- Practice Areas
- Employment, Other
- Experience Level
- Not Disclosed
Stone King have an opportunity for an Employment Solicitor to join the team based in the Leeds office on a full time, permanent basis. The successful applicant will receive a competitive salary.
The Background
Stone King will be further strengthening its legal services for schools through opening an office in Leeds in the spring of 2016. This will significantly develop the Firm’s presence in the North of England and is a core part of our aim to be the legal advisor of choice for educational institutions across the country.
The Employment Solicitor Role
The role will be based in our newly established Leeds office, but will require travel to any of our other locations or off site as client demands require.
As a significant proportion of the work that the Employment Team undertakes is in the Education sector (principally Schools), therefore a working knowledge of that sector and experience in advising state funded schools would be advantageous. In particular, the appointee will be expected to advise accurately in relation to:
- Burgundy Book terms.
- The School Teachers Pay and Conditions Document, including pay scales, TLRs and the safeguarding provisions and working time.
- The academy conversion process from a staffing perspective.
There is likely to be the opportunity to broaden the client base from the Leeds office into other sectors for whom the firm acts e.g. charity and businesses.
The Appointee will work closely with the Education Lead Partner in the Leeds office and with one of our HR Consultants based in the Leeds office (one of four in the Employment Team). A genuine interest in marketing and business development will be important, as well as the ability to give pragmatic ‘can do’ advice whilst undertaking appropriate risk assessments.
The Appointee will be an integral member of the Employment Team, but will be expected to show an ability to work on their own when required, but also to engage fully with all members of the Team and refer specialised areas of work to appropriate members of the team, e.g. pensions-related work.
The Appointee will be expected to be able to explain to individuals who may have little knowledge of employment law requirements what they can and cannot do.
Employment Solicitor Main Purposes include:
- Reviewing and drafting Policies, Handbooks and Contracts;
- Advising with regard to disciplinary and grievance issues and procedures;
- Advising with regard to TUPE issues, particularly in relation to Academies pre and post-transfer;
- Preparing bespoke Contracts and advising with regard to implications e.g., secondment and Consultancy Agreements;
- Advising in relation to potential discrimination issues, particularly disability, religious/belief and sex discrimination;
- Assisting clients in negotiations with regard to termination and addressing issues e.g., Settlement Agreements;
- To prepare cases for Tribunal hearings, principally on behalf of Respondents including an interest in carrying out advocacy ;
- To provide general advice with regard to childcare issues where they impact on employment matters;
- Advising existing clients on other employment and related issues as they arise speedily and efficiently with ‘can do’ attitude;
- Addressing both contentious and non-contentious employment issues with a particular focus on preventative practical advice;
- Actively market and business develop the Employment Law Team in conjunction with other Team members and other Teams in order to develop the firm’s client base;
Employment Solicitor Additional Requirements:
Our environment is positive and supportive, but we are often working to tight deadlines. We need someone who is proactive, good at prioritising and able to manage pressure. In addition, the candidate should be well-organised, technologically proficient and capable of working on their own as appropriate.
We operate within an environment of mutual trust and respect and so the ability to contribute to a pleasant working environment for all concerned will be important.
Reporting:
You’ll report on a day-to-day basis to the Lead Education Partner in Leeds and overall to the Head of the Employment Regulatory and Disputes Team and the Employment Team Manager (You will be required to liaise frequently with London, Bath and Cambridge colleagues).
The successful candidate must be prepared to work beyond standard office hours in order to meet deadlines where necessary.
Working hours – 9.00am - 5.30pm.
Salary and benefits
- Private Medical Insurance and Life assurance (4 x salary)
- Pension scheme
- 25 days holiday
If you feel you have the skills and experience to become the new Employment Solicitor then please click “Apply” today!