Employment Lawyer

Purpose

Give independent in-house employment advice, supporting fair decisions and lawful workforce arrangements.

Reporting line

Directors with professional independence

Working arrangements

Agreed professional schedule and case deadlines within safe working arrangements; no unrestricted on-call commitment.

England; specific location and weekly hours confirmed before appointment. Maximum eight-hour shifts include one hour of paid uninterrupted break with competent cover.

Key responsibilities

• Advise on contracts, benefits, working time and recruitment criteria.
• Review employee relations, whistleblowing and safeguarding-related employment issues.
• Support fair disciplinary, grievance and capability processes.
• Manage litigation and external counsel within authority and professional permissions.
• Advise on equality, adjustments, protected disclosures and confidentiality.
• Train managers on evidence, fair process and appropriate records.
• Identify conflicts between organisational interests and individual representation.
• Maintain privileged material separately and advise on lawful disclosure.

Experience

At least 15 years of relevant employment-law experience.

Qualifications and registration

Qualified solicitor of England and Wales with current SRA practising certificate for this solicitor post; verified professional standing and competence in employment law. Any alternative regulated legal route requires a separately defined scope.

Essential capabilities

• Deep employment-law expertise and clear practical advice.
• Ability to preserve professional independence and escalate unlawful proposals.
• Strong drafting, negotiation and case management.
• Understanding of safeguarding interfaces and sensitive HR data.

Desirable experience

In-house experience in regulated care, healthcare or education.

What good performance looks like

Managers receive timely advice and decisions are supported by fair process and reliable records.

Benefits and safer recruitment

All employee benefits and recruitment standards apply, including 32 days holiday plus bank holidays, 8% employer pension, family medical and dental cover subject to insurer terms, and the clean driving licence criterion with reasonable adjustments where required. Required vetting is completed before a final contract.

Apply for AL17

Email hr@astha.org quoting this reference. HR will discuss the location, hours, secure application route and adjustments.