Join The Open University as an Employment Legal Counsel and help shape the legal landscape at the UK’s largest university.

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.

What You’ll Do

• 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.

Who We’re Looking For

• 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 interpersonal and communications skills, and capable of building effective relationships with a range of internal and external stakeholders at all levels of seniority.
• Innovative and pragmatic problem solver with strong commercial awareness and sound judgement.
• Ability to communicate complex legal matters to colleagues in an understandable way and in a manner that can usefully inform individuals with a range of expertise, understanding, experience and priorities.
• Knowledge and application of IT skills.
• Experience of working in a large complex organization.
• In-house legal experience (preferably within the higher education sector or other unionised or public sector environment).
• If currently working in private practice, experience of clients within the higher education sector or other unionised or public sector environment.

Why Join The Open University?

At The Open University, we’re proud to be pioneers in accessible education and operational excellence. This is your opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a supportive and forward-thinking legal team.

At The Open University, we offer a range of benefits to recognise and reward great work, alongside policies and flexible working that contribute towards a great work life balance. Some of our benefits can be found below but you can find out more by visiting our Staff Benefits page:

• 33 days annual leave, on top of bank holidays and a three-day Christmas closure period
• Access to a leading pension scheme for UK higher education with generous employer contributions
• Staff Fee Waivers for OU study, meaning you could earn a degree for free
• Flexible working and family friendly policies
• Discounts, wellbeing support, and development opportunities

Ready to make an impact?

Apply now and help us uphold the values and legal integrity of one of the UK’s most respected institutions.