OverviewJoin to apply for the Legal Counsel - Employment role at News UK.An exciting new opportunity to join News UK working in the Employment Legal team. This is a new, permanent role which offers a chance to demonstrate and develop your knowledge and experience in a fast-paced and dynamic media organisation.The teamThe Employment Legal team is a key part of our full-service legal department. We are a collaborative group of experts specialising in a wide range of legal areas including corporate, M&A, commercial, IP, technology, property, media, compliance and data protection law. In this role you will have the opportunity to work on a broad spectrum of matters across all parts of the business.Your roleYou will be working closely with a Legal Director and a Senior Legal Counsel. Your primary focus will be to provide timely and commercially astute employment legal advice to our HR team and business leaders. This is a fast-paced role where you will manage multiple competing priorities at once, and we value flexibility to ensure internal clients receive timely employment legal advice which meets their needs.Day to dayPartner with HR colleagues in the UK and Ireland, advising them and the business on various employee relations matters such as grievance and disciplinary processes, performance management, contractual issues, employment status, sickness absence management and the application of company policies. You will also advise on diversity and inclusion matters and a myriad of other ad hoc queries as they arise.Draft and negotiate contracts, e.g. settlement agreements, independent contractor agreements and apprenticeship training supplier agreements.Assist with commercial contracts and corporate transactions, including advising on TUPE transfers, conducting due diligence and drafting contractual provisions on employment matters.Advise on AI-related queries as they relate to the employee and talent populations.Work with the HR team to review and update policies and precedents and assist with the development of new policies and precedents when needed.Assist with employment litigation, training and providing key legal updates to the business and the HR team.Carry out legal research (including using specialist legal AI tools) and be responsible for maintaining internal and intra-group risk registers.Draft, review and negotiate talent and retainer contracts and have involvement in conducting tax status assessments for our independent contractor population, working in collaboration with our Tax team.What we are looking forA qualified solicitor (able to practise in England and Wales) with experience in a quality private practice employment department.Ideally some in-house experience (including secondments).Strong PQE with comprehensive knowledge of UK employment law and best practice and confident advising independently.Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to convey legal advice clearly and concisely in a commercial context.A methodical approach to work, with a strong focus on accuracy and quality.Someone who demonstrates natural interpersonal skills and a positive, collaborative approach to working with colleagues at all levels across the business.A dynamic and agile person; able to work to deadlines and prioritise tasks in a demanding and fast-paced commercial environment.Ability to carry out all responsibilities in a way which supports the company’s values and promotes high ethical standards.About News UKNews UK is one of the leading media businesses in the UK and Ireland. Our brands include The Times, The Sunday Times, The Sun, The Sun on Sunday and The TLS, plus talkSPORT, Times Radio and Virgin Radio UK. We reach millions with news, analysis, opinion and entertainment across print, digital, audio and video. We are committed to diversity and a culture where everyone can contribute and thrive.Hybrid workAt News UK, we embrace a hybrid work model, currently requiring a minimum of three days per week in the office. Some roles may require additional in-office days; please discuss this with your recruiter for specific requirements.Life at NewsWe are driven by passion and purpose, representing the nation and fostering a culture where trust, respect and curiosity help us tell the stories that matter. We offer a diverse and inclusive environment with employee networks and opportunities for growth.BenefitsPrivate medical insurance including coverage for pre-existing conditionsDiscounted gym memberships, free ClassPass at Home, weekly exercise classesBikes for Work and Electric Car schemeUp to 60% discount on Harper Collins booksMaternity leave up to 18 weeks full basic salary & paternity leave up to 2 weeksExclusive events and competitions with brands such as talkSPORT, Virgin Radio UK & The TimesWellbeing benefits such as EAP, physio/massage and counsellingGenerous pension scheme with employer contributions of up to 5%Training opportunities including LinkedIn Learning25 days holiday, plus bank holidays and up to 4 volunteering days per yearWe want to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to perform to their best when applying for a role. If you would like to receive any information in a different way or for us to do anything differently to support you to apply for any of our roles please contact us on careers@news.co.uk.Seniority levelMid-Senior levelEmployment typeFull-timeJob functionLegalIndustriesOnline Audio and Video MediaRetail Books and Printed NewsLegal ServicesWe’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI. #J-18808-Ljbffr