Employment Lawyer

Job description

due to the sensitive nature of the work, remote working or home working will not be possible. However, other flexible working options such as part-time (minimum four days per week), compressed hours and job shares would all be considered.

MI5 keeps the country safe from serious threats like terrorism and attempts by states to harm the UK, its people and way of life. We carry out investigations by obtaining, analysing, and assessing intelligence, and then work with a range of partners including MI6 and GCHQ to disrupt these threats. Through our protective security arm, we provide advice and guidance to government, businesses and other organisations about how to keep themselves safe.

A role in MI5 means you'll do unique and challenging work in a supportive and encouraging environment, making a real difference to UK national security.

As one of our Employment Lawyers, you'll join a team of specialists working across a diverse portfolio of unique, challenging cases. You'll provide expert advice on employment and people-related matters, ranging from staff policies and contracts, HR strategy and litigation, through to more sensitive matters such as mitigating risks to national security. In doing so, you'll provide vital support at the heart of our organisation.

This is an opportunity to use your skills and experience in ways you'd expect, in a context you wouldn't. You might be advising on recruitment, vetting and day-to-day HR matters. Or, you could be taking on advisory work across disciplinary, capability and grievance issues. From Employment Tribunal claims and wider litigation to advising on ethics, communications and security matters, you'll provide reliable and trusted legal support on a range of internal casework.

Plus, with no client time recording or billable hour requirements in this role, you'll be able to focus on delivering sound legal advice and meaningful solutions that support our national security mission.

Some aspects of the role might require travel around the country or internationally, but this is infrequent and not an expected day-to-day aspect of the job.

If you're curious about how national security shapes an organisation's response to employment law, this is the role for you.

You'll be a qualified solicitor or barrister, with a minimum of around 2 years' PQE experience, qualified to practice in England and Wales. Previous employment law experience in either the public or private sector is essential and in-house legal experience is preferred.

You'll have the ability to explain complex employment law matters clearly and simply to those without a legal background. With a pragmatic approach to problems, you'll think creatively to find solutions, both independently and as part of our small, collaborative team. Proactive and conscientious, you'll be adept at handling complex and sensitive queries with credibility and build relationships with a broad range of stakeholders.

Upon joining, you'll receive an initial induction as well as on-the-job training. Your manager will provide feedback, guidance and support via regular catchups, and you'll be surrounded by a small, welcoming team who can provide additional help and advice as you settle in.

Plus, you'll have access to courses in our internal training academy, giving you the chance to further your professional development and gain wider support in a collegiate environment. You'll be encouraged to take responsibility for your own training and development, as you seek to identify and take advantage of opportunities appropriate to your own goals and needs. We'll provide you with a dedicated development budget to support you in doing this.