Employment Lawyer

We are seeking a skilled and motivated Employment Lawyer to join our Corporate Litigation team within Legal Services. This is a key role supporting the organisation through a period of significant transformation and service redesigns.

About the Role

You will provide high-quality legal advice and representation on a wide range of employment law matters, including:

• Advising on disciplinary, grievance, and capability procedures
• Supporting organisational change, TUPE, and redundancy processes
• Handling employment tribunal claims and settlement agreements
• Drafting and reviewing employment contracts, policies, and procedures
• Delivering training and guidance to HR and service managers

You will work closely with colleagues across the Council, including HR, Legal, and senior leadership, to ensure legal risk is managed effectively and employment law obligations are met.

About You

You will be a qualified legal professional with:

• Demonstrable experience in employment law
• Strong advocacy and negotiation skills
• Ability to work independently and manage a varied caseload
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills
• A proactive and solution-focused approach

Experience in the public sector or local government is desirable but not essential. You must hold a professional legal qualification which confers rights to practise law in England and Wales

Support & Benefits:

• Generous Annual Leave Scheme (27 days increasing to 32 days after 5 years’ service): Ensuring a healthy work-life balance.
• Flexi Time Scheme: Up to two days flexi leave every four weeks (pro rata for part-time employees), subject to service needs.
• Local Government Pension Scheme: Providing financial security.
• Wellbeing Support Framework: Includes OH physician services, physiotherapy, CBT, and in-house counselling.
• Employee Wellbeing Support: Fast track physiotherapy, confidential psychological support services, Employee Assistance Programme, and “Wisdom” app.
• Training and Development: Opportunities for professional qualifications and ongoing training.
• Cycle to Work Scheme: Promoting a healthy lifestyle.
• Electric/Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle Salary Sacrifice Scheme: Encouraging environmentally friendly commuting options.
• Our Derbyshire Rewards: a package of benefits and discounts.
• & much more

Why Join Us?

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to high-impact work in a supportive and collaborative environment. You’ll be part of a team that values professionalism, integrity, and continuous improvement.

We offer flexible working arrangements, professional development opportunities, and a commitment to employee wellbeing, together with other benefits such as access to local government pension scheme, generous annual leave, incremental pay progression and access to employee discount schemes.

Provisional Interview Date: 11 September 2025

Apply now and take the first step towards a fulfilling career with us! By joining Derbyshire County Council you will have access to a range of amazing rewards and employee benefits, including our generous annual leave scheme, excellent local government pension and fantastic employee discounts.

This role currently offers hybrid working options which will be to subject service needs, there'll be an opportunity to discuss working arrangements for this position at interview.

We welcome applications from individuals who share our values — being Collaborative, Innovative, Empowered and Accountable. These values describe who we are and what we stand for as a council. They help shape our culture, encourage consistent behaviour and guide how we work together to make a positive difference for both our employees and the residents we serve.