Legal Counsel (Employment)

Blair West are supporting a scaling professional services business to the appointment of a Legal Counsel in Employment.
This is a newly created role and will play a critical role in providing legal counsel and support for employment-related matters.

The opportunity:

• Provide expert legal advice on a broad range of UK employment-related issues, including contracts, terminations, discrimination, and employee relations.
• Draft and negotiate employment contracts, non-compete and settlement agreements, ensuring compliance with UK employment law.
• Develop and implement employment policies and compliance frameworks to mitigate legal and regulatory risk.
• Partner closely with HR and leadership on employee relations matters, including disciplinary actions, grievances, and investigations.
• Support the business in managing employment-related litigation and work collaboratively with external counsel as required.
• Monitor and anticipate changes in employment legislation and advise on implications for the organisation.
• Deliver training and guidance to management and HR teams on employment law best practice.
• Play a key role in embedding strong compliance culture across the business as part of a newly established function.

You’ll be the ideal candidate for this position if you have:

• A minimum of 5 years’ post-qualification experience specialising in UK employment law.
• Strong experience within a regulated environment, ideally within financial services or a related sector.
• An excellent academic background (LLB or equivalent) and active membership in a UK legal association or bar.
• In-depth knowledge of UK employment legislation, compliance standards, and regulatory considerations (including FCA/PRA).
• Proven experience drafting, negotiating, and advising on employment documentation and policy frameworks.
• Exposure to employment litigation and dispute resolution.
• A proactive, solutions-focused approach with excellent judgement and attention to detail.
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build trust and influence across senior teams.

The benefits included with this opportunity:

• The chance to help shape a newly created business with the backing of two global financial leaders.
• Work alongside exceptional talent in a high-performing and intellectually stimulating environment.
• Direct exposure to strategic decision-making and cross-functional collaboration within a growing organisation.
• Opportunities for professional development, learning, and progression in a dynamic, fast-paced setting.

Our commitment

Blair West is an equal-opportunity employer. We embrace diversity and inclusion at every stage of the recruitment process. We are committed to fairness, equality, and ongoing diversity training for our team to give our candidates and clients a feeling of belonging during their experience with us. If you require reasonable adjustments at any stage during their experience with us, please speak to their consultant.