Job Description

At Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer, our ambition is to help you achieve your goals.

Exceptional client service and the pursuit of excellence are at our core. We invest in and care about our client relationships, which is why many are incredibly longstanding. And we enjoy breaking new ground, as we have for over 100 years.



We are where you need us to be. We are in the world's largest markets, key financial centres and major growth hubs. Our international footprint is extensive and committed.




We are at our best tackling complexity and navigating change. We work alongside you on demanding contentious matters, exacting regulatory work and complex public and private market transactions. We are recognised as leading in these areas.




We are immersed in the sectors and challenges that impact you. We are recognised as standing apart in energy, ESG, infrastructure and resources. And we're focused on areas of growth that affect every business across the world, including technology and digitalisation.



All of this is achieved by supporting the growth of our people, who help us deliver on our ambition - which is to help you achieve yours.



Your goals. Our ambition.

The Opportunity

The Employee Relations team provides the firm with commercial and innovative employment law and employee relations advice whilst also effectively managing risk for the firm and supporting delivery against the firm's strategic people priorities.


This role directly supports the firm's offices in the UK, US & EMEA, with support for global strategic projects, initiatives and policies as required.


Key responsibilities include:


Acting as a trusted legal adviser, working collaboratively with partners, senior Business Services leaders and the People function to provide strategic advice and solutions, enabling the firm to navigate sensitive and business critical employment issues that include (without limitation):

partner-related misconduct employee grievances and disciplinaries investigations restructures, redundancies and outsourcings terminations and negotiated exits office openings / closures strategic people project

Leading on employment litigation and any related settlement negotiations, managing risk and minimising costs for the firm. Managing external counsel where required, ensuring cost-effective and high-quality support.


Shaping legal strategy and contributing to broader business planning and risk management.


Monitoring and advising on changes to employment legislation and case law developments, working with senior management and relevant internal stakeholders to ensure proactive compliance across the firm.


Collaborating with the firm's General Counsel & Risk team in relation to the firm's regulatory reporting obligations and any employment-related regulatory investigations.


Development and implementation of people policies, partnering with relevant internal stakeholders to determine strategy and approach to policies, guidelines and processes, and reviewing these in line with ongoing changes in legislation and market trends.


Development and delivery of employment and policy related training for the People function and wider firm, and reporting to senior management on regional and global employee relations issues / trends.


Managing the Employee Relations team (currently one Senior ER Adviser / Employment Lawyer) and overseeing their work including in relation to the case management of ER matters, directly advising where there is particular complexity and/or legal risk.


In collaboration with the Data Privacy team, advising on employment-related data privacy matters and supervising the Senior Employee Relations Adviser on the firm's response to data subject access requests and other GDPR matters.

Qualifications, skills and experience

Qualified lawyer with 10+ years PQE; preference for prior in-house experience Experience advising senior stakeholders in a complex, regulated environment Strong commercial acumen, with a solution-oriented approach to legal advice Strong communication and interpersonal skills, ability to build trust, influence and challenge Good attention to detail

Personal Leadership

Energises those around them, simplifies complexity and makes quality decisions Brings perspective and a constructive approach to high pressure situations and directs attention to solutions Makes sound commercial decisions based on a clear understanding of the business Acts decisively even on the basis of incomplete information

Collaborates with others

Develops innovative solutions by valuing diversity of thought, expertise and experience Brings a positive energy to the way they work and inspires this in others Draws on internal networks to bring people with the right skills and expertise together to develop solutions

Builds High Performing Teams

Builds highly engaged teams that are diverse and inclusive and can excel in a range of situations Creates an environment that encourages personal accountability, and builds the confidence of others by highlighting their strengths and achievements

Focuses on Clients

Always acts with the firm's clients in mind Prioritises initiatives that will positively impact the client experience and their business Develops solutions that balance client needs and the sustainable profitability of the firm Takes active steps to cultivate and maintain an excellent reputation in the market

Innovates

Leads and influences change Seeks out market trends and introduces relevant ideas for competitive advantage Envisions ways for the firm to differentiate itself and is driven to achieve this

Achieves results

Makes things happen in a complex environment Remains focused on long term objectives and broad firm issues

Team

Human Resources

Working Pattern

Full time

Location

London

Contract type

Fixed Term Contract

Diversity & Inclusion

We are committed to attracting people from all backgrounds and creating a respectful and inclusive culture where everyone thrives. We see this as essential to our success, including our ability to innovate and achieve sustained high performance. This is a key part of our Values--Human, Bold, and Outstanding.