[Hiring] Legal Counsel - Employment and Regulatory @Bright Horizons

Role Description

The work within the Legal department is highly varied and covers all legal issues arising from operating a business in the early years, wellbeing, and work/life sectors. We work in partnership with many departments covering a variety of legal areas. This Legal Counsel - Employment and Regulatory role will primarily work with the HR, Health, and Safety, Safeguarding, Operational and Work and Family Teams to provide advice on how relevant law applies to specific scenarios; risk mitigation; legal dispute resolution; and horizon scanning. Much of the legal work is at the cutting edge of business practice as Bright Horizons continues to grow and find innovative ways to help support its internal and external stakeholders.

• Reviewing and advising on all aspects of Employment Law, including but not limited to advising HR Team on employee relations matters; redundancies; changing terms and conditions of employment; policies and procedures; TUPE; and employee rights.
• Reviewing and advising on employee related documentation, including the procedural and substantive fairness of HR investigations and outcome/appeal outcome letters.
• Drafting ET3s and Grounds of Resistance.
• Drafting Employment Tribunal Witness Statements and preparing lists of documents and Tribunal Bundles.
• In conjunction with Senior Legal Counsel, developing in-house specialist training for HR Team on developing areas and legal updates.
• Horizons scanning and providing regular, documented updates on Employment Law to internal HR Team.
• Representing Bright Horizons at Employment Tribunal Hearings if needed.
• Representing Bright Horizons in the Small Claims Court in relation to general litigation, for example, breach of contract disputes.
• Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating Settlement Agreements and COT3 Agreements.
• Advising on risk mitigation and organisational learning following significant incidents relating to safeguarding and/or health and safety and determining root cause(s).
• Advising on liability in personal injury cases in conjunction with external insurer appointed lawyers.
• Ensuring that documentation relevant to liability related to any significant incident, such as personal injury, is identified and stored to protect future business interests.
• Providing regulatory advice to key stakeholders in relation to Health and Safety, Safeguarding and Food Safety, including in relation to external notifications.
• In conjunction with Senior Legal Counsel, developing in-house specialist training for Health and Safety, Safeguarding and Food Teams based on business need.

Qualifications

• At least 7 years’ experience in dealing with a range of transactions within Employment Law area of specialism and an in-depth understanding of the law and its application.
• Ability to translate legal concepts and language to non-legal audience.
• Capability to understand business’ general risk tolerance and apply it when performing legal role.
• Ability to plan and manage workloads and execute implementation to plan.
• Project management skills to manage multiple projects, with the focus and drive to see projects through from start to completion.
• Experience and understanding of commercial considerations and drive to obtain best outcome for the business.
• Demonstrated ability to perform consistently under pressure and meet demanding deadlines.
• Ability to present alternative and proposed solutions.
• Credibility and influence as an ambassador for the Legal Department and the business externally and internally.
• Advanced negotiation skills, able to work effectively to objectives with the personal sensitivity to manage negotiations with a range of stakeholders.
• Desire to upskill and be able to advise on regulatory matters within Early Years’ Care and Education including health and safety and safeguarding.

Requirements

• Fully qualified solicitor with at least 7 years PQE as a specialist Employment Solicitor.
• Desirable Experience:
• Experience of working in Personal Injury law.
• Experience in acting for early years’ care and education providers in employment related matters.

Company Description

Bright Horizons is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. This post is subject to safer recruitment practice and pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS check, which will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed. We are an inclusive employer and welcome people from all backgrounds to apply. We will consider reasonable adjustments required by applicants. If you share our passion, values, and have most of the skills listed, we encourage you to apply – as you may be just what we are looking for!

We look forward to receiving your application!

If you experience any problems, please email [email protected] and we will be happy to help.