Job Description
Employment Lawyer
Salary
£86,779 or £96,097 (dependent on experience)
Location(s): London. Although some aspects of the role might require travel around the country
or internationally, this is infrequent and not an expected aspect of the job.
Flexible working: Due to the sensitive nature of the work remote working or home working will
not be possible as a matter of course. However, other flexible working options such as part-time
(minimum four days per week), compressed hours and job shares would all be considered.
About us
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.
The role
At MI5 the threats to our national security are constantly evolving. In our small, specialist team of
employment lawyers you will work on unique and challenging cases, supporting vital work at the
heart of our organisation providing expert advice on a variety of employment and people-related
matters.
Their diverse portfolio ranges from advising on staff policies and contracts, HR strategy and
litigation, through to more sensitive aspects specific to the work we do, which involves mitigating
risks to national security. This is an opportunity to use your skills and experience in ways you
would expect, in a context you wouldn’t.
About you
If you are curious about how national security shapes an organisation’s response to employment
law issues, this is the role for you. We need people who will thrive in a team environment but are
also comfortable working independently. You will have strong communication skills and the ability
to explain complex employment law matters clearly and simply to those without a legal
background. With a pragmatic approach to problems, you will be able to think creatively to find
solutions, both independently and as part of our small collaborative team. Proactive and
conscientious, you will be adept at handling complex and sensitive queries with credibility.
You will be a qualified solicitor or barrister, with sound PQE experience, qualified to practice in
England and Wales. Employment law experience is essential. Ideally you will also have
experience of working in-house in the commercial and/or public sectors, but this is not essential.
Training and development
You’ll receive an initial induction, on the job training, access to courses in our internal training
academy, the chance to build on professional development and wider support in a collegiate
environment. However, you will also be expected to take responsibility for your own training and
development, and you’ll seek to identify and take advantage of opportunities appropriate to your
own development goals and needs.
Rewards and benefits
You’ll receive a starting salary of £86,779 or £96,097 (dependent on experience), plus other
benefits including:
25 days’ of annual leave, automatically rising to 30 days after 5 years’ service, and
an additional 10.5 days of public and privilege holidays
Opportunities to be recognised through our employee performance scheme
A dedicated development budget
An interest-free season ticket loan
An excellent pension scheme
A cycle to work scheme
Facilities such as a gym, restaurant and on-site coffee bars
Paid parental and adoption leave