Lawyer (Employment and General Litigation)

London Fire Brigade (LFB) is London’s Fire and Rescue Service – one of the largest firefighting and rescue organisations in the world. We are here to make London a safer city.

We employ over 5,500 people, across our operational team (our firefighters), control (our call handlers who answer your +++ calls) and our non-operational team (our teams who work behind the scenes to support our front-line services, including HR, IT, Finance, Procurement, Communications etc.).

An opportunity has arisen at the LFB to join General Counsel’s Department as an employment lawyer. General Counsel’s Department consists of circa. 30 staff providing cost effective legal advice and representation to the Brigade on a wide range of practice areas including employment law, pensions, fire prosecutions, personal injury, property, contracts and procurement. It also provides advice on the decision-making processes and the powers and duties of the London Fire Commissioner (LFC). Each area of work has a Team Manager, a group of lawyers, paralegals and business support officers to assist with day to day work.

We are a small team who supports the LFC and in this key role, you will need to have the ability to organise and manage a complex and heavy case-load independently, analyse information critically, provide effective written and oral advice, work with a variety of colleagues and other stakeholders in a publicly accountable environment. It is important that you have the aptitude, ambition and potential to thrive in this environment.

We are looking for an experienced specialist employment lawyer with a “can-do” attitude, preferably with some pensions and general civil litigation experience who enjoys a fast-paced environment and working as part of a team. In-house experience in a public sector setting is desirable, but not essential. You will be a qualified solicitor, barrister or Chartered Legal Executive Lawyer in England and Wales who has completed a training contract, pupillage (or has been exempted from this by the Law Society or Bar Council) or has qualified through the CILEx route. Being highly organised, used to working electronically with minimum supervision and the ability to meet tight deadlines are crucial for this role. You should also bring sound judgement and analytical skills. We would welcome applications from suitably qualified and experienced candidates.

Further information about the main duties and responsibilities of the role are detailed in the job description. If you are unable to see the job description, salary range or the full advert, please visit our jobs pages at https://jobs.london-fire.gov.uk/alljobs/ to access the full advert.

We value the diversity of our employees and aim to recruit a workforce which reflects our diverse communities across London. The London Fire Commissioner is an Equal Opportunities Employer and we positively welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals, irrespective of people's age, disability, gender, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or other personal circumstances. We have guidance in place to ensure that all applicants are treated fairly and consistently at every stage of the recruitment process, including the consideration of reasonable adjustments for people who have a disability.

Eligibility

Applicants must be qualified solicitor or barrister with post qualification experience in those areas of law covered by the attached job description.

Assessment Overview

Stage 1

To apply, please complete the online application, upload a copy of your up-to-date CV and provide evidence to address the following selection criteria:

1. Qualified solicitor or barrister with post qualification experience in those areas of law covered by this job description.
2. Independently manage a large personal caseload of complex employment (essential), pensions (desirable) and general litigation (desirable) related matters, often in the face of competing priorities.
3. Proven analytical skills and a proven record of problem solving.
4. Excellent oral and written communication skills, and the skills to be able to communicate with and advise senior colleagues and representatives of other organisations.

Please note that we will score the evidence you provide based on the competencies listed in the selection criteria above.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend stage 2.

Please ensure you give yourself enough time to complete and submit your application. Late or un-submitted applications cannot be accepted.

Please note any correspondence received from us will be via e-mail and sent to the address you provide on your application form.

Stage 2

Assessment for this role is due to take place week commencing 03rd March 2025. Please be advised that if you are unable to make the scheduled assessment date, we may not be able to make alternative arrangements.

Please note: Should you be shortlisted you may need to be able to conduct an interview over Microsoft Teams (a video conferencing service). You will be asked to provide relevant contact details for that to take place if shortlisted.

Additional Information

Benefits of working for the London Fire Brigade
• 26 days’ holiday plus bank holidays
• Flexi-time Scheme (which can result in an additional 12 days annual leave)
• Additional leave between Christmas Day and New Year
• Family (including maternity) leave and emergency support leave
• Flexible working including work from home 60%
• Free access to the Brigade gym
• Use of the Brigade’s Medical Adviser/physios/fitness advisers
• Free counselling
• Season ticket loans
• Join social networks including our Equality Support Groups
• Contributory pension scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Staff discount scheme including access to Blue Light Card retail and hospitality discounts
• Opportunity to access affordable accommodation

In line with the Basic Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) employment checks will be completed by successful candidates, which will include a Standard criminal records check. Successful candidate will be required to declare any convictions for offences and any offer of employment is subject to the LFC receiving a criminal records disclosure which it considers satisfactory. Read more