Employment Law Specialist

What is an Employment Law Specialist?

An Employment Law Specialist is someone who specializes in the legal aspects of employment, providing advice and support to employers and employees regarding employment laws and regulations.

What does an Employment Law Specialist do?

Usually, an Employment Law Specialist does the following:

• Provides legal advice and guidance on employment-related matters, such as contracts, discrimination, harassment, and termination.
• Assists in drafting and reviewing employment contracts, policies, and procedures to ensure compliance with the law.
• Represents clients in employment-related disputes, such as unfair dismissal claims or discrimination cases.
• Keeps up-to-date with changes in employment laws and regulations and advises clients accordingly.
• Provides training to employers and employees on relevant employment laws and best practices.

What does the day-to-day life of an Employment Law Specialist look like?

An Employment Law Specialist usually works regular office hours, typically from 9 am to 5 pm. However, there might be some flexibility depending on the specific employer or if self-employed.

The day-to-day tasks of an Employment Law Specialist may include:

• Researching and analyzing employment laws and regulations.
• Meeting with clients to discuss legal issues and provide advice.
• Drafting legal documents such as contracts, policies, and settlement agreements.
• Attending hearings or tribunals on behalf of clients.
• Keeping track of deadlines and managing case files.

Where does an Employment Law Specialist work?

An Employment Law Specialist can work in various settings, including:

• Law firms: Many Employment Law Specialists work in law firms, either as part of a specialist employment law team or within a broader employment practice.
• In-house legal departments: Some larger companies have their own in-house legal teams that employ Employment Law Specialists to provide expert advice on employment matters.
• Consultancy firms: Employment Law Specialists may work for specialized consultancy firms that offer legal services and advice to businesses.
• Government agencies: Opportunities also exist within government agencies responsible for enforcing employment laws and regulations.
• Self-employment: Some Employment Law Specialists choose to be self-employed, offering their services to clients on a freelance basis.

What tools/software does an Employment Law Specialist use?

An Employment Law Specialist uses various tools and software, including:

• Legal research databases: Tools such as Westlaw or LexisNexis provide comprehensive legal research resources to stay up-to-date with employment-related laws and precedents.
• Document management systems: Software like Microsoft Office or Adobe Acrobat is used for drafting, editing, and storing legal documents.
• Communication tools: Employment Law Specialists use email, videoconferencing, and telephone to interact with clients, colleagues, and represent clients in hearings or tribunals.

What do I need to become an Employment Law Specialist?

There are several paths to becoming an Employment Law Specialist, including:

• Bachelor's degree in law: Most Employment Law Specialists hold a law degree (LLB or equivalent) as a minimum requirement.
• Legal practice course (LPC): After completing a law degree, aspiring Employment Law Specialists often undertake the LPC, a professional qualification required for practice in England and Wales.
• Training contract or pupillage: To qualify as a solicitor or barrister, completion of a training contract or pupillage is usually necessary. This involves obtaining practical experience and supervised training in a legal practice or chambers.
• Specialization in employment law: Gaining experience and expertise in the field of employment law through specialized courses, seminars, and practical work.

What career paths are available?

There are several career paths available to Employment Law Specialists, including:

• Senior Employment Law Specialist: With experience and expertise, Employment Law Specialists can progress to senior or partner-level positions within law firms or legal departments.
• Employment Law Consultant: Some Employment Law Specialists choose to work independently as consultants, providing advisory services to clients on a contract basis.
• Academic or Legal Researcher: Employment Law Specialists may pursue a career in academia or research, contributing to the development of employment laws and policies through teaching and scholarly work.
• Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Specialist: Some Employment Law Specialists may specialize in mediation or arbitration, helping parties to resolve employment disputes outside of court.

What jobs are similar to an Employment Law Specialist?

• HR Consultant: Providing guidance to employers and employees on various HR matters, including employment contracts, policies, and employee relations.
• Labor Relations Specialist: Focusing on the relationship between employers and employee unions or labor organizations, negotiating collective bargaining agreements and resolving disputes.
• Employment Tribunal Judge: Presiding over cases in employment tribunals, making legal determinations and decisions based on employment laws and regulations.