Employment Lawyer

Flexible working: due to the sensitive nature of the work, remote working or home working will not be possible. However, other flexible working options such as part-time (minimum four days per week), compressed hours and job shares would all be considered.

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.

As one of our Employment Lawyers, you'll bring your expertise to our team of specialists and work across a diverse portfolio of unique legal cases. From day-to-day recruitment and HR matters to more sensitive issues such as mitigating risks to national security, you'll handle a range of complex and sensitive queries and provide vital support at the heart of MI5.

As a qualified solicitor or barrister with previous employment law experience, you'll provide reliable and trusted legal advice to stakeholders across our organisation. Your remit will encompass staff policies and contracts, HR strategy and litigation, and disciplinary, capability and grievance issues. Collaborative and pragmatic, you'll draw on your knowledge to find solutions and confidently explain employment law matters to those without a legal background. Plus, with no client time recording or billable hour requirements in this role, you'll be able to focus on delivering meaningful solutions that support our national security mission.

Upon joining, you'll receive an initial induction as well as on-the-job training. You'll be surrounded by a small, welcoming team who can provide additional help and advice as you settle in. You'll also have access to our internal training academy and be provided with a dedicated development budget to allow you to pursue your own goals and needs.

To apply, you'll have a minimum of around 2 years' PQE experience and be qualified to practice in England and Wales. Previous employment law experience in either the public or private sector is essential, as you'll need a background in technical, professional in-house legal matters., To be eligible to apply, you must be a British Citizen. If you hold dual nationality, of which one component is British, you will nonetheless be considered. Candidates must normally have been resident in the UK for seven out of the last ten years. This is particularly important if you were born outside the UK. You can apply at the age of 17 years, if successful you will not be offered a start date prior to your 18th birthday. Full eligibility details can be found on our website.

"The men and women of MI5 are ordinary people, who do extraordinary things. They have a very strong ethos of public service, but yet their work often goes unnoticed in the public domain. They are intensely committed to keeping the country safe, and they are tirelessly professional and ethical in the way they conduct their work."

You'll receive a starting salary of £86,779 to £96,097 (dependent on experience), plus other benefits including 25 days' annual leave (rising to 30 after 5 years) and an additional 10.5 days of public and privilege holidays, an interest-free season ticket loan, excellent pension scheme, paid parental and adoption leave, and access to our on-site facilities including a gym, restaurant and coffee bars.