Legal Counsel, Employment

London Source: WhatJobs

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Overview

In this role, you will support the Executive Director, International Employment and Compliance across cross-border employment matters. You will partner with the global People Team to embed employment law best practices, manage investigations, and advise on complex regulatory issues in international markets. You will handle immigration, visa sponsorship, and global mobility policy, ensuring compliant processes and data handling. The role offers exposure to a fast-paced media environment and opportunities to shape compliance culture and policy. This is a mission-driven position in a leading global publisher where your advice drives business decisions and workforce integrity.

Responsibilities

Provide advice on all types of employment and labour law across international markets
Partner with global People Team to ensure internal legal best practices for managing employee relations
Support employee investigations and consultations (individual and collective)
Advise on diversity and inclusion issues and on disciplinary, redundancy, and restructuring processes
Oversee employment contracts and exit paperwork where appropriate
Assist with workforce representation issues (works councils, etc.)
Monitor legal/regulatory updates and advise on impact to policies and procedures
Assist with employment litigation and respond to compliance queries
Draft guidance and training on employment law and compliance
Coordinate UK visa applications and sponsor licence compliance with external partner
Support global mobility policy implementation and liaise with external parties
Manage external counsel as needed
Support immigration matters and respond to auditors/regulators
Present pragmatic, commercial legal advice
Advise on AI-related legal, privacy, and risk implications for workplace deployment
Communicate effectively with cross-border stakeholders and teams

Key requirements

Qualified legal professional with 2+ years PQE (preferable)
Experience in UK and International Employment law
Background in private practice or in-house in media or similar sectors
Experience leveraging AI tools and advising on AI in workplace contexts
Experience handling international employment issues, investigations, and disciplinary matters
Ability to coordinate investigations across Europe and APAC
Interest or experience with immigration matters is preferred
Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment
Strong commercial, pragmatic problem-solving style
European international languages preferred
Confident, self-starter with relationship-building skills
Flexible, team-oriented mindset during organizational change