Senior Employment Litigator

Direct Line Group; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading legal services provider is seeking a Senior Employment Litigator for a 12-month fixed-term contract in Bristol. You will manage a complex caseload of employment claims, provide legal advice, and supervise fellow lawyers. Applicants should have at least 3 years of relevant experience and a solid understanding of employment law. The role offers hybrid working arrangements, competitive benefits including a performance bonus and comprehensive insurance options.

Benefits

Performance-based bonus

50% off insurance

Health and dental insurance

Generous holidays

Employee discounts

Income protection

Life assurance

Flexible benefits scheme

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience handling caseloads of employment claims.
• Deep understanding of employment law and tribunal procedures.
• Experience with Legal Expenses Insurance‑funded claims is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Handle a complex caseload of employment claims.
• Provide legal advice while progressing claims timely.
• Supervise and support other employment lawyers.

Skills

Handling employment claims

Legal advice provision

Supervisory skills

Risk management

Client relationship building

Continuous improvement mindset

Education

Solicitor or Legal Executive

Relevant paralegal experience

Job description

HR, Legal & Professional Services, DLG Legal Services

DLG is evolving. Across every facet of our business, our teams are embracing new opportunities and putting customers at the heart of everything they do. Whether you’re already part of the team or thinking about joining us, you’ll be working in a place where empathy meets expertise.

Within our own dedicated law firm, our diversely experienced team supports and guides customers through life’s toughest moments. It’s a fast‑paced and collaborative working environment, but our comprehensive training and tools will help ensure you’re ready for the challenge.

The role

Senior Employment Litigator – 12‑Month Fixed Term Contract / Secondment.

• Handle a complex caseload of employment claims of varying degrees of complexity.
• Take initial instructions and provide clear, accurate legal advice while progressing claims in a timely manner.
• Supervise other employment lawyers within the team, providing support and guidance throughout the litigation process.
• Act for clients across the full range of employment disputes, managing claims from initial assessment through to final hearing and, where appropriate, enforcement.
• Explain decisions and steps in the claims process clearly and succinctly to clients.
• Apply a consistent approach to assessing the legal merits of claims.
• Record time accurately and maintain system records.
• Identify and manage risks, ensuring compliance with DLG Legal Services policies, procedures, and the SRA Code of Conduct.
• Lead your own learning & development needs and opportunities for self‑progression.
• Build relationships with other departments and suppliers; act as a subject‑matter expert to peers.
• Support strategic development of departmental methodology, product performance, and the customer experience through continuous improvement initiatives.

Who we are looking for

• At least 3 years of experience handling a caseload of employment claims.
• Either a Solicitor, Legal Executive or Paralegal with relevant experience.
• Deep understanding of employment law and Employment Tribunal procedure.
• Experience with Legal Expenses Insurance‑funded claims desirable but not essential.

Hours, Location & Working Arrangements

• 35 hours per week (Mon‑Fri), 9am‑5pm.
• Locations: Bristol (BS1 6JS) or Leeds (LS1 4AZ).
• Hybrid model – home working is possible; colleagues are expected to be in the office at least two days a week.

Benefits

• Up to 10% annual performance‑based bonus.
• 50% off home, motor and pet insurance plus free Green Flag breakdown cover.
• Optional health and dental insurance.
• EV car scheme – lease a brand new electric or plug‑in hybrid car at a tax‑efficient rate.
• Generous holidays – 22 days rising to 30 days depending on role, plus option to buy/sell up to 5 days.
• Buy‑as‑you‑earn share scheme.
• Employee discounts and cashback.
• Income protection – 50% of salary for 5 years.
• Life assurance – four times salary covered.
• Flexible benefits scheme – adjust income protection, life assurance, and benefits package.
• Salary sacrifice for electric cars, private dental and medical cover.
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, shared parental, and emergency dependant leave.
• Employee Assistance Programme and mental health first aid support.
• Volunteering opportunities via Neighbourly partnership.
• Donation matching up to £50 per month.

Ways of Working

Our hybrid model offers a 'best of both worlds' approach. When you’ll be in the office depends on your role and team, but colleagues spend at least two days a week in the office.

We aim to support our people to work at their best – whatever that looks like – and offer real choice, flexibility, and a greater work‑life balance so that our people can focus on the things that matter most to them.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Direct Line Group is an equal‑opportunity employer, committed to fostering an inclusive environment. We’re delighted to be listed as one of the UK’s Top 50 Inclusive Employers and unite people from all backgrounds and ways of thinking. If you need any adjustments to our recruitment process, please let the recruitment team know – we’ll support you.

Legal & Employment Tribunal Environment

Diverse and supportive colleagues, an inclusive culture, and opportunities to grow professionally make DLG Legal Services the place to take your career to the next level.