Who we are 

Slaughter and May is a leading international law firm, recognised throughout the business community for its exceptional legal service, commercial awareness and commitment to clients. We advise across the spectrum of legal matters including high-profile, ground-breaking and complex transactions, contentious matters and all aspects of risk. We deliver innovative and bespoke solutions to our clients, domestically and internationally. We provide clear legal advice that spans the globe whilst tackling the cultural nuances between jurisdictions. Our lawyers understand how to coordinate and manage matters in the jurisdictions most relevant to our clients. 

We are now offering the opportunity to become part of our dynamic Human Resources team, which supports our lawyers in providing first-class legal advice to some of the most prestigious and well-known global businesses. 

At Slaughter and May, with over 1,200 partners and staff worldwide, everyone's contribution is valued, and we all enjoy an open, friendly and supportive environment. We have an underlying sense of pride in who we are and what we do, and our inclusive culture gives rise to a unique diversity of thinking, which is critical to our success and helps maintain our position as a true market leader to support our employees in achieving their professional development objectives. We offer an unrivalled variety of learning and development opportunities to everyone, as well as a highly competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package. In light of the continuing coronavirus pandemic, the firm has evolved a new hybrid approach to working, which sees our people working between their respective remote environments and our prestigious Headquarters at One Bunhill Row, in the heart of the City of London. 

Would you like to join one of the world’s most prestigious law firms? 

We are offering a fantastic opportunity for a professional, engaging individual to join us as a HR Adviser leading our London-based Human Resources Team. 

ROLE OVERVIEW 

We are recruiting for an experienced HR Adviser to join the Human Resources Department for a fixed-term contract opportunity. HR is responsible for supporting and developing the firm’s people to help drive and shape the future success of the firm. 

The HR department comprises the following teams – HR Advisory and Resourcing, Trainee Recruitment, Inclusion and Corporate Responsibility, Reward and Benefits, and Learning and Development (‘L&D’). You will be HR Adviser responsible for providing support to the HR Managers to ensure a comprehensive, proactive and considered HR service to the Business Services groups and the secretarial population (approx. 120 secretaries). 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 

The key responsibilities of this role are set out below and there may be others which are not listed. You may be required on occasion to work outside our normal working hours of 9:30am to 5:30pm. 

Advisory 

 Being the point of contact for the secretarial population 

 Building strong working relationships with the Group Secretarial Partners and Business Services population, being a trusted advisor who provides high quality, proactive advice and guidance 

 Managing and assisting with employee relations cases, including but not limited to, health and well-being, sickness absence, performance management, disciplinary, and grievance etc. 

 Managing flexible working and family leave requests, and changes to terms and conditions of employment 

 Co-ordinating and supporting with the running of the Year-End and Mid-Year performance review process in relevant groups and any required follow up 

 Supporting the management of the lifecycle of employees, including running induction for new joiners 

 Carrying out exit interviews and completing relevant analysis and recommendations to managers and Partners 

 Collating and analysing management information, e.g. headcount data, and liaising closely with the management information team 

 Managing fixed-term contracts, including extensions 

 Assisting the HR Managers with internal moves, visas, client secondments and international secondments. 

 Supporting the development of HR policies and procedures 

 Supporting the management of the annual compensation review 

 Share best practice from relevant departments with the wider team and work towards a consistent approach wherever possible 

 Develop strong relationships with relevant departments, the broader HR team, the In-House Employment Lawyer and the wider firm

General 

 Keep abreast of industry trends and developments, through a strong network of external contacts both within and outside the legal sector, and make recommendations for change within the firm as required 

 Work closely with the wider HR team, in particular the HR Managers, HR Assistant, and HR Administrator, providing support and guidance where required to provide a seamless service to the business 

 Any other duties that fall within the parameters of this role 

 Work on ad-hoc projects in HR Advisory and Resourcing and the wider HR team 

CANDIDATE PROFILE 

Candidates for this position must have: 

 Qualified at graduate level and preferably CIPD qualified or part-qualified 

 Client focused - with the ability to adapt approach and service 

 Good working knowledge of employment law and best practice HR management 

 Experience of using HR systems and management information 

 Ability to build strong business relationships with internal and external contacts and the resilience to deal with demanding individuals 

 A confident, proactive individual prepared to take a hands-on approach to managing their workload using their own initiative 

 Comfortable accepting instructions and guidance from different team members and managing several tasks at one time 

 Ability to work collaboratively in a team but comfortable working on their own 

 A willingness to provide feedback, share information, contribute ideas and suggestions as necessary. 

 Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, written, spoken and presentational, including strong influencing skills. 

 Ability to express views clearly and succinctly in a variety of communication settings and styles 

 Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to multi-task, keep calm under pressure and work to tight deadlines 

 Excellent attention to detail and good use of grammar 

 Proven experience of Microsoft Office Packages (in particular Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) and excellent administrative skills and experience 

 Proven ability to handle confidential matters with discretion and professionalism 

 Experience of working in a diverse team whilst fostering an inclusive team culture 

 High level of professionalism and integrity; displays the highest standard of professional ethics