What does an employment lawyer do?
Employment law sits close to people’s everyday working lives. It shapes how organisations hire, manage and support their teams, and how individuals experience work when things go well – and when they don’t. At the centre of this is the employment lawyer – also known as an employment solicitor in the UK or an employment attorney in the US – who advises on the legal framework that underpins the relationship between employer and employee.
Employment lawyers work across a broad range of issues, from drafting contracts and advising on workplace policies through to handling disputes, restructurings and sensitive investigations. Their role is not only about legal compliance, but about helping organisations make sound, fair decisions that balance commercial priorities with people considerations.
Whether you’re an employer dealing with a complex workforce issue, a lawyer exploring this area of practice, or simply looking to understand how employment law operates in practice, this guide outlines what employment lawyers do, where they work, and how the role is evolving.
See also: How to become an employment lawyer
Legal knowledge and expertise required
Employment lawyers specialise in employment and labour law, with expertise typically covering areas such as:
- Employment contracts, policies and handbooks
- Dismissals, redundancy and restructuring
- Discrimination, harassment and whistleblowing
- Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) (TUPE) and business transfers
- Collective consultation and trade union issues
- Working time, pay and benefits
- Immigration and right‑to‑work requirements
- Data protection in the workplace
They also work closely with colleagues in corporate, pensions, immigration and disputes teams, particularly on transactions, investigations or large‑scale change programmes. Keeping up to date with legislative and case law developments is a core part of the role, as changes can have an immediate impact on employers.
Role and responsibilities of an employment lawyer
An employment lawyer advises on the full lifecycle of the employment relationship. This includes supporting businesses with day‑to‑day people matters, managing risk during periods of change, and helping resolve disputes when they arise.
The work is often closely tied to live business decisions. Employment lawyers regularly advise HR teams, senior leaders and boards, and are trusted to provide clear, balanced guidance in situations that may be legally complex, time‑sensitive or emotionally charged.
Strong communication skills are just as important as technical expertise. Employment lawyers need to explain legal risk in practical terms and help clients navigate issues where legal, reputational and human factors intersect. Key responsibilities include:
Day‑to‑day advisory support
Much of an employment lawyer’s work involves advising on everyday workplace issues. This might include drafting or updating employment contracts, advising on performance or conduct matters, or supporting managers through grievance processes.
This advisory work is often about helping organisations avoid problems before they escalate, by providing clear guidance early and supporting consistent, fair decision‑making.
Managing exits and organisational change
Employment lawyers play a key role in dismissals, redundancies and restructurings. They advise on process, consultation requirements, settlement agreements and potential legal risk.
During periods of change, employment lawyers often work closely with HR and leadership teams, helping organisations navigate difficult decisions while maintaining trust, compliance and reputation.
Disputes and employment tribunal claims
When disputes arise, employment lawyers represent clients in employment tribunal proceedings and, where necessary, higher courts. Claims may relate to unfair dismissal, discrimination, whistleblowing or contractual issues.
Many matters are resolved through negotiation or settlement, where judgement and pragmatism are as important as legal strength. Employment lawyers are often focused on achieving a sensible outcome rather than pursuing litigation for its own sake.
Supporting corporate transactions
Employment lawyers are closely involved in mergers, acquisitions and outsourcing projects. They advise on the employment aspects of transactions, carry out employment due diligence and manage employee transfers under TUPE.
Their role is critical in identifying people‑related risk and supporting a smooth transition for both businesses and employees.
Strategic and advisory input
Beyond technical advice, employment lawyers increasingly act as strategic advisers. They support organisations on workforce planning, cultural change, hybrid working arrangements, diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives and workplace investigations.
At senior levels, employment lawyers often advise boards and executives on reputational risk and governance, particularly in sensitive or high‑profile matters. This strategic dimension is a key reason employment lawyers are often closely aligned with decision‑makers.
Career opportunities in employment law
Employment law offers a varied and people‑focused career path. Lawyers in this area often work across advisory, transactional and contentious matters, which provides breadth and long‑term career flexibility.
Junior lawyers typically begin by supporting advisory work and tribunal claims. Over time, they take on greater responsibility for client relationships, strategy and complex matters.
Senior employment lawyers often act as trusted advisers to HR directors, general counsel and boards. In‑house legal roles are particularly common in employment law, offering closer involvement in business strategy and day‑to‑day decision‑making.
Who hires employment lawyers?
Employment lawyers are employed across a wide range of organisations, including:
- Law firms with specialist employment practices
- Large corporates and multinational organisations
- Financial services and regulated businesses
- Public sector and not‑for‑profit organisations
Many lawyers move between private practice and in‑house roles during their careers, depending on whether they prefer advisory breadth or closer integration with a single organisation.
How the role is evolving
Employment law continues to develop alongside changes in how people work. Areas shaping the future of the practice include flexible working, workplace technology, pay transparency and increased focus on culture, conduct and ESG‑related employment risk.
As these issues become more prominent, employment lawyers are increasingly involved in shaping policy and guiding organisations through change, rather than responding only when problems arise.
Are you an employment lawyer considering your next move?
If you’re an employment lawyer exploring new opportunities, Taylor Root works with a wide range of law firms and in‑house legal teams. We understand the employment market and can help you navigate your next career step.
Looking to hire an employment lawyer?
At Taylor Root, we work with those recruiting for a law firm and hiring for their in‑house legal team, specialising in the appointment of employment lawyers across private practice and in‑house. Whether you’re strengthening internal capability or seeking specialist support, our consultants can help you find the right expertise.
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Frequently asked questions
This section provides clear, concise
answers to the most common queries about what an employment lawyer does.
An employment lawyer advises employers and employees on the legal aspects of the workplace. This includes drafting and negotiating employment contracts, managing dismissals and redundancies, advising on discrimination and whistleblowing issues, and handling Employment Tribunal claims. They also support businesses during restructurings, acquisitions and workplace investigations.
Employers typically involve an employment lawyer when managing complex or sensitive people issues, such as disciplinary processes, grievances, redundancies, restructurings or disputes. Many organisations also rely on employment lawyers for ongoing advice to reduce risk and ensure compliance with employment law.
An HR adviser focuses on people management and internal processes, while an employment lawyer provides legal advice on rights, obligations and risk. Employment lawyers are qualified to interpret employment law, advise on litigation risk, and represent clients in Employment Tribunal proceedings, often working closely alongside HR teams.
No. While disputes are a key part of the role, much of an employment lawyer’s work is preventative. This includes advising on contracts and policies, supporting workforce planning, and guiding employers through change. Early legal advice can often help avoid disputes altogether.
Employment lawyers work in law firms, in‑house legal teams, and occasionally in advisory or consultancy roles. In‑house employment lawyers are common in large corporates and regulated organisations, while law firms offer opportunities to work across a broad client base and a wide range of employment matters.
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