Job at a glance
Associate – Pensions Location: Guildford, Surrey PQE: 1–3 years Contract: Permanent Working Pattern: Hybrid The Opportunity We are working with a highly regarded, full-service UK law firm with a strong national and international presence. The firm is known for its expertise across a broad range of legal disciplines and for providing commercially focused advice to a sophisticated client base. Its specialist Pensions team advises trustees, employers and pension scheme providers across a wide range of pensions matters, working closely with colleagues across Corporate, Employment and Litigation to provide clients with a joined-up legal service.
Due to continued growth, the team is looking to appoint a Pensions Associate at 1–3 PQE to join its Guildford office. This is an excellent opportunity for a junior Pensions lawyer to develop their career within a highly regarded specialist team, gaining exposure to varied and intellectually stimulating work in a supportive and collaborative environment. The Role You will work closely with Partners and senior lawyers on a broad range of pensions and life assurance matters , covering advisory, transactional and regulatory work.
You will gain valuable experience advising both trustee and employer clients on the day-to-day operation and governance of pension schemes, as well as supporting on the pensions aspects of corporate transactions. The role offers excellent scope to build your technical expertise, develop client relationships and gain exposure to complex and commercially significant matters. Key Responsibilities Support Partners and senior lawyers on a broad range of pensions and life assurance matters.
Advise trustee and employer clients on day-to-day pension scheme issues. Assist with matters relating to scheme governance, benefit structures and regulatory compliance. Support on pensions aspects of corporate transactions, including due diligence. Assist with drafting and reviewing pensions-related transaction documentation. Draft and review scheme documentation, member communications and legal advice notes.
Undertake legal research and monitor developments in pensions legislation and regulation. Attend client meetings and contribute to the delivery of practical, commercially focused advice. Work collaboratively with colleagues across Corporate, Employment, Litigation and other practice areas. Contribute to business development activity, including pitches and thought leadership. Build strong working relationships with clients, Partners and colleagues.
Maintain a high standard of technical accuracy and client service. About You We are looking for a qualified solicitor with 1–3 years' PQE who has developed an interest in Pensions law and is keen to build their career within a specialist practice. You will ideally have: Qualification as a solicitor in England & Wales . Up to 3 years' PQE with some experience or exposure to Pensions law. Strong technical, analytical and research skills.
Excellent drafting and communication abilities. Commercial awareness and an understanding of clients' wider business objectives. Strong attention to detail. The ability to manage competing priorities and work to deadlines. A proactive and organised approach. The confidence and interpersonal skills to build positive relationships with clients and colleagues. A genuine interest in developing your expertise within Pensions law.
A collaborative approach and willingness to learn from experienced colleagues. Resilience and adaptability within a fast-paced professional environment. Why Join? Specialist Expertise Join a highly regarded Pensions practice and work alongside experienced specialists on a broad range of interesting matters. Quality of Work Gain exposure to advisory, regulatory and transactional work for a sophisticated client base of trustees, employers and pension scheme providers.
Career Development A supportive environment where you can develop your technical expertise and take the next step in your