Pensions Solicitor

My client is a top 60 UK law firm and is seeking an Associate to join their esteemed Pensions team in Northampton. Renowned for their expertise in devising commercially astute solutions to intricate pension challenges, the team excels in crafting scheme documentation and providing invaluable counsel on transactions involving pension schemes.
The Role: 

• Draft meticulous scheme documentation.
• Offer high-quality, robust legal advice on the interpretation of scheme rules, exercise of discretionary powers, and resolution of pension disputes, including engaging Counsel when necessary.
• Provide counsel on critical issues such as scheme funding, benefit design, and investments.
• Engage in risk reduction and transfer exercises, encompassing liability management, incentive exercises, scheme closures, mergers, demergers, buy-outs, and wind-ups.
• Support mergers, acquisitions, or disposals, offering comprehensive assessments of pension arrangements, advice on warranties, and insights into the employer debt regime.
• Counsel on compliance with the auto-enrolment regime, including contractual enrolment, salary sacrifice arrangements, and navigating changes in providers.
• Advise on public sector pensions, with a focus on local government, healthcare, and education sectors, including admissions to and exits from public sector schemes and the utilization of risk-sharing mechanisms.
• Provide specialist advice, knowledge management, and training to other business units.

The Candidate: 

• Qualified solicitor with 0-3 years’ PQE, holding a current practicing certificate in England and Wales.
• Proven mix of transactional and advisory experience in a reputable pensions team, with a commitment to both facets of work.
• Thorough knowledge of relevant legislation, including the Pensions Act 1995, Pensions Act 2004, Pensions Act 2008, and associated regulations.
• Track record of delivering consistent, clear, audience-tailored legal advice on various pension law matters.
• Ability to effectively prioritize a diverse portfolio of work with competing deadlines and demonstrate initiative.
• Strong negotiation, communication, and persuasive skills.
• Familiarity with the public sector pensions landscape and the regulatory framework governing such schemes.

If this opportunity aligns with your qualifications, experience, and career aspirations, drop me a line on 0113 467 7571 or send me an email at abigail@douglas-scott.co.uk and I will be happy to discuss.