Associate - Pensions

Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP; Guildford; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP is seeking a 1-3 PQE Associate to join its Pensions team in Guildford. The role involves supporting partners and senior lawyers on advisory, transactional, and regulatory pensions matters, and advising trustees and employers on governance, benefits, and compliance.

The firm promotes a hybrid agile working policy, allowing at least 50% remote work, with opportunities for flexible arrangements.

Qualifications

• Qualified solicitor in England & Wales with up to 3 years’ PQE, exposure to pensions law.
• Strong drafting and communication skills.
• Commercial awareness and ability to understand client objectives.
• Proactive, organised and able to manage competing priorities.
• Collaborative team player aligned with the firm’s values.

Responsibilities

• Supporting partners and senior lawyers on a wide range of pensions & life assurance matters, including advisory, transactional, and regulatory work
• Advising trustee and employer clients on day-to-day pension scheme & life assurance scheme issues, including scheme governance, benefit structures, and compliance
• Assisting with pensions aspects of corporate transactions, including due diligence and drafting pensions-related documentation
• Drafting and reviewing scheme documentation, member communications, and legal advice notes
• Conducting legal research and staying up to date with pensions law developments and regulatory changes
• Participating in client meetings and contributing to delivering practical, client-focused solutions
• Supporting business development activities, including preparing pitches and contributing to thought leadership

Skills

Pensions law

Drafting

Analytical skills

Commercial awareness

Interpersonal skills

Team collaboration

Education

Solicitor qualification England & Wales

Job description

Overview

The Pensions team at Penningtons Manches Cooper is a highly regarded specialist practice advising a broad client base of trustees, employers and pension scheme providers. The team delivers pragmatic, commercially focused advice across all aspects of pensions law, including scheme governance, regulatory compliance, risk management, and pensions issues arising in corporate transactions. The team works closely with colleagues across corporate, employment and litigation to provide seamless, full-service support to clients.

We are seeking a 1-3 PQE Associate to join our Pensions team. This is an excellent opportunity for an Associate to develop their career within a highly regarded team in a supportive and intellectually stimulating environment.

Responsibilities

• Supporting partners and senior lawyers on a wide range of pensions & life assurance matters, including advisory, transactional, and regulatory work
• Advising trustee and employer clients on day-to-day pension scheme & life assurance scheme issues, including scheme governance, benefit structures, and compliance
• Assisting with pensions aspects of corporate transactions, including due diligence and drafting pensions-related documentation
• Drafting and reviewing scheme documentation, member communications, and legal advice notes
• Conducting legal research and staying up to date with pensions law developments and regulatory changes
• Participating in client meetings and contributing to delivering practical, client-focused solutions
• Supporting business development activities, including preparing pitches and contributing to thought leadership

Essential & Desirable Criteria

• Qualified solicitor in England & Wales with up to 3 years’ PQE, with exposure to pensions law
• Strong technical and analytical skills with keen attention to detail
• Commercial awareness and the ability to understand clients’ business objectives
• Excellent drafting and communication skills
• A proactive and organised approach with the ability to manage competing priorities
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships with colleagues and clients
• Commitment to professional development and a genuine interest in pensions law
• Enthusiastic and eager to learn within a specialist area of law

• Collaborative team player aligned with the firm’s values
• Professional, client-focused, and committed to delivering high-quality work
• Adaptable and resilient in a fast-paced environment

The firm operates a hybrid agile working policy allowing employees to work from home (or another UK location) for at least 50% of their time. Individuals can however apply for other flexible working options either at the time of recruitment or during the course of their employment if desired.

At our firm, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is a priority and at the heart of everything we do. We actively want to attract a diverse workforce and welcome applications from everyone, from all backgrounds. We are committed to promoting an inclusive culture where everyone can be their full selves and experience being seen and heard. You can find out more about our firm’s commitment, initiatives and Pennclusion committees here. We ensure that there are equal opportunities and treatment for all job applicants and employees, at all stages of the recruitment process and employment, regardless of age, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, disability, race (including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin), religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and social background. We aim to provide adjustments for people who have a disability, long‑term health condition (including mental health) or neurodiversity. If you would like to request an adjustment, please contact [e-mail]