Pensions Senior Associate

JMC Legal Recruitment; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading law firm in Bristol is seeking an experienced Senior Pensions Associate to manage complex matters and mentor junior colleagues. The ideal candidate will have over 5 years PQE in pensions law, strong technical knowledge, and the ability to lead client relationships. This role offers a top-tier salary, a hybrid working model, and a supportive culture designed for professional growth and career progression.

Benefits

Top-tier salary and benefits package

Hybrid working model

Access to high-profile clients

Transparent promotion pathways

Supportive culture

Qualifications

• 5+ years PQE with demonstrable experience in pensions law (advisory and/or contentious).
• Strong technical knowledge and commercial awareness.
• Collaborative approach to team development.

Responsibilities

• Leading on complex pensions advisory work for employers, trustees and public sector bodies.
• Advising on transactional, governance, regulatory and risk mitigation issues.
• Mentoring and supervising junior lawyers.

Skills

Pensions law

Client relationship management

Strategic thinking

Mentoring

Education

Qualified solicitor (England & Wales or Scotland)

Job description

Senior Pensions Associate (5+ PQE) | Top 50 Firm | Bristol

The Firm

A forward-thinking Top 50 law firm is seeking an experienced Senior Pensions Associate to join its growing Bristol office. Known for combining first‑class legal work with a genuinely flexible and supportive culture, the firm continues to attract high‑calibre talent who value both quality work and a balanced lifestyle.

With one of the UK's largest pensions teams, the firm advises over 750 trustee and employer clients across both public and private sectors. Clients include household names such as AT&T, Chanel, Honda, Great Lakes, Hampshire County Council, and the University of Oxford. The pensions team is recognised for delivering strategic, technically robust solutions across the full pensions lifecycle, including DB, DC and hybrid schemes, risk transfer, ESG, governance, and regulatory matters.

The Role

This is a rare opportunity for a Senior Associate to step into a key role within a nationally respected pensions team. The successful candidate will take a lead role in managing complex matters, shaping strategic client advice, and mentoring more junior colleagues. You’ll have regular exposure to sophisticated workstreams including scheme consolidations, public sector restructures, ESG and compliance issues, and pensions litigation.

You’ll also contribute to the continued innovation of the team’s tools and services, such as the firm’s Pensions Schemes Act Triage Tool, and play an active role in business development and client relationship strategy.

Key Responsibilities

• Leading on complex pensions advisory work for employers, trustees and public sector bodies
• Advising on transactional, governance, regulatory and risk mitigation issues
• Mentoring and supervising junior lawyers in the team
• Acting as a key point of contact for strategic client relationships
• Supporting BD initiatives and helping shape the future direction of the team

The Ideal Candidate

• 5+ years PQE with demonstrable experience in pensions law (advisory and/or contentious)
• A strategic thinker with strong technical knowledge and commercial awareness
• Proven experience in managing client relationships and leading on files
• A collaborative and supportive approach to team development
• Qualified solicitor (England & Wales or Scotland)

What’s on Offer

• Top‑tier salary and benefits package for the Bristol market
• Hybrid working model with excellent flexibility
• Access to high‑profile clients and cutting‑edge work across sectors
• Transparent promotion pathways with meaningful career progression
• Supportive, people‑focused culture – Platinum Investors in People accredited

Why This Role?

This is an excellent move for a Senior Associate ready to take on more strategic influence, leadership, and client responsibility in a standout pensions team. With access to market‑leading work, genuine flexibility, and a culture of investment in its people, this firm provides the perfect environment for ambitious lawyers seeking long‑term impact and reward.

Ready to take the next step? Apply today to explore this standout opportunity.