Pensions Senior Associate (4-7 PQE), Leeds

Chadwick Nott; Leeds; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Chadwick Nott is seeking a Pensions Senior Associate in Leeds for a leading international law firm. The role targets lawyers with 4-7 years' PQE in pensions law to join a market-leading team advising public and private sector clients on advisory, transactional and regulatory matters.

You will handle complex pensions matters, draft and negotiate scheme documentation, support governance and restructuring, and contribute to business development while working with colleagues across jurisdictions.

Qualifications

• Approximately 4–7 years' PQE in pensions law.
• Strong knowledge of UK pensions legislation, regulation and governance.
• Experience advising on transactional, funding and regulatory matters.
• Excellent drafting and analytical skills, with the ability to translate complex legal issues into practical commercial advice.
• Experience managing client relationships and handling matters with an appropriate degree of autonomy.
• Knowledge of adviser and insurer-related issues concerning defined contribution pension arrangements would be advantageous.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities effectively.
• Commercial awareness and a genuine interest in understanding clients' business objectives.

Responsibilities

• Advising trustees, employers, insurers and other stakeholders on a broad spectrum of pensions law issues.
• Supporting the establishment, operation, governance and restructuring of occupational pension schemes.
• Advising on scheme funding, mergers, benefit redesigns, wind-ups and other strategic projects.
• Drafting, reviewing and negotiating pension scheme documentation and transaction-related materials.
• Providing guidance on legislative and regulatory developments affecting pension schemes and scheme governance.
• Advising on the pensions aspects of corporate and commercial transactions, including risk identification and mitigation.
• Assisting with contentious and non-contentious pensions matters, including regulatory investigations, Ombudsman complaints and litigation.
• Building and maintaining strong client relationships while delivering practical and commercially driven advice.
• Contributing to business development initiatives and helping to strengthen the team's profile within the pensions market.
• Collaborating closely with colleagues across practice groups and jurisdictions on multidisciplinary client matters.

Skills

Pensions law

Drafting

Regulatory knowledge

Client management

Commercial awareness

Autonomy

Education

Qualified solicitor or barrister in England & Wales

Job description

Pensions Senior Associate (4-7 PQE), Leeds

Leading International Law Firm

We are currently instructed by a highly regarded international law firm seeking to appoint a talented Pensions Senior Associate to join its established and growing pensions practice in Leeds.

This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious pensions lawyer with between 4 and 7 years' post-qualification experience to join a market‑leading team advising a broad client base across both the public and private sectors. The role offers exposure to high‑quality advisory, transactional and regulatory work, together with genuine opportunities for career progression within a collaborative and forward‑thinking environment.

The Opportunity

Working as part of a nationally and internationally recognised pensions team, you will advise clients on a wide range of complex pensions matters, providing commercially focused and technically robust solutions.

Your work will include:

• Advising trustees, employers, insurers and other stakeholders on a broad spectrum of pensions law issues.
• Supporting the establishment, operation, governance and restructuring of occupational pension schemes.
• Advising on scheme funding, mergers, benefit redesigns, wind‑ups and other strategic projects.
• Drafting, reviewing and negotiating pension scheme documentation and transaction‑related materials.
• Providing guidance on legislative and regulatory developments affecting pension schemes and scheme governance.
• Advising on the pensions aspects of corporate and commercial transactions, including risk identification and mitigation.
• Assisting with contentious and non-contentious pensions matters, including regulatory investigations, Ombudsman complaints and litigation.
• Building and maintaining strong client relationships while delivering practical and commercially driven advice.
• Contributing to business development initiatives and helping to strengthen the team's profile within the pensions market.
• Collaborating closely with colleagues across practice groups and jurisdictions on multidisciplinary client matters.

Candidate Profile

The successful candidate is likely to be a qualified solicitor or barrister in England & Wales with a strong background in pensions law gained within a respected private practice or in‑house legal environment.

You should be able to demonstrate:

• Approximately 4-7 years' PQE in pensions law.
• Strong technical knowledge of UK pensions legislation, regulation and governance.
• Experience advising on a broad range of pensions matters, including transactional, funding and regulatory issues.
• Excellent drafting and analytical skills, with the ability to translate complex legal issues into practical commercial advice.
• Experience managing client relationships and handling matters with an appropriate degree of autonomy.
• Knowledge of adviser and insurer-related issues concerning defined contribution pension arrangements would be advantageous.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities effectively.
• Commercial awareness and a genuine interest in understanding clients' business objectives.
• A collaborative approach and commitment to delivering exceptional client service.

Why Apply?

This opportunity offers the chance to join a highly respected pensions practice known for the quality of its work, supportive culture and commitment to developing its lawyers. You will work alongside leading practitioners on significant matters while benefiting from a clear career progression framework and access to high‑profile clients across a range of sectors.

*At Chadwick Nott, we are committed to developing a diverse and inclusive culture as well as supporting our large client network achieve the same. We are an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications of all qualified candidates regardless of their age, sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, disability, culture or anything other personal characteristic. We champion and celebrate diversity in the workplace. Where a level of experience is indicated, please note that this is only a guideline.*