Pensions Solicitor
Job Introduction
The Employment and Pensions Group at DAC Beachcroft is over 90 strong with 17 Partners and a presence in London, Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle and Bristol. The Pensions team currently consists of 2 partners (1 pensions litigation), 1 associate and a consultant.
We undertake a mixture of contentious and non-contentious pensions work for employers and trustees of occupational DB and DC pension schemes. In the private sector we act principally for medium-sized to large employers, including a range of financial institutions, blue chip companies, PLC’s, multi nationals and charities across the firm’s key sectors. We also have a strong track record of providing pensions advice to health sector clients which include NHS Trusts and independent health providers. The team also provides transactional support, and has close links with many other departments.
Typical work includes drafting scheme documentation, advising on underfunding, scheme re-structuring , winding-up, scheme closures, pension aspects of TUPE transfers and corporate support work. The role will offer the opportunity to have regular client contact. An early progression to independent working and assumption of responsibility for matters is expected.
The successful candidate will be 0 – 3 years PQE. You will have experience of Pensions Law and be keen to broaden and deepen your knowledge in this area. Communication skills, drafting ability and legal research capability must all be strong.
Seeking self-motivated and determined candidates with a hardworking and enthusiastic approach to the job. You must be able to priorities and work effectively to deliver accurate and thorough work to tight deadlines. You should be able to build good relationships at all levels and to be willing to participate in marketing activities.
Role Responsibility
Specific responsibilities include but are not restricted to undertaking the following:
• Handle a varied workload in accordance with client protocols and with an appropriate level of supervision. Act as a point of contact for clients, demonstrating a level of knowledge and skill commensurate with experience and the expectations and needs of clients of the London pensions team
• This will include a range of contentious and non-contentious work
• Develop depth of knowledge across key areas of pensions law practice. Over time develop specific expertise and thought leadership in particular practice areas
• Exercise full compliance with DAC Beachcroft protocols on billing and credit control and demonstrate a high level of financial management in respect of own files
• Aim to achieve a minimum budgeted annual target of 1440 (1500 for bonus purposes) chargeable hours per year
• Support marketing and business development activity within the team eg attending marketing events and client training
• Help build and enhance client relationships as required
• Build an awareness of the Firm's other services. Build effective internal and external networks
• Maintain an awareness of the firm's strategies and plans
• Maintain and develop technical knowledge through attendance at training sessions, reading appropriate publications and exceeding Law Society CPD requirements
• Handle confidential information in line with the firms data security protocols.
The Ideal Candidate
• 0-3 years' PQE qualified solicitor with a demonstrable interest or previous experience, and real zeal to practice in this area
• Solid track record in terms of academia at degree and CPE and/or LPC level (or equivalent) and appraisal feedback
• Excellent relationship and client handling skills. Able to deal confidently and professionally with clients on day to day issues. Able to demonstrate a reasonable level of self-sufficiency, combined with an awareness of the boundaries of own competence/authority
• An ability to adopt a client focused and commercial perspective rather than just an ‘academic’ approach to legal issues, coupled with a keen grasp of legal issues, as these arise ( demonstrating a clear ability to learn quickly ‘on the job’)
• Change oriented with a positive, flexible approach towards the implementation of new initiatives
• Team oriented and collegiate with a willingness to share knowledge with and support other members of the team.
This role is based in the London office.
About the Company
We are a leading international legal business with over 2,400 colleagues and a diverse range of capabilities. We have 11 offices in the UK as well as offices in Dublin, Madrid, Paris, Singapore, Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Miami. We also have associations/alliances with firms in Northern Ireland, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Brazil, Peru, Central America, Argentina, the USA, Australia and Germany.
We are known for our market-leading presence in sectors such as Insurance, Health and Real Estate. This is complemented by a fast-growing Business Advisory capability. We represent a wide range of clients, ranging from household names to government departments and NHS bodies. We act for the majority of the top 30 insurance and financial services companies operating in the UK. We are the asset management lawyers for the UK’s largest shopping centres and act for 9 of the UK’s top 10 housebuilders.
We have an impressive legal pedigree, with 155 Chambers UK 2019 practice area and individual lawyer rankings, including 30 rankings at 'Band 1' level. In Legal 500 UK, 2018, the firm received top tier ranking for 32 of its practice areas and 59 practice areas in the top two tiers. In March 2018, we were named as one of Legal Week's Best Legal Advisors for the third year running, achieving category-leading satisfaction scores for our commercial approach, service delivery, quality of legal advice, communication & responsiveness and overall relationships.
Our vision is to be leading business advisers, recognised for our insight and our outstanding commitment to clients, and for being the place where talented people want to work. For further details on our work and our culture, please visit www.dacbeachcroft.com.
DAC Beachcroft is an equal opportunities employer and we welcome applications from every sector of the community. We also welcome direct applications. If this opportunity sounds of interest to you, please make an application and submit your CV. Your application will be dealt with in the strictest of confidence.
DAC Beachcroft