Legal Director - Pensions

We have an excellent opportunity for a Legal Director to join TLT’s Pensions team. Although the team is principally based in Bristol, as we operate national service lines, our client base is not limited by location and we work entirely on the basis that the best-placed individual supports the client. This role is offered on TLT’s progressive fully flexible working approach so can be either full or part time. We empower our people to work in a place and at a time that meets their needs, those of their clients and of the wider team and firm. Part of this agile approach is a focus on hybrid working and supporting the work/life balance of our people.

Your Role

• Our Pensions team works with a broad portfolio of clients including FTSE companies, multinationals, UK corporates, central government and trustees.
• As a key addition to our growing team, you can expect to:

• Oversee a varied workload, advising on all aspects of pension schemes, particularly employer and trustee advisory and governance, buy-ins and buy-outs and advising central government public sector clients.
• Work directly with trustees, employers, benefit consultancies and central government, both nationally and internationally to give pensions advice and establish your own relationship with the clients.
• Liaise closely with our partners nationwide, assisting with complex work and long term projects - 90% of the work is stand-alone pensions advice and 10% is working in partnership with other TLT national teams including litigation, financial services regulatory, corporate, employment, commercial, insolvency and social housing.
• Operate as a senior member of the team, managing and supervising junior members and supporting in the long term development and growth of the team.
• Participate in business development activities, nurturing both new and existing client relationships.

Your Skills & Experience

• You will be/have:

• A qualified solicitor (SRA or Law Society Registered) with 10 years+ PQE.
• Experience advising trustees and employers on all aspects of pensions.
• Experience supervising junior members within a team.
• A forward thinker, with excellent analytical, communication and organisational skills, you will be self-motivated with the ability to manage workloads and deadlines.
• Ability to confidently provide strategic advice to a variety of TLT clients.
• Commercially aware with enthusiasm for business development.
• Commitment to developing the firm’s offering locally and nationally.

Your Team

Formed in 2001 the TLT national Pensions Team is recognised in Tier 1 Legal 500 SW, Tier 3 in Manchester, and Tier 3 in London for Pensions Litigation. Four of the team members are recognised in Chambers & Partners. Sasha Butterworth, TLT’s Senior Partner, leads the team which is described in Chambers UK by an impressed source as “They are the best pension lawyers I have ever dealt with: they are responsive and practical.” Our key clients include Travelers, Sainsbury’s, Fujitsu Trustee, Arkema Bostik Trustee, the Metropolitan Police Agency, Crown Commercial Services.

About TLT

Fast paced, fast growing and forward thinking, TLT is the law firm that helps clients stay one step ahead, and we do the same for our people. We work with high profile clients in innovative sectors. With local, national and international reach, we have over 1,600 people in offices across the UK and a network of partner firms across Europe, India and the US. In 2023, we were named Law Firm of the Year at the Legal Business Awards 2023. This marks the third year in a row TLT has presented with this accolade in industry awards – having previously been named Law Firm of the Year at The Lawyer Awards in 2021 and the British Legal Awards in 2022. Our purpose is to protect, prepare and progress our clients for what comes next and it is essential that we do the same for our people, our planet and our communities too. In our open and collaborative culture, we encourage everyone to be their whole self, to have a voice and to contribute. We value our employees highly and we want you to feel valued. You will receive a competitive salary with an annual pay review. You will also have access to an extensive range of benefits via our flexible benefits scheme including private medical insurance and 25 days holiday (which will increase to 30 days based upon length of service). Holiday is prorated if you work part time.