At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team advising on high-profile pensions in corporate deals.
- Company: Be part of a leading Magic Circle law firm known for excellence and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a collaborative culture, mentoring opportunities, and exposure to complex legal challenges.
- Why this job: Shape major business decisions while working with top corporates and financial institutions.
- Qualifications: 3-6 years PQE, strong technical skills, and experience in pensions law required.
- Other info: Engage in thought leadership and client development while mentoring junior colleagues.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
Transactional Pensions Solicitor (3–6 PQE)
Location: London
Firm: Leading Magic Circle Law Firm
Practice Area: Pensions – Transactional Focus
Step Into the Heart of Complex Corporate Strategy
Our client, a premier Magic Circle law firm with a longstanding reputation for excellence, innovation, and influence, is looking to expand its award-winning pensions team with the appointment of a talented and ambitious Transactional Pensions Solicitor (3–6 PQE). This is an exceptional opportunity to join one of the most intellectually stimulating and technically advanced pensions practices in the City, renowned for its role in some of the most complex and high-value corporate deals globally. You’ll be part of a collaborative and high-performing group that works seamlessly across offices and disciplines, advising the world’s leading corporates, banks, funds, insurers, and pension trustees.
The Role
This role will immerse you in the full spectrum of transactional pensions work, including high-profile M&A, cross-border restructurings, regulatory investigations, risk transfers, and de-risking projects. You will work at the intersection of pensions law, corporate strategy, and regulatory frameworks – a space where your advice directly shapes major business decisions and long-term investment outcomes.
Your day-to-day will include:
- Advising corporate clients and private equity houses on pensions risks and obligations in large-scale M&A and carve-outs
- Structuring and negotiating pensions-related provisions in share and asset purchase agreements
- Engaging in strategic advisory work involving The Pensions Regulator, particularly around moral hazard, clearance, and contribution notices
- Advising on scheme funding, employer covenant issues, and complex liability management exercises (including buy-ins and buyouts)
- Collaborating with colleagues across corporate, banking, tax, and disputes to provide seamless, commercial solutions
You’ll also be encouraged to play an active role in thought leadership, client development, and mentoring junior team members.
The Candidate
This is a role for a solicitor with strong technical foundations, a commercial mindset, and the confidence to handle high levels of responsibility within a fast-paced environment.
You will ideally:
- Be 3–6 years’ PQE, qualified in England & Wales (or another common law jurisdiction with relevant UK pensions experience)
- Have significant experience advising on the pensions elements of corporate transactions, whether in-house or at a leading private practice
- Bring a strong grasp of both the legal and regulatory frameworks governing occupational pension schemes, and a desire to advise in a business-critical, strategic capacity
- Be proactive, collaborative, and resilient, with the communication skills to influence senior stakeholders and regulators alike
- Enjoy problem-solving and have an eye for the long-term implications of complex legal issues
Pensions Lawyer employer: Buchanan Law
Contact Detail:
Buchanan Law Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Pensions Lawyer
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the pensions and corporate law sectors. Attend industry events, webinars, and seminars to meet potential colleagues and mentors who can provide insights into the role and the firm.
✨Tip Number 2
Stay updated on the latest developments in pensions law and corporate transactions. Follow relevant publications and thought leaders on social media to engage in discussions and demonstrate your knowledge during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Consider reaching out to current or former employees of the firm for informational interviews. This can give you insider knowledge about the firm's culture and expectations, which can be invaluable during the application process.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss specific examples of your experience with transactional pensions work. Be ready to articulate how your skills align with the firm's needs and how you can contribute to their high-profile projects.
We think you need these skills to ace Pensions Lawyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in pensions law, particularly in transactional contexts. Emphasise your PQE and any specific cases or projects that showcase your expertise in M&A and regulatory frameworks.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should reflect your understanding of the role and the firm's reputation. Discuss why you are passionate about pensions law and how your background aligns with the firm's focus on complex corporate strategy.
Showcase Relevant Experience: In your application, provide examples of your previous work that demonstrate your ability to advise on pensions risks and obligations. Highlight any experience with The Pensions Regulator and your involvement in high-profile transactions.
Highlight Soft Skills: Given the collaborative nature of the role, emphasise your communication and problem-solving skills. Mention any experience mentoring junior colleagues or leading projects, as this will show your readiness to take on responsibility within a high-performing team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Buchanan Law
✨Understand the Pensions Landscape
Make sure you have a solid grasp of the current pensions law and regulatory frameworks in the UK. Familiarise yourself with recent changes and how they impact corporate transactions, as this will demonstrate your commitment and knowledge during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Transactional Experience
Be prepared to discuss specific examples from your previous roles where you advised on pensions in M&A or other corporate transactions. Highlight your contributions and the outcomes of those situations to illustrate your expertise and problem-solving skills.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Awareness
Employers are looking for candidates who understand the business implications of pensions law. Be ready to discuss how pensions advice can influence corporate strategy and decision-making, and think about how you can add value to their clients.
✨Prepare Thought Leadership Insights
Since the role encourages thought leadership, consider preparing a few insights or opinions on current trends in pensions law or notable cases. This will show your proactive nature and ability to engage with complex legal issues, making you stand out as a candidate.