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- Tasks: Join a dynamic pensions practice and work on high-profile legal matters.
- Company: Prestigious law firm known for exceptional legal service and client commitment.
- Benefits: Highly competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and inclusive culture.
- Why this job: Make an impact in a leading firm while developing your legal expertise.
- Qualifications: Strong academic record and excellent communication skills required.
- Other info: Open-door policy with regular social events and diverse networks.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Would you like to join an expanding and dynamic market leading pensions practice in one of the world’s most prestigious law firms? We are offering a fantastic opportunity for an ambitious individual to join us as an Associate in our pensions practice. We offer a highly competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
Slaughter and May is recognised for exceptional legal service, commerciality and commitment to clients. We advise on a spectrum of legal matters, often high-profile, ground-breaking and complex.
Our Pensions Practice
Our Pensions practice is part of our integrated Pensions, Employment and Incentives group which is led by 5 Partners and has more than 30 non-partner fee earners and Knowledge Counsel and Knowledge Officer. Very large advisory balanced practice (both business-as-usual and projects) for both trustees and sponsors of schemes of all sizes (from sub-£20 million to £10s of billions) as well as insurers - including Railways Pension Scheme, New Airways Pension Scheme (BA), BBC Pension Scheme, Electricity Supply Pension Scheme, BT Pension Scheme, Severn Trent, Royal Mail and Centrica.
Associates work on:
- Highly technical benefit issues (GMP/Virgin Media/equalisation issues on buy-outs/pensions tax)
- Funding negotiations on valuations and transactions
- Investment advice including strategy implementation
- Dispute resolution – member, IDRP and PO complaints for trustee clients, Part 8, professional negligence and rectification applications to Senior Courts and TPR investigations and proceedings
Recent current examples include questions of construction regarding scheme amendment powers following on from the BBC Pension Scheme cases and ongoing High Court litigation. Pensions Associates work closely with colleagues in Disputes and Investigations.
De-risking through buy-ins/outs
We have advised on many of the biggest transactions in UK market history, including the £7.5 billion buy-in of the British Steel Pension Scheme and on the £6.5 billion buy-in of RSA’s two schemes with Pensions Insurance Corporation. We also act regularly for insurers, such as Legal & General, Aviva and PIC; we advised Legal & General on the £4.6 billion buy-in with Ford’s pension schemes and the £4.8 billion full buy-in for the Boots Pension Scheme.
This requires both technical expertise and commercial deal management. Examples include advising Vodafone on the pensions aspects of its agreement with CK Hutchison Group, owner of Three UK, to merge their respective UK telecommunications businesses to create the UK’s largest mobile operator, working with our Corporate team to advise Spectris on the pensions aspects of its competitive takeover by KKR and Reckitt Benckiser on the pensions aspects of the divestment of its Essential Home business.
We have an extensive database of precedent advice and standard form documents managed by our Knowledge Lawyer team and a dedicated team know-how specialist. We run regular technical and BD training programmes. Associates have access to a dedicated and experienced pension knowledge lawyer.
Key Responsibilities
- Drafting, reviewing and amending the legal and commercial aspects of pensions-related and pension scheme documentation
- Taking responsibility for pensions aspects of transactions
- Developing the practice by promoting the firm, both to existing and potential clients and by contributing to the creation of know-how, including client bulletins and other client and firm-facing training events
A strong academic record and being at ease thinking fast and being able to reflect and identify the essence of a client’s query. Ability to communicate succinctly, projecting confidence in both legal and commercial analysis underpinning the advice. First rate legal and technical skills combined with pragmatism, commercial knowledge and application. Experience in running negotiations and other meetings with limited supervision.
The vast majority of the work undertaken in the Pensions, Employment and Incentives group is international. Many of our clients are based overseas and the nature of our domestic client base is such that most of them have considerable overseas interests. Our Best Friends network ensures that we and our clients have access to the very best international legal advice which in turn enables us to see more than our fair share of the most interesting global disputes and investigations.
English law is often at the heart of a matter so we frequently find ourselves playing a key role project managing the international advisers and bringing all the strands of the matter together. We operate an open-door policy and actively encourage discussion and knowledge sharing. Our practice holds regular social and team building events. The firm has eleven diversity networks. Our aim is to foster a spirit of inclusion. We welcome applications irrespective of race, colour, ethnic or national origin, disability, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, religion, belief or marital status.
Pensions Associate Consultant in City of London employer: Slaughter and May
Contact Detail:
Slaughter and May Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Pensions Associate Consultant in City of London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at the firm or in the pensions sector. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral. Don’t be shy; we all love a good conversation!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into the latest trends in pensions law. Show us you’re not just a candidate, but someone who’s genuinely passionate about the field. Bring your A-game with examples of how you’ve tackled complex issues before.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Mock interviews with friends or mentors can help you nail your responses. Focus on articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, especially when discussing technical topics related to pensions.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression. It shows us you’re keen and professional, which is exactly what we’re looking for in a Pensions Associate Consultant.
We think you need these skills to ace Pensions Associate Consultant in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Pensions Associate Consultant role. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that align with the job description, especially in technical benefit issues and commercial deal management.
Showcase Your Academic Achievements: We love a strong academic record! Don’t forget to mention your qualifications and any relevant coursework or projects that demonstrate your understanding of pensions law and commerciality.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it succinct. We want to see your ability to communicate effectively, so make sure your points are clear and directly related to the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to the right people and shows you’re serious about joining our dynamic team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Slaughter and May
✨Know Your Pensions Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends and technicalities in pensions law. Familiarise yourself with key cases, like those involving the BBC Pension Scheme, and understand the implications of GMP and equalisation issues. This will show your potential employer that you're not just interested in the role, but that you’re genuinely engaged with the field.
✨Showcase Your Commercial Acumen
During the interview, be prepared to discuss how you can apply legal knowledge to real-world scenarios. Think about how you would approach funding negotiations or investment strategies. Demonstrating a strong understanding of commercial deal management will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Practice Your Communication Skills
As an Associate Consultant, you'll need to communicate complex legal concepts clearly and confidently. Practice summarising intricate legal issues succinctly, as if explaining them to a client. This will help you project confidence and clarity during your interview.
✨Engage with the Firm's Culture
Research Slaughter and May’s values and culture before your interview. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their spirit of inclusion and collaboration. Mention any relevant experiences that align with their commitment to diversity and teamwork, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.