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- Tasks: Provide legal advice on pensions and manage disputes within a dynamic team.
- Company: Join USS, a leading pension scheme with a vibrant and inclusive culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, and wellness support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the pensions sector while developing your legal career.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor with experience in pensions law and dispute management.
- Other info: Flexible hybrid working model and opportunities for personal development.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
When you join USS, the size and scale of our pension scheme means you will have numerous opportunities to learn and develop your career. Given our size you'll have real autonomy and influence as you collaborate closely with a wide-ranging team of experts. Our office is a vibrant place to work, and we offer flexibility of office/homeworking due to our hybrid model.
About the role
In your role as Legal Counsel you will make a meaningful and valued contribution from the outset. This role will provide a great opportunity to manage legal risk within USSL and USSIM through the provision of legal advice (including obtaining external legal advice where appropriate) in relation to private markets investment transactions.
Responsibilities
- Provide advice, guidance and support to the Private Markets Group (“PMG”) team in relation to investment transactions and asset management, including the review of supply agreements, engagement letters with advisers, side letters and other agreements.
- Focus on fund investments, fund re-ups and co-investments across Infrastructure, PE Funds and Co-Investments, Real Estate and Private Credit.
- Draft and review investment transaction related documents and agreements.
- Manage legal risk in accordance with the board mandated legal risk appetite statements and the legal key processes and controls.
- Provide general legal advice, guidance and support to USSL and USSIM.
- Provide legal advice to relevant internal committees and working groups.
- Provide advice and guidance on internal constitutional, corporate governance and regulatory issues as well as communications and press releases and other formal notices to external parties.
- Instruct and manage external counsel and transpose in business-suitable format.
- Manage cost incurred by external counsel on transaction related matters and in accordance with internal policy.
- Assist with the development of formal training sessions for business colleagues on relevant topics.
- Support members of Group Legal, where necessary, on transactions relating to PMG and any asset management related matters.
- Support the Chief Legal Officer, the Head of Investment Legal and the rest of Group Legal in developing the profile of the Legal Department.
- Assist in the development of Group Legal by reviewing and drafting legal process documents and other control initiatives.
- Keep updated with changes to relevant areas of law and provide updates to Group Legal and relevant business teams in USSL and USSIM.
About you
To be successful in the role you will have:
- Solicitor/Barrister qualified to practise in England & Wales or appropriate foreign equivalent.
- PQE.
- Experience of working in a law firm/in-house.
- Experience of reviewing and negotiating relevant documentation relating to general corporate law, M&A, direct equity investments, private funds and banking and finance.
- Experience of instructing and managing external counsel preferred.
- Experience of FSMA and other relevant law and regulations.
Why join us? How we will reward you:
- Great starting salary
- Generous annual leave package
- Access to a high quality pension scheme provided through Universities Superannuation Scheme
- Supportive people policies (including enhanced occupational sickness pay and family friendly pay)
- Financial contributions towards your personal development to help you maintain your physical and mental wellbeing
- Access to a range of health and wellbeing services i.e., private healthcare, discounted gym membership
- Learning and development opportunities to develop your skills, knowledge and talent
- Employee Volunteer Day’s to support the communities where you work and live
- Cycle to Work Scheme
Our culture
Our people are what makes us different. We work together to create a diverse and inclusive culture that embraces individuality, where people are welcomed and feel comfortable in the knowledge that they can be themselves.
We are active members of:
- Social Mobility Pledge
- Menopause Workplace Pledge
- Actively support Women in Tech
- Annual Intern programme supporting individuals to gain work experience
About us
Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS) was established in 1974 as the principal pension scheme for universities and higher education institutions in the UK. We work with around 330 employers to help build a secure financial future for more than 500,000 members and their families. We are one of the largest pension schemes in the UK, with total assets of around £90.8bn (at 31 March 2022).
USSL is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We strive to ensure our recruitment process is as flexible and inclusive as possible so we can attract diverse candidates and recruit the best talent. We want all candidates to perform at their best during the recruitment process, so if you need any reasonable adjustments or if there is anything we can do to help support you through your recruitment journey please let us know by contacting resourcing@uss.co.uk.
Group General Counsel employer: Universities Superannuation Scheme (Ltd)
Contact Detail:
Universities Superannuation Scheme (Ltd) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Group General Counsel
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who work in pensions or investment law. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of pensions law and recent changes in regulations. We want you to show off your expertise and how it aligns with our needs at USS!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of a follow-up! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance of landing that dream job! We love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Plus, it makes tracking your application easier!
We think you need these skills to ace Group General Counsel
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Group General Counsel role. Highlight your relevant experience in pensions law and investment transactions, as this will show us that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t just list your qualifications; demonstrate how your skills align with the responsibilities mentioned in the job description. We want to see how you can deliver results and manage legal risks effectively.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. This will help us easily understand your qualifications and experiences without getting lost in complex terms.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Universities Superannuation Scheme (Ltd)
✨Know Your Pensions Law
Make sure you brush up on key legislation like the Pensions Schemes Act and Finance Acts. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you're not just familiar with the law, but that you can apply it in real-world scenarios.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about how you would handle specific legal situations, especially around internal dispute resolutions or managing external counsel. Think of examples from your past experience where you successfully navigated similar challenges.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since you'll need to explain complex legal concepts to various stakeholders, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Consider doing mock interviews with friends or colleagues to refine your delivery.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
This role involves collaboration with a wide range of experts. Be ready to discuss how you've worked effectively in teams before, highlighting your interpersonal skills and ability to adapt to different working styles.