At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide legal advice on pension schemes and manage internal disputes with a dynamic team.
- Company: Join USS, a leading pension scheme provider with a vibrant and inclusive culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, health services, and personal development support.
- Other info: Diverse workplace committed to inclusivity and community support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in pensions law while enjoying flexibility and autonomy.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor/barrister with experience in corporate law and pensions.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ 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
- Delivering Results – Provide advice, guidance and support to the Private Markets Group (“PMG”) team in relation to investment transactions and asset management (managed by the PMG Asset Management & Oversight team (“AM&O”)), 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; and some experience advisable for covering Direct Equity / Infrastructure transactions, Private Credit (finance and lending transactions) and oversight of Real Estate matters.
- 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; and knowledge development within the wider legal team.
- 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 (including template documents and checklists) and other control initiatives.
- Support the Chief Legal Officer and rest of Group Legal in establishing and maintaining key relationships.
- 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).
USS 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.
Group General Counsel in London employer: Universities Superannuation Scheme Ltd
At USS, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work environment that fosters professional growth and collaboration. With a strong commitment to employee well-being, we provide generous benefits, flexible working arrangements, and opportunities for personal development, ensuring that every team member can thrive both in and out of the workplace. Join us in making a meaningful impact while enjoying a supportive culture that values diversity and inclusion.
Contact Details:
Universities Superannuation Scheme Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Group General Counsel in London
✨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 researching USS and its legal framework. Understand their approach to managing legal risks and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs. Show them you’re not just another candidate!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You want to convey your skills and experiences clearly and confidently. Think about how your background in corporate law and investment transactions makes you the perfect fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at USS.
We think you need these skills to ace Group General Counsel in London
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 legal counsel, especially in private markets investment transactions, to show us you’re the right fit.
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. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the point!
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 don’t miss out on any important updates during the recruitment process.
How to prepare for a job interview at Universities Superannuation Scheme Ltd
✨Know Your Legal Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of pensions law and investment transactions. Be ready to discuss specific cases or examples from your past experience that demonstrate your expertise in these areas.
✨Understand the Company Culture
Familiarise yourself with USS's values and culture. They emphasise diversity and inclusion, so think about how your personal experiences align with their mission and be prepared to share those insights during the interview.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific legal scenarios, especially related to internal disputes or member complaints. Practise articulating your thought process and decision-making skills clearly.
✨Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit
Since the role involves working closely with various stakeholders, highlight your teamwork skills. Share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with different teams or departments in previous roles.
