Overview
HCR Law is seeking a lawyer to join the pensions team. The team specialises in finding commercially effective solutions to pensions problems, drafting scheme documentation and advising on transactions involving pension schemes.
Responsibilities
* Provide high quality, consistent, timely, solution‑focused and pragmatic pensions law advice to trustee and employer clients across the public and private sector.
* Contribute technical analysis of the pension law aspects of corporate activity and participate in negotiations to achieve an appropriate outcome.
* Contribute to the internal legal knowledge management system and support the learning and development of colleagues and clients through formal or informal training.
* Represent and support the firm internally and externally.
* Draft scheme documentation.
* Provide high quality, robust legal advice on interpretation of scheme rules, discretionary powers and management of pension disputes, including instruction of Counsel where appropriate.
* Advise on scheme funding, benefit design and investments.
* Work on risk reduction and risk transfer exercises, including liability management and other one‑off projects such as incentive exercises, scheme closures, mergers, demergers, buy‑outs and wind‑ups.
* Provide support on mergers, acquisitions or disposals, including assessment of the seller’s pension arrangements and advice on warranties and the employer debt regime.
* Advise on auto‑enrolment compliance, including contractual enrolment and salary sacrifice arrangements, and implications of changing to a new provider.
* Advise on public sector pensions, particularly relating to local government, healthcare and education sectors (including admissions to and exits from public sector schemes and the use of risk sharing mechanisms).
* Provide specialist advice, knowledge management and training to other business units.
About You
Essential
* A qualified solicitor with experience relevant to the role and a current practising certificate in England and Wales.
* Experience in both transactional and advisory work within a reputable pensions team, and willingness to continue with both strands.
* Knowledge of Pensions Act 1995, Pensions Act 2004, Pensions Act 2008 and related legislation.
* Experience providing consistent, clear, audience‑tailored legal advice on a range of pension matters.
* Ability to prioritise a portfolio of work with competing deadlines and use initiative.
Desirable
* Good negotiation, communication and persuasive skills.
* Knowledge of the public sector pensions landscape and regulatory framework.
Person Specification
* Attention to detail and accuracy due to the technical nature and regulatory environment of pensions law.
* Well‑organised and self‑motivated.
* Strong communication skills at all levels.
* Approachable and a team player.
About Us and Benefits
* Private Medical Insurance
* Sight tests / Glasses discounts
* Scottish Widows Pension Scheme
* 28 days annual leave (plus public holidays)
* Bonus scheme
* Electric vehicle scheme
* International secondments for 0–5 PQE
* Happy People / Perks at Work portal
* Cycle to Work scheme
* Life Assurance
* One‑third gym membership contribution
* Flu vaccinations
Is HCR the smart move for you? HCR suits people who like a challenge and want to work in an environment where careers thrive on hard work and merit. Our people contribute energy, enthusiasm and entrepreneurial mindsets to solve client problems and help them succeed.
What career progression will HCR offer you? HCR’s growth creates opportunities for people who want to progress. You can expect to work with friendly, energetic, ambitious colleagues who enjoy solving client problems and celebrating good outcomes. Our culture emphasises community and collaboration across offices.
As an equal opportunities employer, we celebrate differences and aim to attract a diverse and ambitious workforce. We are an armed forces‑friendly organisation. We welcome applications and will provide reasonable adjustments to support your application. If this opportunity sounds of interest, please apply with your CV.
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