Managing Associate – Pensions
Location: London
Type: Full-time, Permanent
The Opportunity
An international law firm is seeking a highly experienced Managing Associate to join its leading Pensions practice. This role offers the chance to take on significant responsibility within a well-established team advising trustees, employers, and corporates on a wide spectrum of pensions matters.
This position is ideal for a Senior Associate or existing Managing Associate who is ready for the next step and wants greater leadership exposure, more client ownership, and a clear track toward partnership within a high-performing team.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead on complex pensions advisory and transactional matters for trustees, employers, corporates, financial institutions, and scheme sponsors.
* Advise on all areas of pensions law including scheme governance, funding, regulatory compliance, de-risking transactions, benefit changes, scheme mergers, wind-ups, and pensions aspects of corporate deals.
* Build and manage key client relationships, maintaining exceptional service delivery and identifying strategic opportunities.
* Mentor and supervise junior lawyers, providing training, guidance, and support across technical work.
* Actively contribute to business development initiatives, including pitches, publications, and client training.
* Support partners with high-profile mandates while playing a role in shaping team strategy and practice development.
* Contribute to the team’s knowledge base, thought leadership, and best-practice processes.
About You
* Qualified lawyer (England & Wales or equivalent) with significant experience in pensions law.
* Currently operating at Senior Associate or Managing Associate level within a reputable private practice environment.
* Strong technical expertise across both advisory and transactional pensions work.
* Excellent client-handling skills and a commercial approach.
* Experience supervising junior lawyers and contributing to team development.
* Outstanding drafting, analytical, and communication skills.
* Ambitious, proactive, and motivated by a role with genuine partnership prospects.
Why This Role?
* A senior, strategic role with high-quality, complex pensions work.
* A clear, structured pathway to partnership for lawyers ready to take the next step.
* A collaborative environment with strong partner exposure.
* Opportunity to influence team strategy and lead on key client relationships.
* Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
For pensions specialists seeking greater responsibility, client ownership, and a genuine route to partnership, this role offers an exceptional opportunity.
Harkaye Core Talent is acting as the exclusive recruitment partner for this appointment and welcomes discreet, confidential conversations.