We are seeking a talented Pensions Solicitor to join JMW’s Employment department in our Manchester office.

The team

Our specialist Employment law team in Manchester provide expert advice to both businesses and individuals on all areas of employment law as it constantly evolves. There is very little - if anything - relating to employment law that we haven't dealt with, which is why our clients find we are the ideal law firm to have in their corner.

As part of its ongoing development, the Employment team added pensions advisory expertise to their offering in 2022. Employment and pensions are, typically, closely related areas of law at the workplace and the decision to provide pensions advisory work adds value to the team’s client offering.

The make-up of this client base is spread across private individuals, employers, and pension scheme trustees, demonstrating the breadth of the appeal of offering pensions advisory work. In addition, this offering has benefited JMW’s Corporate and Commercial teams as part of their transactional work, as well as offering a wider range of advice for the Family and Personal Injury teams.

We advise on all aspects of pensions law, specialising particularly in relation to scheme mergers, solvent restructuring, buy-ins/buyouts, pension issues on corporate transactions, as well as member complaints and grievances.

The opportunity

In this newly established role, you will work closely with our firm's specialist Partner, Julian Richards, who brings nearly thirty years of pensions experience and a reputation for providing pragmatic, solutions-focused advice to our growing client base. Julian advises on all aspects of occupational pension schemes, to both trustee and employer clients.

Most recently he has advised extensively on pension scheme mergers following employer restructuring,  managing section 75 debt on employer cessation events,  re-assigning scheme liabilities through both scheme and flexible apportionment arrangements, scheme restructuring, liability buyouts, and dispute resolution.

Julian works closely with other teams at JMW, supporting their advice to clients on personal pension arrangements, dispute resolution,  distribution of insurance benefits and  separation of benefits on divorce.

He acts for trustees and employers on pension litigation matters including equalisation, rectification, and professional negligence. He is experienced in managing the litigation process through to compromise settlement and court hearings.

Julian acts for a number of trustee boards of schemes provide by trade unions for their employees. His background as a trade union pensions officer prior to becoming a solicitor gives him a unique understanding of the particular issues faced by trustees of trade union sponsored schemes.

You will have the opportunity and support from the team’s Partner to learn and progress in your career while assisting across a range of pension issues and contributing to our clients' success and satisfaction.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Drafting, interpreting and advising on pension scheme documents.
• Advising pensions legislation.
• Attending client meetings.
• Providing support to the pensions Partner, including minute-taking and task noting.
• Drafting straight forward deeds and other relevant documents.
• Staying informed of changes in legislation and Pensions Regulator guidance.
• Liaising with third-party referrers.
• Translating complex legal language into understandable terms.
• Engaging in business development activities to support department growth.

Hybrid working is available for this role.

About you

Ideally, we are looking for a Qualified Solicitor with around 0-4 years’ PQE. You will also need to have some practical experience in pensions law to succeed in this role, which may mean that you’re an experienced lawyer in a pensions-focused position looking for your next move, or you could be a newly qualified Solicitor with exposure to pensions law during your training contract and an appetite to continue learning and growing in that area of law.

You will need to possess:

• Strong people skills with a talent for building rapport and maintaining relationships with clients.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• The ability to translate complex pensions language into plain English.
• Enthusiasm for business development initiatives.
• Experience working with third-party referrers would be beneficial.

Working for JMW 

As well as a rewarding career, JMW offers its colleagues many other opportunities and benefits, including:

• A minimum of 25 days' annual leave (increasing with length of service) plus office closure between Christmas and New Year
• Employee Pension Scheme – SMART pension scheme
• Travel Insurance – covering you and eligible family members
• Death In Service - 3 x basic salary
• Private Medical Insurance (subject to opting in) and option of contributing to add eligible family members
• Income Protection - cover of up to 75% of salary
• Access to an interest free travel pass/parking loan
• A one-hour early finish, one Friday a month
• Two days a year to do charitable work, with a huge variety of events to get involved in
• The opportunity to participate in sports teams, hobby clubs, and social events
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme and trained Mental Health First Aiders
• Annual promotions process open to all
• Work and employee referral schemes

More information including a full list of our benefits and company culture can be found on the careers home page, and via our social media channels – X, Instagram, LinkedIn.