Pensions Disputes Associate - International Law Firm

About the Opportunity

An international law firm is seeking a junior to mid-level Associate to join its Pensions Disputes team, part of the wider Employment, Pensions, and Private Wealth practice. This role offers early responsibility and the chance to be involved in high-value, complex matters while contributing to the growth of a dynamic practice.

The firm provides an environment where individuals can be themselves, take ownership of their career, and engage in honest conversations about progression and development. It offers a clear strategy for growth and recognises performance through competitive reward packages and career development opportunities.

What the Firm Offers

• Competitive salary and comprehensive family-friendly policies.
• Life assurance, private health and dental care for employees and their families.
• Flexible benefits, including gym discounts and retail vouchers.
• Technology, cycling, and electric car schemes.
• Volunteering leave to support charitable initiatives.
• A wellbeing strategy addressing physical, emotional, financial, and social wellbeing.
• Hybrid working arrangements providing flexibility between office and remote work.

Team Structure

The Pensions Disputes team comprises partners, senior associates, associates, a trainee, and a solicitor apprentice, and collaborates closely with colleagues across pensions advisory, insolvency, regulatory, and commercial litigation practices to provide a full-service offering.

The team handles the full spectrum of disputes arising from pension schemes, focusing on achieving effective outcomes through litigation, mediation, and other forms of alternative dispute resolution. Matters include:

• Professional negligence claims
• Rectification and construction disputes
• Part 7 and Part 8 proceedings
• Judicial review and public law issues
• Scheme funding and investment disputes
• RPI/CPI issues
• Contract and trustee disputes

Clients include pension scheme trustees, sponsoring employers, multinational corporations, banks, insurers, actuaries, administrators, and law firms. The team is consistently recognised and top-ranked for its expertise in pensions litigation by leading legal directories.

Main Responsibilities

The Associate will take responsibility for managing all aspects of a case, including:

• Conducting detailed legal analysis and contributing to case strategy.
• Liaising with clients, team members, and counsel.
• Preparing and drafting documentation and legal advice.
• Reviewing evidence and advising on litigation and mediation strategies.
• Managing matters with supervision from Senior Associates and Partners.
• Delegating work to trainees and paralegals where appropriate.
• Conducting legal research using internal and external resources.
• Assisting with client updates and thought leadership pieces.
• Building strong relationships with clients and colleagues.
• Participating in business development and profile-raising initiatives.

Attributes / Skills Required

• Qualified solicitor in England and Wales
• Training in an established firm with a desire to focus on contentious pensions work
• Strong technical grounding in black letter law
• Experience in pensions disputes is desirable but not essential
• Excellent analytical skills and attention to detail
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to grasp and apply complex legal concepts quickly
• Personable, proactive, and collaborative approach

About the Firm

The firm is an international law firm with multiple offices worldwide and headquarters in London. Its teams work across corporate, commercial litigation and arbitration, employment, pensions and private wealth, finance, marine and international trade, and real estate and projects.

The firm assembles teams of bright thinkers to meet client needs, providing pragmatic advice grounded in real-world understanding. Diversity, individuality, and collaboration are central to its culture, ensuring a supportive and engaging workplace.