We are looking for an associate to join the Pensions Disputes & Contentious Trusts Team, within the wider Employment Pensions and Private Wealth Department. The core team comprises 3 partners, 2 managing associates, 4 associates, a trainee, and a solicitor apprentice. Our team is first and foremost a disputes team and we practice in the fields of both pensions disputes and private wealth / trusts disputes. It is anticipated that you will work on cases in both these areas, with a split of work that will vary from time to time. The team's pensions disputes work includes various kinds of disputes arising from pensions schemes, with a particular focus on achieving results by way of alternative dispute resolution and mediations as well as going to Court. We work closely with the Pensions (advisory) team. Associates work on professional negligence claims, rectification/construction claims, part 8 & part 7 claims, judicial review/public law issues, contract disputes, international disputes, disputes concerning scheme funding, investment claims, RPI/CPI matters etc. Compared to some pensions disputes practices, the team has a broad spread of work, with associates exposed to various types of disputes concerning pension schemes. The team has acted in many of the leading cases in the industry and before the highest courts. The team's clients range from pension scheme trustees to sponsoring employers; from multi-nationals and banks to charities and not-for-profits; from actuaries and scheme administrators to lawyers and documentation providers. The team, collectively and individually, have been highly recognised or top-ranked in Legal 500 and Chambers directories. The team's private wealth disputes work arises particularly from our close relationship with the Private Wealth team. The Private Wealth team predominantly advises ultra-high net worth entrepreneurs and business owners and their families as well as trustees from around the globe on some of the most complex and high value private wealth disputes, focusing principally on disputes with an international element. The team has a particularly strong presence in the Asian market and advises on some of the most significant trust disputes in the region. The team also advises numerous high-profile domestic dynastic families for which they are trusted advisers and has a strong expertise handling disputes involving cross border taxation issues. Private Wealth and Private Wealth Disputes are a core area of focus for Stephenson Harwood following its strategic review, and the wider Private Wealth Team at the firm is continually growing, with the non-contentious team recruiting some of the most high-profile names in the industry over the past twelve months. The Private Wealth Disputes team is looking to organically grow in line with the non-contentious team, which is why they are looking for a dynamic new associate to join the team. As well as the Pensions and Private wealth teams, our team works closely with other lawyers in the insolvency, regulatory, and commercial litigation practices, some of which are also deeply involved in the team's matters (as well as working with the rest of the firm's complimentary practices).Main Responsibilities Most of our roles are hybrid, meaning that colleagues benefit from working in our office and remotely. We are happy to discuss this and other flexible working arrangements with you as part of the application and interview process.

With 8 offices worldwide and with our headquarters based in London, Stephenson Harwood is a law firm where our people are committed to achieving the goals of our clients - listed and private companies, institutions and individuals across the globe. Our mix of expertise and culture results in a combination of deep local insight and the capability to provide a seamless international service. Our experience encompasses corporate, commercial litigation and arbitration, employment, pensions and private wealth, finance, marine and international trade, and real estate and projects. We assemble teams of bright thinkers to match our clients' needs and give the right advice from the right person at the right time. Dedicating the highest calibre of legal talent to overcome the most complex issues, we deliver pragmatic, expert advice that is set squarely in the real world. We understand the power of diversity in delivering that high calibre advice to our clients. We want to attract diverse talent and we particularly encourage applications from underrepresented demographics. Our values Individuality We encourage creativity and develop talent. Commitment To be the best and deliver the highest standard. Teamwork We work together to build close, long-term relationships. Straight talking We say what we mean and do what we say. These values express the personality of the individuals within our firm. They are the behaviours we encourage in our people and the standards which inform our decisions and actions. Our vision into 2026 To be a successful firm where talented people work together in an entrepreneurial environment, building long term client relationships. This vision is about who we want to be, as well as who we are. It is as much about our values as about our character - the attributes we want to see from all of our people. That's how we unlock our entrepreneurial spirit, advising our clients with top performing teams. A key part of the 2026 strategy is to focus on five core sectors: energy transition; life sciences and healthcare; private capital and funds; technology; transportation and trade. These have been identified as crucial in the drive for accelerated profitable growth.

We will offer you a place where you can be yourself and where there are no limits on what you can achieve. With us, you can take ownership of your career and have honest conversations throughout. You would join an ambitious firm with a clear strategy for profitable growth where you can get early responsibility and early involvement in growing the business. Here you can expect a competitive and fair reward as well as recognition based on all round performance. This forms part of our internal promise to you, The Deal, between the firm and its employees. You can expect:

• A competitive salary and a host of family friendly policies.
• Life assurance, private health and dental care for you and your family.
• A range of flexible benefits including gym discount and retail vouchers.
• Tech, cycle and electric car schemes.
• The opportunity to support the firm's charity through volunteering leave.
• A wellbeing strategy that focuses on preventative measures to maintain overall health, and tools and support for when we experience physical or mental difficulties. The strategy focuses on four pillars: physical, emotional, financial and social aspects.