Managing associate

By drawing together a large group of specialists each with a wide range of experience, we can develop individual solutions to our clients' pensions issues. We are based in one location so that we can work together to develop solutions to complex problems. Whilst we are often involved in cutting-edge pensions law, we are also known for our practical, commercial and plain advice on the day-to-day pension issues. We don't over-complicate the complicated. Our pensions team also provides pensions advice to individuals and advice to employers and trustees operating overseas pension arrangements. The ideal candidate will have an interest in such matters and a willingness to develop the knowledge and skills to provide advice of this nature. The role would especially suit someone who enjoys the advisory side of pensions and who has an interest in private client type work. Some examples of advice recently:

• Advising an individual with Fixed Protection 2012 on how the Budget 2023 changes to the Lifetime Allowance affect him and his entitlement to a tax-free lump sum., Liaising with the client, other team members and counsel as required.
• Clear, concise and unambiguous preparation and drafting of correspondence and legal
advice, including undertaking legal research using internal and external knowledge management resources.
• Contributing to the profile of the team and undertaking business development
activities from the outset, including: o Assisting in the preparation of legal articles. o Developing own informal internal and external network of contacts. o Building excellent working relationships with clients and peers within Stephenson Harwood. o Attending business development and profile-raising events, including attending a variety of national and international conferences.
• Managing more junior experience level staff where applicable
Most of our roles are hybrid, meaning that colleagues benefit from working in our office for 60% of the time and remotely for 40%., We have a unique opportunity for this Managing associate to provide support to a partner on private wealth pensions matters and the UK tax treatment of overseas pension schemes. This role gives the associate the opportunity to broaden their practice from just occupational pension schemes. We are looking for someone who has some ambition to move forward with their career in the coming years, whether to partnership or other senior roles. This job description is indicative only and does not represent an exhaustive list of responsibilities. The firm reserves the right to alter or change the responsibilities at any time, in line with the firm's strategy and business needs.


• England and Wales qualified lawyer, looking at progressing their career at an
established firm with expertise in UK pensions, in particular: o Advising trustees and employers on their occupational pension arrangements; o Technically proficient in pensions law and has experience on key pensions tasks such as deeds of amendment, scheme mergers, benefit specifications and day to day advice; o Experience of managing client relationships and supervising associates; and o Used to overseeing the financial management of a matter.
• A technical background in black letter law.
• A keen interest in working in non-contentious matters.
• Technical mindset, with a focus on accuracy and attention to detail.
• Excellent verbal and numerical communication skills.
• Ability to acquire and apply fundamental and up-to-date knowledge of the law.
• Personable and positive attitude and enjoys working together in a team.
  
  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. It also reflects the importance of remaining independent - a clear sign that we are confident in our own future. 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: decarbonisation, life sciences, private capital & funds, technology, and transportation & 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., Advising a Belgian resident on the tax implications of gifting benefits from a UK pension scheme to his UK-resident, Belgian-resident and US-resident children. Considering the differences between gifting during his lifetime or on his death.
• Advising a Portuguese-resident who is terminally ill on his UK pension benefits and on steps we can take to ensure his young family is provided for on his death.
• Advising a UK resident on the taxation of a transfer of pension benefits from a Bermudan pension scheme to a Maltese pension scheme, and on whether "foreign service relief" from income tax will be available on a distribution from the Maltese scheme.
• Advising the trustees of a Jersey-based pension scheme on how a lump sum withdrawal from the scheme (which has previously benefitted from UK tax relief) should be taxed.
Private client pensions work is varied, highly rewarding, and intellectually stimulating work. Anyone who enjoys dealing with member queries, death benefit cases, pension sharing on divorce or member complaints will likely enjoy advising individuals directly. This role offers the opportunity to develop an expertise that is unusual and highly sought after alongside providing top-end occupational pensions advice to employers and trustees. The pensions team and private wealth teams are ambitious and growing, making it an exciting time to join the EPP group. Highly ranked in the Legal 500, with a Tier 1 contentious pensions team, we are experts in setting up, reconstructing and closing all manner of pension schemes.