Legal Counsel
Business Area: Group General Counsel
Place of Work: London
Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract
When you join USS, the size and scale of our pension scheme means you will have numerous opportunities to learn and develop your career. Given our size you’ll have real autonomy and influence as you collaborate closely with a wide-ranging team of experts.
Our office is a vibrant place to work, and we offer flexibility of office/homeworking due to our hybrid model.
About the role
In your role as Legal Counsel, you will make a meaningful and valued contribution from the outset. This role will provide a great opportunity to manage pensions legal risk within USS and USSIM and through the provision of legal advice (including obtaining external legal advice where appropriate) and management of internal disputes (IDRs) and the Pensions Ombudsman Complaint process. This is a unique opportunity to work in-house with various stakeholders (ranging from the Trustee directors to the administration teams), on a diverse range of complaint and member dispute matters.
What you will be doing
As a trusted part of the Group General Counsel team you will be responsible for:
Overseeing the following types of advice:
*To draft responses to internal dispute resolution procedure complaints (IDRS) and to manage the Pensions Ombudsman complaint process;
*To advise the Operations teams on all aspects of pensions law relevant to members / beneficiaries’ benefit complaints;
*To present and advise at relevant Board and Committee meetings involving IDRs and other member complaints.
Further responsibility for the following types of advice and business as usual queries:
*To provide advice on the range of pension law matters relevant to members / beneficiaries benefits.
*To advise the business on non-compliance with the USS Scheme Rules / relevant legislation and assist with any remediation that may be required;
*To review and comment on member and employer communications to ensure they are compliant with the USS Scheme Rules and relevant legislation;
*To liaise and discuss matters with third parties such as the Pensions Ombudsman, Pensions Regulator, external legal counsel and the scheme’s actuarial advisers.
*To keep updated with changes to relevant areas of law and provide updates to the legal team and relevant business teams in USS and USSIM.
*To support Head of Pensions Legal and the Group General Counsel in developing the Legal Department strategy and processes, establishing and maintaining key relationships, developing the profile of the legal department and to assist in the selection and managing of external counsel.
*To assist in the development of the Legal Department by reviewing and drafting legal process documents (including template documents and checklists).
About you
We know that sometimes people can be put off applying for a job if they don’t tick every box, if you’re excited about working for us and have most of the skills or experience we’re looking for, then please apply, regardless of whether you meet all the requirements outlined in this profile.
To be successful in the role you will have:
*Experience of drafting member complaint and IDR responses and managing the Pensions Ombudsman complaint process.
*Excellent knowledge of all key legislation and law including trust law, Pensions Schemes Act 1993, Finance Acts and Pensions Acts
*The ability to prioritise and work under tight timescales and manage multiple deadlines
*A Solicitor qualification to practise in England & Wales or appropriate foreign equivalent
*Post qualification experience of working in a law firm/in house in dedicated pensions team
*Experience advising trustee clients in relation to a wide-range of pensions matters
*Strong analytical skills.
*Strong experience as a negotiator
*Strong Communication skills (verbal and written): in particular to communicate complex pensions law in a digestible way adapting to the needs / level of understanding of different stakeholders
*The ability to prioritise effectively
*Interpersonal skills.
Why join us?
At USS, every individual contributes to building a secure financial future for our members and their families. We strive to create a work environment where everyone can thrive professionally while making a meaningful impact on the lives of others. We’re also committed to helping you build your career by providing opportunities for development. We put a focus on recognising and supporting each individual’s unique career path, driving this forward with the support of an engaged and proactive management team. Here at USS, we want you to thrive in and out of work with a friendly team, flexible culture and excellent range of benefits!
How we will reward you
*Great starting salary
*Generous annual leave package
*Access to a high quality pension scheme provided through Universities Superannuation Scheme
*Supportive people policies (including enhanced occupational sickness pay and family friendly pay)
*Financial contributions towards your personal development to help you maintain your physical and mental wellbeing
*Access to a range of health and wellbeing services i.e., private healthcare, discounted gym membership
*Learning and development opportunities to develop your skills, knowledge and talent
*Employee Volunteer Day’s to support the communities where you work and live
*Cycle to Work Scheme
Our culture and values
Our people are what makes us different. We work together to create a diverse and inclusive culture that embraces individuality, where people are welcomed and feel comfortable in the knowledge that they can be themselves. Our purpose firmly states the importance of members, putting them ’front and centre’ of