The Pensions Ombudsman has an opportunity for a Lawyer to join our team based in Canary Wharf (with up to 80% homeworking after induction). You will be working on a full or part time basis, on a permanent contract and in return, you will receive a competitive salary of £60361 on appointment, rising to £65093 on completion of probation

Who are we?

It is an exciting time for TPO, with additional funding enabling a significant expansion of our staff numbers from around 110 to 140 and adopting new ways of working to manage an increased demand for our service.

As a totally independent body, not part of the pensions industry or government, we investigate and make decisions when someone has been unable to resolve a complaint about how their pension has been managed. Our service is free, but we have legal powers to make decisions that are final, binding and enforceable in court.

Our work can be challenging and high-profile, delivering a fair outcome for the individual and highlighting where the pensions industry can improve. Focusing on the facts, we must be balanced, fair and totally independent.

About the role of our Lawyer:

You will be part of The Pensions Ombudsman’s in-house Legal Team with the key purpose of supporting staff including The Pensions Ombudsman, the Executive Committee and the Corporate Board to exercise their functions in accordance with the relevant legislation, policies and practices.

Responsibilities of our Lawyer:

• Provide legal advice on cases, ensuring that the processes that are followed and decisions reached are based on sound legal analysis, are consistent with previous cases where possible and accord with The Pension Ombudsman’s statutory powers and objectives.  

• Draft, in whole or in part, Determinations, for The Pensions Ombudsman’s or Deputy Pension Ombudsman’s review.

• Assist with reviewing and drafting other correspondence for staff, some of which could include correspondence to Members of Parliament and regulatory bodies.

• Act as a sounding board for colleagues and assist colleagues to identify, monitor and mitigate risks (such as reputational, regulatory and litigation risks).

• Provide support and advice to colleagues in the organisation on legal, procedural and regulatory issues which may arise on matters under investigation such as the sufficiency of evidence, merits of opposing arguments, information requests and strategy. 

Policy and Litigation

• Assist on a range of policy matters, for example, consultation papers, legislative changes, agreements with other stakeholders, casework processes and compliance issues.

• Handle appeals, including promptly reviewing claim forms together with any supporting documentation and advise The Pensions Ombudsman on merits and strategy. Proactively liaise with the Court and parties. Attend hearings where required.

• Represent The Pensions Ombudsman at external stakeholder and networking events. 

Other

• Ensure that your professional and technical knowledge keeps abreast of current changes.

• Ensure high standards of customer care, by meeting and exceeding service level agreements.

• Ensure that databases and other information recording systems are kept up to date.

• Contribute towards and assist further the priorities and objectives of the Legal Team and The Pensions Ombudsman.

• Undertake such other duties as may be required

Essential experience and qualification

Experience of the following:

• Providing advice to internal or external clients across a range of issues, taking into account relevant legislation, regulations and case law, ensuring advice is understandable to non-legal practitioners and options are measured against level of risk appetite.

• Drafting a range of documents for both legal and non-legal audiences that may be subject to third party scrutiny.

• Developing procedural or policy advice/ statements on operational processes internally or/and for non-legal clients.

• Evidence of developing professional knowledge and applying this to personal practice.

• Qualified as a solicitor or barrister. Hold a current practising certificate in England and Wales or eligible to apply for one

We offer a range of benefits, including a defined pension scheme, 27.5 days of annual leave and flexible working.

We will shortlist and interview on a rolling basis, without waiting for a set closing date. Therefore this vacancy may be withdrawn at short notice.

All applicants must have a right to work in the UK and be prepared to be security cleared to Baseline Personnel Security Standard, which requires a basic disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service.

TPO is a Disability Confident accredited employer.

If you feel that you have the skills and experience required to become our Lawyer, please click ‘apply’ today. We would love to hear from you!