Lawyer

We are an accredited Disability Confident Employer and welcome applications from under-represented groups. We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and aim to create a workplace where everyone feels valued and has a sense of belonging.
Who are we?
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.
Purpose of the role
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., + Provide legal advice on complex 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.
+ 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.
+ 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).
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.
Experience within one of the following areas would be an advantage: pensions, financial services litigation, disputes resolution, regulatory law, criminal law or public law.

The Pensions Ombudsman is growing fast and is a great place to work. We have an exciting opportunity for a Lawyer to join our team based in Canary Wharf, where we currently operate an agile working policy of 20% office attendance and a flexible working culture. You will be working full or part-time on a permanent contract and will receive a competitive starting salary of £69,398 per annum pro rata rising to £74,861 upon successful completion of probation. We offer several pension options as part of the Civil Service Pension Scheme which has defined benefits. In addition, we are an accredited Disability Confident Employer, and we welcome applicants from under-represented groups.
Salary and benefits
As well as a starting salary of £69,398 per annum pro rata, we offer:
Several pension options as part of the Civil Service Pension Scheme, including defined benefits.
+ 27.5 days annual leave increasing to 32.5 depending on length of service plus the option to buy and sell annual leave
+ Discretionary staff reward scheme
+ Comprehensive support for growth with learning and development programme to boost your career
+ 24/7 Free confidential employee assistance programme
+ Discounted health benefits and employee discount scheme across hundreds of retailers
+ Access to Staff Networks and social activities
+ Sabbatical after qualifying period
+ A culture of reward with annual performance bonus
+ Eye test and flu jab reimbursements
+ Access to a Cycle to work scheme