CMS UK
Pensions Associate (2-5PQE) - Edinburgh

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We are looking for an experienced solicitor to join our pensions team in Edinburgh – working with clients generated and serviced from our growing Edinburgh team. The role offers the opportunity to work on a broad range of pensions matters, supporting trustees and employers across defined benefit and defined contribution schemes. You’ll be part of a collaborative team, contributing to high-quality advisory work while continuing to develop your technical skills in practice.
About The Role
We have one of the largest and most highly regarded specialist pensions teams in the UK, with top tier rankings in both Chambers and the Legal 500. Our team currently comprises 19 partners and around 50 other fee earners. Our award-winning pensions team is experienced in advising trustees and employers on all aspects of defined benefit and defined contribution pension schemes. We also have considerable experience advising on group pensions, master trusts, insurance products (including buy-in and buy-out arrangements), longevity products and other structures. Unlike many other pensions practices, we also work on litigation within the team, as this enables us to brief clients in full on any potentially contentious issues and provides a balanced approach to our advice.
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
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Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
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Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Pensions Associate to join our market-leading Pensions team, working within a supportive, collaborative, and high-performing environment.
About You
We will invest in your ongoing training and development to support your professional goals and help you to thrive in your role from day one. You’ll be involved in a wide range of high-quality advisory work and you’ll receive exceptional training in a supportive and collaborative team. Our opportunities are open to all suitably qualified applicants, so to be considered for this role, you must meet the following skills and experience:
- 2-5 years of PQE
- Ability to demonstrate an interest in, and enthusiasm for, the pensions market
- Possess excellent relevant experience from a recognised pensions team
- A strong academic background
- Excellent communication skills
- Ability to maintain high levels of accuracy and attention to detail
- Demonstrate an ambition to succeed with a commitment to client relationship management and business development
- Be well organised with effective prioritisation skill


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What’s in it for you?
Benefits
We want to reward you today and help you plan for tomorrow. We appreciate that everyone is different, therefore we have designed a benefits system that offers choice and flexibility based on individual needs and lifestyles. To name a few, these include:
- Competitive basic salary (reviewed annually)
- Flexible, hybrid working policy
- Generous bonus scheme
- Up to 25 days holiday (rising to 28 days with service)
- Holiday exchange scheme
- Private medical insurance
- Enhanced parental leave
- Reasonable adjustments and accommodation for disabled talent in accordance with the Equality Act 2010.
If you would like to read more information regarding our range of benefits, please visit our Rewards & Benefits page on our website.
Please note that we have a preferred agency panel in place. Only applications submitted via the portal at the point of instruction will be accepted.
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