‘TLT is very much a firm of opportunity’

Sasha Butterworth is TLT’s senior partner and head of TLT’s national pensions team.

She advises employers and trustees on all aspects of pension schemes in the public and private sectors.

She is a full member of the Association of Pension Lawyers and sits on the Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association legal panel.

She has been a partner at TLT since 2006 and has taken a leading role in TLT’s new Legal Apprenticeships scheme, giving wider opportunities to enter the legal sector.

Can you describe the career journey that has led you to where you are today? 

I’ve taken a different career path to many lawyers, studying French and Spanish at university and then working at GCHQ before moving on to Boots as a buyer. Then, I lived in Germany for seven years, working in PR and marketing before moving back to the UK and deciding to pursue a career in law.

On qualification, I moved to Brussels to work for Squires Patton Boggs and then in the City, before joining TLT in 2001, where I was given the opportunity to establish TLT’s national pensions practice. Fast forward and the senior partner role was a new challenge to continue developing TLT as a responsible business. It’s been quite a journey and good fun along the way.

Tell us about one (or more) of the people who inspired you along the way? 

The former national head of pensions at Squires, Jane Marshall and Robert Bourns, former TLT senior partner and President of the Law Society.

Are there any memorable challenges you have faced along the way? 

Training as a lawyer with two small children, one at nursery and the other at primary school was tough, as then it had to be full time. I think what’s so brilliant now is that there are many routes to qualify as a solicitor, for example the TLT apprenticeships we offer to school leavers and graduates, so they can earn as they learn.

When I joined TLT, I was given the opportunity to work full time during term time and then part time during the holidays. So TLT was already leading on flexible working before TLT World – our policy which gives colleagues the opportunity to work where, how and when they want to suit thier and their clients’ needs.

What is the most important thing for you to focus on in business? 

To me it’s about responding to rapid change. We need to be able to be agile and pivot to the next opportunity, which TLT is really good at. Continuing to develop our consulting business will become more and more important to our clients. I think it’s vital that we continue to find and retain the most talented individuals. TLT is very much a firm of opportunity and I’ve felt this with my own journey. It is key that we keep that part of our ethos.

Finally, continuing the work/life focus we have become known for thanks to TLT World. I think it’s so great to be able to do that.

If you had one piece of advice to offer people aspiring to your role, what would it be? 

Say yes to any opportunities that come your way and then work out afterwards how you can do it! But always say yes, that’s the TLT way. And build as big and wide a network as you can. Business development now is both virtual and in person. It’s very easy to set up a virtual coffee but try to follow up in person to build a stronger relationship.

Life is not linear and you’ll have times in your career when you feel you’re marking time. You might even feel you’re going backwards. A bit like a game of snakes and ladders but play the long game and keep going – resilience is key.

If you could change one thing about your sector, or Bristol as a whole, what would it be? 

Encourage people to contribute more to their pension – you will be a long time retired! For Bristol, better public transport – for example a sustainable electric tram network like in Bordeaux, one of our twin cities.

What are your aspirations for the future (personally and for Bristol)? 

To continue to enjoy my role as TLT’s senior partner and to contribute as a Responsible Business focusing on People, Planet and Place. For Bristol, the key element is on Place and our local community impact, for example TLT’s support for the Temple Mead Bid, Social Mobility through our apprenticeships and supporting local charities by offering colleagues five days to volunteer each year.

Main photo: TLT

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