Maria Rodia leads the pensions team at CMS, which is experienced in assisting clients in de-risking matters, longevity swaps, buy ins and buy outs, benefit redesigns, and liability reductions. Rodia, who harnesses extensive experience in energy-sector pension issues in particular, took over from consultant Mark Grant to become head of the department in March 2023. The team's recent work includes advising on a buy-in insurance contracts, GMP conversion schemes, and part-8 applications. Mark Atkinson and Keith Webster are recommended for their expertise in winding-ups, whilst Emma Frost is noteworthy for her recent work in risk transfer transactions. Caroline Kurup, Johanna Clarke, and associate Thibault Jeakings are also names to note in the team.
Pensions (non-contentious) in London
CMS
Responsables de la pratique:
Maria Rodia
Autres avocats clés:
Mark Atkinson; Mark Grant; Keith Webster; Emma Frost; Caroline Kurup; Johanna Clarke; Thibault Jeakings; Neil Smith
Les références
‘A top drawer pensions team, notably Johanna Clarke and Mark Atkinson.’
‘The biggest and the best. Simply no contest here. Commercial, pragmatic and authoritative.’
‘Mark Atkinson knows more about pensions than anyone else. He is always completely on top of the key issues and will work out the best way to get to where the client wants to be. Neil Smith is a terrific client partner who will always go the extra mile.’
Principaux clients
British Telecommunications
Pension Protection Fund
Sky Pension Plan
Aon
Barclays
Bacardi Group
New Airways Pension Scheme Trustee
Sainsbury’s
NatWest
Ernst & Young
Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP
The ‘technically excellent‘ and ‘pragmatic‘ pensions team at Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP is able to advise its clients on the full-range of pensions work. Francois Barker, who co-heads the team, works with such well-known clients as Pensions Europe and The Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association, while fellow co-head Jeremy Goodwin is recommended for his work regarding the regulator’s anti-avoidance powers as well as for his experience in matters involving the duties and responsibilities of trustees. Mark Latimour is noted as being an ‘excellent adviser and strategic partner’; he frequently advises on pension investment issues. Michael Jones is recommended for his work on commercial pension schemes. Steven Hull and Sarah Swift are also names to note. Charlotte Cartwright was notably promoted to partner in May 2023.
Responsables de la pratique:
Francois Barker; Jeremy Goodwin
Autres avocats clés:
Mark Latimour; Michael Jones; Steven Hull; Charlotte Cartwright; Sarah Swift; Lorna Doggett; Freya Stuart
Les références
‘The Eversheds team is proactive and their engagement with our pension scheme is excellent. They work within our deadlines and are always accessible.’
‘The team that support our scheme are fully engaged and flexible. Recently, I have been particularly impressed by Mark Latimour and Lorna Doggett who have advised thetTrustee on separate specific matters, providing pragmatic and sensible advice.’
‘Great team that work well together and ensure that work is delivered on time. Professional, diligent approach with practical client-focused solutions. I am always confident they will deliver.’
Principaux clients
Tesco PLC Pension Scheme
Phoenix Life Limited
Accenture Pension Trustees
Legal & General Assurance Company
Rothesay Life Limited
Deloitte LLP
Universities Superannuation Scheme
London Stock Exchange Group Pension Scheme
GE Pension Trustees Limited
Santander Bank
Hogan Lovells International LLP
Katie Banks leads the ‘exceptional’ non-contentious pensions team at Hogan Lovells International LLP. The practice is well-equipped to advise its clients on de-risking matters, novel funding solutions, master trust cases, and buy-ins and buy-outs. The team’s noteworthy recent work includes the completion of the £600m buy-out of liabilities in one section of ITV’s pension scheme. Claire Southern is experienced in advising large international clients such as Axa, while Duncan Buchanan brings more than thirty years of pension experience to the team. Other key contacts include Edward Brown and associate Beth Sheehan. Faye Jarvis left the practice in November 2022 for Macfarlanes LLP.
Responsables de la pratique:
Katie Banks
Autres avocats clés:
Claire Southern; Duncan Buchanan; Edward Brown; Beth Sheehan
Les références
‘The team is very pragmatic and also conveys messages in plain English rather than legalistic language. If we encounter problems across other disciplines, they can always find an expert to help.’
‘Claire Southern, Katie Banks and Beth Sheehan all provide pragmatic advice, are able to think outside the box and write in language that is easy for the layperson to understand.’
‘Hogan Lovells has a deep understanding of the UK pensions market and in dealing with us as a longstanding client. The team provides an excellent series of webinars and seminars to keep trustees and other pensions professionals up-to-date with current UK and international legislation too.’
Principaux clients
Gallaher Trustees
SEGRO Pension Scheme
PwC
Ford
AA
ITV
Pension Protection Fund
McKinsey
Law Debenture
Aon Minet Pension Scheme
Stena
Johnson & Johnson
Kingfisher
Pilkington Superannuation Scheme
General Dynamics UK Retirement and Death Benefit Scheme
Centrica
Capital Cranfield Trustees Limited
Principaux dossiers
- Advised PwC (administrators of the McColl’s business) in relation to the rescue of McColl’s two defined benefit pension schemes; the joint administrators from PwC completed a sale of the business and assets of McColl’s to Morrisons Group, McColl’s largest supplier in May 2022.
- Advised the trustee of the Gallaher Pension Scheme on the annuitisation of its £1.7bn scheme with Standard Life.
- Advised the trustees of three pension schemes in the Centrica group on the entry by them into a £10bn outsourced chief investment officer arrangement with Schroders.
Linklaters LLP
Linklaters LLP‘s pensions practice namely advises employers, trustees, and insurance companies on the full spectrum of pensions work. The team is led by the ‘superb’ Claire Petheram, whose client roster includes such names as the Rolls-Royce UK Pension Fund and the British American Tobacco UK Pension Fund. Rosalind Knowles specialises in pensions investments, while Philip Goss is a key contact for de-risking work. John Sheppard and Sarah Parkin are also names to note for their general pensions work. Their recent activity includes advising on the cross-border sale of UK portfolio companies, ensuring that large pension schemes meet the new TCFD requirements.
Responsables de la pratique:
Claire Petheram
Autres avocats clés:
Rosalind Knowles; Philip Goss; John Sheppard; Sarah Parkin
Les références
‘Linklaters’ advice is clear, succinct, timely and helpful.’
‘John Sheppard understands our unique circumstances and particular challenges and tailors advice for our needs and audience.’
‘Always professional and adaptable. Problem solvers who understand the wider picture. Completely client-focused work.’
Principaux clients
British Airways
XYZ Trustees Limited
The Trustee of the British Staff Superannuation Scheme
Sainsbury’s Pension Scheme
Principaux dossiers
- Advised British Airways on a bespoke funding package which incorporates trustee and sponsor protections, a de-risking framework and the provision of security.
- Advised the Trustee of a large DB scheme on the final buy-in of its £4bn liabilities and on a detailed framework leading to final buy-out.
- Advised the Trustee of the Coal Scheme on the new TCFD requirements for large schemes, helping it navigate the various other legal and statutory requirements form an overlay.
Pinsent Masons LLP
Clients commend Pinsent Masons LLP‘s ‘second-to-none’ pensions team, which is described as being formed of ‘conscientious‘ and ‘proactive‘ lawyers, who are led by Stephen Scholefield. The practice is particularly well-versed in advising on master trust issues, as well as defined benefit scheme winding-ups, de-risking exercises, and traditional occupational work. The ‘exceptional’ Matthew De Ferrars is a key name for risk transfer matters; Raj Sharma is the name to note for international regulatory work, while Mark Baker is the main contact for master trust cases. Stewart Murphy, the ‘consistently excellent’ Alison Cribbs, and Chris Burke are also noted for their work on broader pension-related cases.
Responsables de la pratique:
Stephen Scholefield
Autres avocats clés:
Matthew de Ferrars; Raj Sharma; Mark Baker; Stewart Murphy; Alison Cribbs; Chris Burke
Les références
‘Mark Baker is a pleasure to work with and has built great relationships with our commercial team. Alison Cribbs is consistently excellent.’
‘The team are commercial, pragmatic, responsive, and reasonably priced.’
‘The individuals within the practice are approachable and never condescending when explaining the issues or possible solutions.’
Principaux clients
Lloyds Banking Group
TPT Retirement Solutions
Legal & General Worksave Mastertrust
Group Trustees of the RWE Group of the Electricity Supply Pension Scheme
Group Trustees of the Npower Group of the ESPS
SEI Master Trust
Devonport Royal Dockyard Pension Scheme
Allianz Insurance
Costain Pension Scheme
Pension Insurance Corporation
Howden Joinery Pension Scheme
Principaux dossiers
- Advised and negotiated a covenant package to mitigate the change of employer on behalf of the trustees of a £4bn+ defined benefit scheme, enabling the sponsor to introduce its internal re-organisation while ensuring the trustees maintained appropriate cover and access to monitoring the position going forward.
- Advised Scottish Widows Ltd on a £320m bulk annuity transaction in relation to the De La Rue Pension Scheme and Pensions Insurance Corporation on a series of high value and complex bulk-annuity transactions.
- Advised and constructed onboarding processes for three of the six leading providers in the defined benefit master trust sector to enable employers to move their schemes into the trusts more quickly.
Sacker & Partners LLP
Pensions boutique Sacker & Partners LLP is noted by clients as being the ‘go-to legal practice for pensions‘, with a ‘world-class’ depth of practice. Team lead David Saunders has extensive experience in advising clients on defined benefit and defined contribution pension schemes, bringing more than 20 years’ experience to the practice. Janet Brown, who is experienced in de-risking matters, is commended for her ‘unique skills‘ and provision of ‘invaluable’ support. Other key names include Fuat Sami who focuses on transactional cases; Stuart O’Brien who works mainly on matters relating to ESG and climate risk; Philippa Connaughton, who has expertise advising on the pensions aspects of corporate acquisitions; defined contribution schemes specialist Helen Ball; and the ‘superb‘ Jacqui Reid as well as Edward Hayes.
Responsables de la pratique:
David Saunders
Autres avocats clés:
Janet Brown; Fuat Sami; Stuart O’Brien; Philippa Connaughton; Helen Ball; Jacqui Reid; Edward Hayes
Les références
‘Janet Brown is a gem and has the unique skill of making our trustee board feel relaxed and assured when she gives her advice. Her regular reassurance is so valuable as we grapple with a range of complex topics.’
‘Helen Ball’s ability to grasp an issue immediately, identify the range of solutions available and navigate a path that kept both trustee and employer content was invaluable on our project.’
‘In my opinion, the best pensions team in the UK. Always on point, always accessible and always leading the way. The depth, knowledge and client understanding are world-class.’
Principaux clients
DHL Group Retirement Plan
Railways Pension Scheme
Royal Mail Pension Plan
TFL Pension Fund
John Lewis Partnership Trust for Pensions
Bank of England Staff Pension Fund
Trustee of the Boots Pension Scheme
The Trustee of the GSK Pension Scheme and the GSK Pension Fund
The Trustee of the TotalEnergies UK Pension Plan
Airways Pension Scheme
The Trustee of the Nationwide Pension Fund
Nestlé UK Pension Fund
Trustee of the Siemens Benefits Scheme
The Trustee of the Superannuation Arrangements of the University of London
The Trustee of the Telefonica UK Pension Plan
Chevron UK Pension Plan
IBM Pension Plans
EDS Retirement Plan
Citi Pension Plans
Principaux dossiers
- Advised the Trustees of the Sal Pension Scheme, sponsored by RSA Group, on the largest ever bulk annuity transaction, insuring a total of £6.5bn of liabilities and covering the pensions of 40,000 members.
- Advised the Trustee of the £13.5bn Royal Mail Pension Plan on its most significant projects of 2022, which included a major benefit correction exercise for the plan’s 124,000 members.
- Advised the Trustee of SAUL, still an open DB scheme, on establishing a DC feeder section within the existing trust.
Slaughter and May
The pensions department at Slaughter and May is lauded by clients as being a ‘very capable team‘ with ‘incredible technical expertise’. Charles Cameron leads the practice and is experienced on benefit change exercises and innovative de-risking strategies, particularly within the industrial and manufacturing industries. More broadly, the team is well-equipped to advise its clients on the full gamut of advisory pensions work, which includes providing cross-border assistance in transactional matters for its clients, including trustees, insurers, and employers. Sandeep Maudgil is a key contact for strategic and high-value pension work, while Daniel Schaffer is a name to note for the implementation of benefit redesign projects. Chris Sharpe was promoted to partner in May 2022.
Responsables de la pratique:
Charles Cameron
Autres avocats clés:
Sandeep Maudgil; Daniel Schaffer; Chris Sharpe; Adrien Mallevays
Les références
‘Chris Sharpe brings a fresh approach to the team.’
‘Focused on giving the best advice and doing the right thing.’
‘Incredible technical expertise and experience dealing with pension scheme trustees, which is deployed to assist corporate clients.’
Principaux clients
BBC Pension Scheme
BT Pension Scheme
Caterpillar Pension Plans
Diageo plc
E.ON UK PLC
GSK plc
Legal & General
Phillips 66 Pension Plan
Railways Pension Trustee Company
Royal Mail
SCA UK Pension Plan
Severn Trent pension schemes
Tata Steel UK (British Steel Pension Scheme)
Yell UK
Principaux dossiers
- Advised Intact Financial Corporation and RSA on a £6.5bn buy-in insurance transaction with Pension Insurance Corporation in respect of the liabilities of two pension schemes sponsored by RSA.
- Advised Tata Steel UK on a £2bn tranche of a buy-in transaction with Legal & General for the British Steel Pension Scheme.
- Advised a number of FTSE 100 companies, including Diageo, and significant pension schemes on urgent actions required to manage liquidity needs as a result of market reaction to the UK Government’s mini-budget delivered in September 2022.
Travers Smith LLP
Travers Smith LLP is noted for its ‘pragmatic‘ and ‘client-focused’ pensions work, with the team being jointly headed by Susie Daykin and Daniel Gerring. The practice offers clients assistance in matters including de-risking, distress, covenants, and defined contribution pensions, with a particular focus on the endgame for schemes. Clients span employers, insurers, private equity firms, and trustees, with recent work including advice on the transfer of assets to a master trust, advice in part 8 claims, and assistance in multi-million pound buy-in deals. David James is a name to note for his master trust work, while Dan Naylor is a notable contact for pensions insurance and endgame planning work. Andy Lewis, Niamh Hamlyn, and senior counsel Chris Widdison are also key names within the team. Hamlyn was promoted to the partnership in July 2022.
Responsables de la pratique:
Susie Daykin; Daniel Gerring
Autres avocats clés:
David James; Dan Naylor; Andy Lewis; Niamh Hamlyn; Chris Widdison; Karen Sahota
Les références
‘The pensions partners are incredibly strong technically, and very client-focused.’
‘David James is the best technical pensions lawyer I have worked with, but is also very commercial, and focused on delivering for the client.’
‘As a non-pensions professional I could not manage our DB pension without the guidance I receive from Niamh Hamlyn. She is always on-hand to clarify things for me in a way that I can easily understand. She understands the culture of our company and responds extremely quickly. Niamh is a very pragmatic and knowledgeable lawyer, and always provides an extremely considered response to matters. The delivery of advice is clear, well-documented and conclusions are simply drafted to aid in quick decision making.’
Principaux clients
Akzo Nobel (CPS) Pension Trustee Limited
AWE Pension Scheme
British Steel Pension Scheme
MGN Pension Scheme (Reach Plc)
Rothesay
Stena Line Limited
Unilever UK Pension Fund
AXA UK Group Pension Scheme
BAE Systems Pension Scheme
UN: Principles for Responsible Investment
British American Tobacco Plc
Principaux dossiers
- Advised the Trustee of the AWE Pension Scheme (Atomic Weapons Establishment) on the negotiation and agreement of a Crown Guarantee.
- Advised the Trustee of the British Steel Pension Scheme in relation to over £4bn of buy-in transactions with Legal & General.
- Worked with the UN-supported Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) to develop and co-author their landmark paper ‘A legal framework for impact (UK): integrating sustainability goals across the investment industry’.
Arc Pensions Law
The ‘dynamic‘ and ‘excellent‘ team at boutique firm Arc Pensions Law is especially well-known for its prowess in advising on de-risking transactions, and is noted as offering clients an ‘outstanding service'. The practice’s client base encompasses trustees, sponsors, stakeholders of pension schemes, and corporate clients. Anna Rogers, described as ‘top of the pack’ and 'a key figure in the world of pensions' leads the team and has more than 35 years’ experience in pensions work. For master trusts, distressed investments and restructurings, Rosalind Connor is a key name, whilst Jane Kola is the point of contact for buy-ins, buy-outs, and post buy-out risk work. For defined benefit, defined contribution, and hybrid pensions schemes-related matters, Anna Copestake is recommended.
Responsables de la pratique:
Anna Rogers
Autres avocats clés:
Rosalind Connor; Jane Kola; Anna Copestake
Les références
‘Very pragmatic and human. Billing is always sensible and fair.’
‘Anna Rogers is top of the pack in this area.’
‘Very commercial and good at getting on with clients in tricky circumstances.’
Principaux clients
Veriforce
Cushon
Cobham Group Limited
Baker McKenzie
Baker McKenzie LLP‘s pensions team is led by the ‘pragmatic‘ and ‘commercial’ Arron Slocombe, whose expertise includes complex pensions work for international clients as well as domestic trustees. The team, whose client base includes names such as GSK and JPMorgan Pension Fund Trustees, advises on a range of matters such as pension buyouts, investment issues – including climate change – benefit and corporate restructurings, anti-avoidance issues, and pensions issues relating to mergers. Key contacts within the team include Jeanette Holland, Jonathan Sharp, and associates Tom McNaughton and Danielle Klinger. Chantal Thompson retired in June 2023.
Responsables de la pratique:
Arron Slocombe
Autres avocats clés:
Jonathan Sharp; Tom McNaughton; Danielle Klinger; Jeanette Holland
Les références
‘The team gives us personable, concise advice and recommendations.’
‘The team all pulls together to bring us the support we need as a client.’
‘Arron Slocombe is pragmatic, commercial and available when we need him.’
Principaux clients
Accenture
Arqiva Trustees
Atos
Avis Trustees
Baker Hughes
British Land
Cameron Trustees
Chr Hansen Holding
DXC Trustees
Emerson Electric
GSK
KKR & Co.
JPMorgan Pension Fund Trustees
McDermott
Merchant Navy Officers Pension
Orange
PerkinElmer
Punter Southall Pension Solutions Limited
Standard Life DC Master Trust
Tyco Electronics Pension Plan trustees
Principaux dossiers
- Advised GSK on the pensions and benefits aspects of the high-profile demerger of its global consumer healthcare joint venture with Pfizer.
- Advised Emerson in a joint venture with its software business with rival Aspen Technology (AspenTech) in an $11bn deal that will bring together both companies’ expertise in industrial software applications.
- Advised through 2022 on all governance and practical compliance aspects of the Master Trust’s transition to the new climate reporting legal framework for master trusts.
Burges Salmon LLP
Burges Salmon LLP is able to offer its clients non-contentious pensions advice from its offices in London, Bristol, and Edinburgh, with Richard Knight leading the practice from Bristol. The team is particularly commended for its work on public sector matters, having recently worked on the National Local Government Pension Scheme Framework for Legal Service, on which Michael Hayles is a key contact. Clive Pugh is a name to note for scheme rescues and managed PPF entries, whilst the ‘pragmatic and sensible' Richard Pettit is particularly adept at assisting clients with international pensions issues. Alice Honeywill and Susannah Young are also noteworthy team members, with Honeywill focusing on larger pensions projects within mergers, corporate restructurings, buy-ins and buy-outs. Associates Chris Brown and Crispin Freeman are also recommended.
Responsables de la pratique:
Richard Knight
Autres avocats clés:
Michael Hayles; Clive Pugh; Richard Pettit; Alice Honeywill; Susannah Young; Chris Brown; Crispin Freeman
Les références
‘Very clear advice and a compressive knowledge of pension law.’
‘Great technical expertise combined with commercial awareness and dedication to finding the best outcome for their client.’
‘Alice Honeywill is very knowledgeable, very pragmatic, and very personable.’
Principaux clients
Honda Group UK Pension Scheme
AT&T Pension Scheme
Leonardo Pension Schemes
Trustees of the C F Fertilisers Pension Schemes
Trustees of the DAS Legal Expenses Insurance Company Limited Pension Scheme
Trustees of the London Luton Airport Pension Scheme
Principaux dossiers
- Advised the Trustees of the DAS Legal Expenses Insurance Company Limited Pension Scheme in relation to an application for forfeiture of £5m worth of benefits of three members of the scheme.
- Advised the trustees of the three UK pension schemes sponsored by CF Fertilisers Limited, in relation to a restructuring of the sponsoring employer.
- Advising the Trustee of two DB pension schemes with assets of £1bn and £1.5bn sponsored by Leonardo MW Limited, the UK arm of a large European sponsoring employer in the manufacturing sector in relation to a proposal to close the schemes to future benefit accrual and in relation to a GMP equalisation conversion project.
Clifford Chance LLP
Clifford Chance LLP‘s advisory practice is particularly well-equipped to assist its clients with the pensions elements of cross-border transactional cases. The practice advises trustees, employers, and lender clients on a breadth of pensions issues, including scheme valuations, buy-in and buy-out transactions, GMP equalisations, and pension scheme closures. Hywel Robinson, former chair of the Association of Pension Lawyers, leads the team, and is especially experienced in cross-border membership and asset-pooling matters. Clare Hoxey is a name to note for de-risking matters, while Sarah McAleer is a key contact for trustee advisory work. Senior associates Rebecca Trapp and Robert Klepka are also recommended.
Responsables de la pratique:
Hywel Robinson
Autres avocats clés:
Clare Hoxey; Sarah McAleer; Rebecca Trapp; Robert Klepka
Les références
‘The team are incredibly attentive to their role in advising the trustees and spare no effort in making sure they have the guidance they need, when they need it – if not before they know they need it!’
‘The team are always thinking ahead.’
‘Clare Hoxey and Rebecca Trapp work superbly well as a team.’
Principaux clients
Mitchells & Butlers
Thames & Hudson
Saint-Gobain
The Co-operative Bank
Principaux dossiers
- Advised on the demerger of the GKN automotive business, which involves two substantial defined benefit pension schemes.
- Advised on a number of buy-in transactions, including for The Co-operative Bank PLC on the £1.2bn all-risks insurance buy-in of its previously uninsured Co-operative Pension Scheme liabilities with Rothesay Life PLC.
- Acted as the primary pensions advisers to a FTSE 250 company which specialises in international defence, with global operations and over 28,000 employees who participate in a number of UK (and overseas) pension schemes.
DLA Piper
DLA Piper‘s 'extremely professional' non-contentious pensions team is co-led by de-risking expert Amrit Mclean and the ‘outstanding‘ Matthew Swynnerton. The practice is able to use its international network and multi-disciplinary team to advise its clients on complex matters, such as the pensions issues involved in cross-border buy-ins. The team is particularly experienced in the energy sector, for which Tamara Calvert is a key contact. Joel Eytle is the name to note for pensions regulation work, whilst associate Oritsema Ejuoneatse is recommended for her work in de-risking alongside Mclean.
Responsables de la pratique:
Matthew Swynnerton; Amrit Mclean
Autres avocats clés:
Tamara Calvert; Joel Eytle; Oritsema Ejuoneatse; Paul Blagg
Les références
‘Joel Eytle is a great collaborative partner – he helps me to understand the matters at hand and their impact legally and on people covered by the plan. His expertise is much appreciated.’
‘I would like to express my gratitude and appreciation for the work of Matthew Swynnerton. Matthew has provided outstanding support and insight over many years and his legal expertise has been absolutely invaluable to us.’
‘I appreciate the diversity of the team and that their advice is practical and quick. Pensions is a complicated practice that most people are not familiar with, and they are able to break it down in a way that makes sense.’
Principaux clients
Stuart Delivery Limited
Hitachi Rail Europe Limited
Universities Superannuation Scheme Limited
Novartis UK Pension Scheme
Aviva
National Grid (ESPS)
E.ON UK (ESPS)
Grainger Inc /Cromwell Group (Holdings) Limited
Du Pont (U.K.) Limited Pensions Fund
Renault UK
Heineken
Pension Insurance Corporate plc
Principaux dossiers
- Worked with DWP policy-makers and the Pensions Regulator to advise on policy concerns and the drafting of the Occupational and Personal Pension Schemes (Conditions for Transfers) Regulations 2021.
- Advised PIC on its £1.1bn pension insurance buy-in with the Trustee of the EDS 1994 Pension Scheme.
- Advised the sponsoring employer and the trustees of this occupational DC scheme on the transfer of its assets and liabilities to a Master Trust.
Gowling WLG
Gowling WLG‘s non-contentious pensions practice is headed by Birmingham-based Elizabeth Gane, with support from defined contribution expert Joanne Tibbott, the ‘approachable and knowledgeable' Jason Coates, and pensions risk transfer specialist Paul Feathers. The practice’s client base includes trustees of large schemes and employers, who the team frequently advises on longevity swaps and other general pensions issues. Recent examples of the team's work includes advising on issues relating to GMP equalisation, managing the liabilities of schemes, and advising on defined benefit and defined contribution scheme matters. Associates Sarah Tate and Sara Chambers are also recommended.
Responsables de la pratique:
Elizabeth Gane
Autres avocats clés:
Joanne Tibbott; Jason Coates; Paul Feathers; Sarah Tate; Sara Chambers
Les références
‘Cohesive team which works well together and ensures the issues are dealt with at the right level, thereby charging on the most cost-effective basis.’
‘Jason Coates is approachable and knowledgeable.’
‘A very close-knit and reliable team who guide us through challenging issues.’
Principaux clients
Employment Conditions Abroad Retirement Benefits Scheme (ECARBS)
Unisys UK Pension Trustee Limited (UUKPTL)
The Trustee of the Flour Milling & Baking Research Association Pension and Assurance Scheme
TM Pension Trustees Limited (TMPTL)
Thales UK Pension Scheme
Admenta
Principaux dossiers
- Appointed by the Unisys UK Pensions Trustees to act as legal adviser to the Unisys Pension Scheme, the Unisys Payment Services Limited Pension Scheme and the Unisys Public Sector Pension Scheme, schemes with £1bn of assets in aggregate.
- Advised the Trustee of the TM Group Pension Scheme and TM Pension Plan, two pension schemes operated by McColl’s Group plc, on a variety of pensions issues.
- Advised Rothesay on a complex multi-billion buy-in/buy-out.
Herbert Smith Freehills LLP
Herbert Smith Freehills LLP‘s advisory pensions practice assists regulatory bodies, trustees, sponsors, insurers, reinsurers, and insolvency practitioners on the full gamut of non-contentious pensions work. Led by the ‘top-class’ and ‘technically brilliant’ Samantha Brown, the team is highly experienced in de-risking matters, GMP equalisation, and pensions arrangements in major transactions. For de-risking issues within the insurance industry, ‘superb pensions lawyer’ Rachel Pinto is a key contact, whilst Michael Aherne is the name to note for pensions cases within the energy sector, as well as for work with pension investment funds; he is well-regarded for his provision of ‘commercial and pragmatic advice’. Alison Brown is also a key name within the team.
Responsables de la pratique:
Samantha Brown
Autres avocats clés:
Rachel Pinto; Michael Aherne; Alison Brown
Les références
‘Michael Aherne is exceptional – he always makes himself available and delivers commercial and pragmatic advice every time.’
‘The team works seamlessly at every level.’
‘Rachel Pinto is on top of what everyone is doing and is always available.’
Principaux clients
Chevron
Pension Insurance Corporation (PIC)
Stagecoach Group Limited
Independent Trustee Services Limited
Trustees of the TTL Chiltern Group Pension Scheme
TUI Travel Limited
Go-Ahead
Board of the Pension Protection Fund
W H Smith
Hiscox
Dalriada Trustees
Principaux dossiers
- Advised PIC on multiple transactions, including on a third transaction with the Trustees of the BAT Pension Fund and a sixth transaction with the Trustees of the IMI Pension Fund.
- Advised TUI in relation to the management of its pension liabilities, namely, in relation to its significant defined benefit scheme – the TUI Group UK Pension Trust.
- Advised Go-Ahead on the pension aspects of its public to private takeover by a consortium of Australian and Spanish companies which are ultimately owned by a number of pension funds.
Mayer Brown International LLP
Mayer Brown International LLP‘s non-contentious pensions team is capable of advising trustees, employers, and pension product advisers on a range of matters, including cross-border cases, pensions investment matters, scheme documentation, scheme wind-ups, and on issues surrounding the purchase of bulk annuity policies. Jay Doraisamy and Ian Wright jointly lead the team; Doraisamy has strong capabilities in sponsor restructuring work and Wright regularly works on matters regarding bespoke integrated investments. Andrew Block is a key contact for pension investment matters, whilst counsel Duncan Watson and Beverly Cox are also names to note. Edward Jewitt, who ‘possesses a fine legal mind', is recommended, alongside associates Liam Kellett and Alex Knowles-Smith.
Responsables de la pratique:
Jay Doraisamy; Ian Wright
Autres avocats clés:
Andrew Block; Duncan Watson; Beverly Cox; Edward Jewitt; Liam Kellett; Alex Knowles-Smith
Les références
‘The Mayer Brown team members are very knowledgeable and at the same personable, which makes for a valuable working experience.’
‘Mayer Brown’s pension team is made up of super smart lawyers who apply practical common sense solutions to a highly regulated and complicated subject matter.’
‘Andrew Block is our go to partner and always makes complicated matters understandable. If you want the best, then Andrew is certainly one of those.’
Principaux clients
BOC Pension Scheme; BOC Retirement Savings Plan; BOC Senior Executive Pension Scheme and Gist Pension Scheme
Mothercare pension schemes
Network Rail
Electricity Supply Pension Scheme
Ford Hourly Paid Contributory Pension Fund
Ford Salaried Contributory Pension Fund
Ford Senior Staff Pension Fund
Merchant Navy Ratings Pension Fund
Prudential Staff Pension Scheme
Reed Elsevier Pension Scheme
Santander (UK) Group Pension Scheme
UK Power Networks Group of the Electricity Supply Pension Scheme and UK Power Networks Pension Scheme
Johnson Matthey Employees Pension Scheme
Norton Rose Fulbright
Norton Rose Fulbright‘s team, praised for its ‘consistent quality and first-class professional advice‘, offers clients assistance in a variety of pensions matters, from transition to a master trust, buy-ins and buy-outs, to pensions-related transaction issues. ‘Highly experienced’ and ‘technical’ practitioner Lesley Browning heads the team and is particularly experienced in advising clients on underfunded schemes. Team member Shane O’Reilly is also a name to note, with recent work including advising clients on the implementation of GMP equalisations in addition to advising on the range of general pensions issues. The practice also offers assistance on the drafting of trust documentation as well as with investment issues, overpayment recovery, and de-risking matters.
Responsables de la pratique:
Lesley Browning
Autres avocats clés:
Shane O’Reilly; Giannis Waymouth; Graeme Tricker
Les références
‘I have been using Norton Rose as legal advisors to our DB pension plan for many years. Even though the team has changed over the years, the experience throughout has been one of consistent quality and first-class professional advice – a firm that is always at the top of their game.’
‘I have worked with two different teams at Norton Rose and I can only say that every single person in those teams has been excellent. I think this can only be a reflection of the very high standards of the people at Norton Rose.’
‘They are more practical and commercial than most (if not all) of their competitors.’
Principaux clients
Abellio Transport Holdings
AB Stena Finans
Accolade Wines Ltd
AES Corporation
AIG Life Limited
AmTrust International Limited
A. Schulman Limited
AXA UK plc
Bain Capital
Bank of Ireland
Barclays Bank plc
Bombardier Inc.
The Boston Consulting Group Limited
BMO Asset Management
BMO Financial Group
Canada Life Limited
Carnival plc
Carlsberg UK Limited
Carrier Pension Trustee Limited
Charles Taylor Limited
Chubb Services UK Limited
Civil Aviation Authority
Cognizant Technology Solutions Corporation
Cobalt Energy Limited
Colgate-Palmolive (UK) Limited
Cooper Tyre & Rubber Co. Europe Limited
Countryside Partnerships plc
Crest Nicholson plc
Dalriada Trustees Limited
DHL International (Ireland) Ltd
Direct Line Group
Energizer Brands LLC
Financial Conduct Authority
FTI Consulting LLP
GFG Alliance
Grundfos Holding AS
Hayward Tyler Pension Plan Trustees
HSBC Global Asset Management (UK) Ltd
HSBC Master Trust Trustee Limited
HSBC Retirement Services Limited
Hydro Aluminium Deeside Ltd
Hydro Aluminium UK Limited
Hydro Building Systems UK Ltd
Hyperion Insurance Group Limited
IMI plc
ING Bank NV
Invensys Pension Trustee Limited
Irish Pensions Trust Limited
Kerry Group Plc
Lancaster Landmark Hotel Company Limited
Lyondell Chemical Europe Inc.
Maersk Line UK Limited
McLaren Technology Group Limited
Mercer Limited
MS Amlin plc
Munich Re
Nordea Bank
Norsk Hydro ASA
Northern Marine Management Ltd
Olympus Management Limited
Oxford Instruments Plc
P&O Ferries
Post Office Limited
QBE
RGA UK Services
RWE A G
Renishaw plc
Ross Trustees Services Limited
Rothesay Life
Royal Bank of Canada
Russell Investments Limited
RWE AG
Sandvik AB
SNC Lavalin
Stena Drilling Limited
Stena Line Limited
Sun Life of Canada
Teacher Retirement System of Texas
Trustee of the IPT Group Pension Plan
Trustee of the Oxford Instruments Pension Scheme
Trustee of the Steel Construction Institute Pension Scheme
Trustees of the Bayerische Landesbank Retirement and Death Benefits Plan
Trustees of the BBVA London Pension Plan
Trustees of the Crown Agents Superannuation Scheme
Trustees of the Dover Harbour Board Pension and Life Assurance Scheme (1973)
Trustees of the J.J. Churchill Ltd Executive Pension Plan
Trustees of the Marylebone Cricket Club Pension and Assurance Scheme
Trustees of the National Bank of Abu Dhabi Pension and Life Assurance Scheme
Trustees of the Shaw Group UK 1997 Pension Scheme
Trustees of the SITA Defined Benefit Pension Scheme
Trustees of the Thomson Pension Fund
Trustees of the West of England Ship Owners Insurance Services Ltd Retirement Benefits Scheme
USAA Limited
V. Ships UK Ltd
Vitality Life Limited
Vroon Offshore UK Limited
Wincanton Pension Scheme Trustees
Principaux dossiers
- Advised Olympia Limited on a TUPE Transfer and its ongoing pensions obligations, together with advice on a Venture Management Agreement and a buy-out.
- Advised Stena Drilling Limited on the transition to a master trust.
- Advised Renishaw plc on complex negotiations with the scheme trustees on past pension overpayments.
Squire Patton Boggs
Squire Patton Boggs' team has a notable focus on the regulated utilities sector, particularly on water, nuclear, and electricity-sponsored pension schemes. The team also advises on master trusts, pension investments, scheme consolidations, and regulator interventions. Co-head of the practice Wendy Hunter is well-equipped to assist its clients with the pension-related elements of corporate transactions, whilst co-head and Birmingham-based Matthew Giles namely offers specialist advice on defined benefit pension plans and deficit management strategies. Other names to note within the team include public sector expert Kirsty McLean, and the 'excellent, proactive' senior associate Archana Gupta. Clifford Sims is also recommended for pensions investment cases. Chris Harper was promoted to the partnership in May 2022.
Responsables de la pratique:
Wendy Hunter; Matthew Giles
Autres avocats clés:
Kirsty McLean; Archana Gupta; Clifford Sims; Chris Harper
Les références
‘Good support for one another, with the ability to call on wider experience pools from the firm.’
‘Very knowledgeable, proactive, and will speak up on issues and come forward with suggestions or solutions.’
‘Archana Gupta is excellent, proactive, and very much part of the client team.’
Principaux clients
Essex County Council / ACCESS Pool
Combined Nuclear Pension Plan Trustees Limited
Action for Children Pension Fund
Cobham Pension Plan
Amey OS Pension Scheme
Agfa UK Pension Plan
Fiat Group Pension Plan
West Midlands Pension Fund
Thames Water Pension Scheme
UNISON Staff Pension Scheme
Anglian Water Group Pension Scheme
Aviva Master Trust
Principaux dossiers
- Advised on multiple market significant buy-ins including the £530m for Cobham Pension Plan, £400m for Amey OS Pension Scheme, and £200m for Agfa UK Group Pension Plan.
- Advised the Combined Nuclear Pension Plan on a £250m transfer from two of its twelve sections to a newly created scheme, sponsored by Westinghouse Electric.
- Advised on numerous new pension fund investment mandates across public and private sector arrangements totalling more than <£1.5bn.
Stephenson Harwood
Stephenson Harwood‘s non-contentious pensions team is led by Philip Goodchild, who offers clients expertise on pensions issues in both the UK and the Middle East. The practice’s recent work includes providing advice to a large employers on a defined benefit scheme, as well as providing assistance to trustees on a multi-employer defined benefit scheme, and advice on the transfer of assets to a master trust. For large schemes, particularly those within the banking sector, Stephen Richards is a key contact. Mark Catchpole and Of counsel Naeem Noor are also names to note within the practice, with the latter complimented by clients for his provision of ‘excellent day-to-day support‘.
Responsables de la pratique:
Philip Goodchild
Autres avocats clés:
Stephen Richards; Naeem Noor; Chris Edwards Earl; Mark Catchpole
Les références
‘Stephenson Harwood have built an excellent relationship with us. The pensions team are responsive, contribute well to meetings, provide trusted advice, and bring in specialists when required from the wider team, for example on issues related to data protection.’
‘Naeem Noor, well supported by the wider team, provides excellent day-to-day support. Philip Goodchild is always available when strategic issues need to be addressed.’
‘Practical and sensible advice given, with a deep knowledge of the scheme.’
Principaux clients
PHL
First UK Bus Pension Scheme
Yell Pension Plan
Paramount Pictures/Universal Pictures
Harvey Nichols
Dior
Moet
Textron
Principaux dossiers
- Advised PHL Integrated Care Limited during the complex transaction of a transfer of the management team of Partnering Health Limited.
- Provided strategic legal advice for the Trustees of the First UK Bus Pension Scheme, a large UK pension scheme primarily for bus drivers working for First UK Bus.
- Assisted the Trusteeship of the Yell Pension Plan with the full buy-out de-risking of £370m with PIC.
Dentons
Dentons advises a variety of international and domestic employers and trustees on the full gamut of non-contentious pensions issues. The practice is dually headed by Glasgow-based Alison Weatherhead and the ‘exceptionally responsive‘ London-based Eleanor Hart, who brings experience in complex cross-border transactions to the pensions team. Further advice the practice offers encompasses matters such as pension scheme buyouts – for which counsel Caroline Curran, who joined the team in October 2022 is a key contact - as well as pension funding arrangements, insolvency-related work, and transactions involving pensions issues. The practice was recently boosted by the arrival of Carolyn Saunders, the former head of the national pensions team at Pinsent Masons LLP.
Responsables de la pratique:
Alison Weatherhead; Eleanor Hart
Autres avocats clés:
Caroline Curran; Carolyn Saunders
Les références
‘Eleanor Hart has vast experience in pensions. The breadth and depth of her knowledge has been incredibly helpful within the project we are involved within. Her attention-to-detail has been vital.’
‘The Dentons pensions team punches above its weight. They are commercial, pragmatic, and easy to work with. Because of the size of the team, the contentious and non-contentious teams work harmoniously together for the benefit of the client.’
‘Extremely responsive to short-notice queries. They are able to bring calm and business-focused advice on decisions that are based on very uncertain input data.’
Principaux clients
Edrington Group
Trustees of the Delta Air Lines UK Staff Pension Scheme
Pirelli & C. S.p.A.
Purepay Retail Limited
Ministry of Defence
Virgin Atlantic Airways
Government Legal Department
The Cabinet Office
Department for Business Energy and Industrial Strategy
Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales
Travelport International Limited
Edwin James Group Limited
Platinum Equity Advisers LLC
Ministry of Justice / Prison Education Service
Canadian Western Bank
GIC Private Limited
NatWest
KKR Asia Limited
BCA Pension Trust Limited
Principaux dossiers
- Advised on the rescue of a pension scheme where its sponsoring employer was in administration.
- Advised The Department for Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) and Ofgem on its proposals to create a Future System Operator (FSO) with responsibilities for both electricity and gas systems to achieve net-zero and maintain energy security while minimising costs for consumers.
- Advised an international tyre company on its contingent asset arrangements with the trustees of its five defined benefit pension schemes.
Fieldfisher
Fieldfisher‘s non-contentious pensions team is complimented by clients who are regarded as being ‘extremely knowledgeable in their field, helpful, and proactive‘. The practice is headed up by David Gallagher, who was recently appointed as Chair-Elect of the Association of Pensions Lawyers and possesses particular expertise in pension matters within the electricity industry. Jeremy Harris and Michael Calvert are recommended for their work on scheme benefit changes and pensions in corporate transactions, respectively. Andrew Patten and associate Katie Whelan are also names to note within the team.
Responsables de la pratique:
David Gallagher
Autres avocats clés:
Jeremy Harris; Michael Calvert; Andrew Patten; Katie Whelan
Les références
‘The team has extensive experience in the pension industry and the ability to clearly communicate to clients.’
‘The personal service provided by Jeremy Harris is extremely valuable. He is pragmatic and able to communicate complex legal rules and regulations in terms which are easy to understand.’
‘Hands-on with a pragmatic approach. The team has strong partners.’
Principaux clients
Trustees of the Sibelco UK Occupational Pension Scheme
Trustees of the Cooper Consolidated Pension Plan
Trustees of the MTL Instruments Group Pension Scheme
EDF Energy Limited
Electricity Pensions Trustee Limited
OneFamily Friendly Society
Trustees of the Power Generation Pension Scheme
Trustees of various pension schemes sponsored by Arriva PLC
Trustees of the Beazley Furlonge Limited Pension Scheme
Principaux dossiers
- Advised Electricity Pensions Trustee Limited, the Scheme Trustee of the Electricity Supply Pension Scheme, on several key structural projects including projects to amend the central Scheme rules.
- Advised the Trustees of the Beazley Furlonge Limited Pension Scheme on liability management options including on their preferred choice of an insurance buy-in contract.
Macfarlanes LLP
The pensions advisory practice at Macfarlanes LLP is experienced in assisting trustees, lenders, and employers on issues such as DC master trusts, the management of occupational pension schemes, and the pension-related aspects of corporate transactions. Camilla Barry co-leads the practice and brings her expertise in the powers of the pensions regulator, while fellow co-head Andrew Barton is the key contact for de-risking matters. Other names to note within the team include senior counsel Madison Isted and senior associate Stacey Yon. Faye Jarvis joined the practice from Hogan Lovells International LLP in November 2022.
Responsables de la pratique:
Camilla Barry; Andrew Barton
Autres avocats clés:
Madison Isted; Stacey Yon; Faye Jarvis
Les références
‘The Macfarlanes team are testament to the view that a large team is not necessary if you have the right individuals. From a pension de-risking perspective they provide a full service and are willing and able to tackle any problem we throw at them.’
‘Their depth of industry knowledge and keen sense of the commercial as well as legal elements of any transaction sets them apart from their competitors.’
‘Andrew and Madison are real experts in their field. They are able to anticipate areas where we might have concerns in advance of our raising them, which makes the drafting process much more streamlined, as they ask the right questions before we have even thought of them.’
Principaux clients
Legal and General Assurance Society Limited
Barloworld UK Limited
The Pension SuperFund
BMS Group
Spirit Aerosystems Inc.
Apollo Management International LLP
GBT Travel Services UK Limited
Pernod Ricard S.A.
Darty Limited
The Trustees of the United Airlines Pension Scheme
Principaux dossiers
- Advised Legal & General on a £370m defined benefit pension risk transfer (buy-in) transaction with the trustees of London Heathrow’s BAA Pension Scheme.
- Adivsed Barloworld UK Limited and Barloworld Pension Trust Limited in relation to buy-in of the Barloworld UK Pension Scheme with Just Group.
- Advised PSF Capital Reserve and related parties on their revised submission for assessment of The Pension SuperFund further to feedback from the Pensions Regulator as a superfund under its defined benefit consolidator guidance.
Osborne Clarke LLP
Osborne Clarke LLP‘s pensions team offers clients advice on a wide-variety of non-contentious matters, including GMP rectification and equalisation matters, benefit specification reviews, scheme closures, and pension-related issues in corporate restructurings and insolvencies. Bristol-based Jonathan Hazlett leads the team, and is complimented by clients for his provision of ‘expert advice'. He is assisted by the ‘great‘ Tobias Hole, alongside Claire Rankin, Thames Valley-based Chris Netiatis, and legal director Lee Colgate. Carol Dick notably joined from PwC LLP in October 2022.
Responsables de la pratique:
Jonathan Hazlett
Autres avocats clés:
Tobias Hole; Claire Rankin; Chris Netiatis; Lee Colgate; Carol Dick; Joe Webster
Les références
‘The team provides rock solid support to us in respect of a highly complex and high profile scheme – they know the market landscape very well and know our scheme, its origins and history intimately, better than anyone else.’
‘Jonathan Hazlett and Tobias Hole are just great. They embody the qualities I have identified for the team and work really well together, offering us a seamless service. Jonathan and Tobias leave us feeling very well-supported – they both have a good antenna for when they need to lead a discussion and when they need to let us lead internally.’
‘Jonathan Hazlett provides expert advice in an easily understandable way.’
Principaux clients
Pension Protection Fund
Trustee of the T&N Retirement Benefits Scheme
Trustee of the Canon Retirement Benefit Scheme for the United Kingdom
Trustee of the Grundfos Pumps Limited and Subsidiary Companies Retirement and Death Benefit Scheme
Trustee of the YMCA Pension and Assurance Plan
Trustee of the Senior plc Pension Plan
Trustee of the Federated Pension Scheme for Imperial College
Trustee of the UCL (Former Medical Schools) Pension Scheme
Principaux dossiers
- Appointed to provide specialist and expert full legal services directly to the Pension Protection Fund (PPF) legal panel.
- Appointed to advise 2020 Trustee Services Limited as the sole trustee of the Trustee of the T&N Retirement Benefits Scheme.
- Advised the trustees of the Canon Retirement Benefit Scheme for the United Kingdom in relation to a staged transfer out of defined contribution benefits.
PwC LLP
PwC LLP‘s advisory pensions team is headed by Oliver Reece, who is especially well-known for his experience advising clients on regulatory matters in the pensions sphere. The practice has a particular focus on corporate entities, with clients including the BBC and IMI, but is also experienced in advising both domestic and international trustees, employers, and scheme members. Fraser Sparks brings more than 20 years’ experience to the team and is the key contact for benefit correlation issues, whilst Elizabeth Ramsaran leads the pensions ESG work. David Farmer and Lindsay O’Farrell are also names to note within the practice.
Responsables de la pratique:
Oliver Reece
Autres avocats clés:
Fraser Sparks; Elizabeth Ramsaran; David Farmer; Lindsay O’Farrell
Les références
‘The team has good knowledge, is very helpful and very available – they are able to drive transactions forward.’
‘PwC’s non-contentious pensions practice provides quality legal advice with a commercial context. They often work alongside their PwC colleagues from other departments to deliver an overall package of advice addressing the issues their clients are facing.’
‘David Farmer exemplifies the provision of quality legal advice in a commercial setting.’
Principaux clients
Ageas Insurance Staff Pension Scheme
SIG
Inchcape
ASD/Kloeckner Metals
adidas
British Broadcasting Corporation
Pentland Brands
IMI plc
Principaux dossiers
- Advised on and implemented changes to SIG’s Scottish Limited Partnership pension scheme funding structure as part of its refinancing project, so as to ensure that the level of financial support for the pension scheme was maintained.
- Advised the BBC on all legal matters relating to its defined benefit pension scheme.
- Advised IMI for a number of years on securing its pension liabilities in the insurance market – over £1bn in total.
Reed Smith LLP
Reed Smith LLP‘s non-contentious pensions practice is particularly experienced in advising its trustee clients on a range of issues, including the pensions aspects of mergers and transactions, regulatory issues, GMP equalisations, buy-ins, and matters relating to benefit structures. The team is dually headed by Simon Hartley, who is complimented for his ‘clarity and purpose', alongside Justine Senior and William Sutton, who are both noted by clients as working as ‘an exceptional team' and for going ‘the extra mile'.
Responsables de la pratique:
Simon Hartley; Justine Senior; William Sutton
Les références
‘Justine Senior and William Sutton make an exceptional team. They provide real commerciality and drive to projects. Not only are they great at their jobs but they are also fun to work with!’
‘Reed Smith have a longstanding specialist pension division, with a good reputation for providing prompt and clear advice in a manner which is easily understood by all trustees.’
‘A very diverse team understanding DC schemes and DB schemes, keeping trustees up to date with all legal updates.’
Simmons & Simmons
The ‘professional and efficient’ non-contentious team at Simmons & Simmons regularly advises trustees and employers on cross-border pensions matters, which notably includes its recent provision of advice on an international pension scheme restructuring. Danny Tsang heads the department and is an expert on corporate pensions strategies, and is highly experienced with schemes in distressed situations. Bristol-based James Dean has notable for expertise in asset-backed funding arrangements work, whilst Edward Smith is a key contact for pension benefit redesigns. Associate Laura Friedman is a name to note for de-risking initiatives.
Responsables de la pratique:
Danny Tsang
Autres avocats clés:
James Dean; Edward Smith; Laura Friedman; Kate Fellows Tully; Andy So
Les références
‘A very approachable, knowledgeable and highly experienced team, both pragmatic and commercial in their approach.’
‘James Dean has supported me through a number of highly complex projects and business changes and has operated like an extended member of my team. He has the ability to translate complicated legal processes into simple terms, but at all times has remained commercial, business, and project-focused.’
‘The practice is certainly professional and efficient in terms of thoroughness, timeliness and communication.’
Principaux clients
DXC Technology
Mercedes Benz Trucks Limited
GlaxoSmithKline
Confederation of Health Service Employees
BASF
Doosan Babcock Trustees
Anheuser-Busch InBev Group
West Ferry Printers Pension Scheme
Principaux dossiers
- Advised GlaxoSmithKline since 1989 and provided advisory work for the trustees of the SmithKline Beecham Pension Plan and SmithKline Beecham Senior Executive Pension Plan.
- Advised AB InBev UK Ltd Pension Trust Limited and Stag Brewing Pensions Limited, the respective trustees of two significant UK pension plans for the Anheuser-Busch InBev Group, since 2011.
- Advise the Mercedes-Benz Trucks business in relation to the pensions issues arising from its global separation from Mercedes-Benz Cars.
gunnercooke LLP
gunnercooke LLP's practice is praised by clients for its ‘wealth of experience‘, ‘excellent client service‘, and ‘technical pensions expertise'. The practice is able to act as trustee to numerous pension schemes with the firm’s professional trustee company, gcTrustees. Notable names within the team include Adam Bushby for his risk transfer specialism, Helen Miles for her expertise in issues of compliance and risk settlement matters, and Parminder Latimer for her over three decades of experience in the industry. Michael M Jones joined the team in May 2022 from Charles Russell Speechlys LLP.
Autres avocats clés:
Adam Bushby; Helen Miles; Parminder Latimer; Michael M Jones
Les références
‘Adam Bushby is responsive, commercial, and good to work with. He clearly knows his stuff but he also understands the clients’ needs and the importance of giving commercial and practical advice. I would highly recommend him to clients.’
‘Gunnercooke’s business model (predominantly partner-led) is well-placed to deliver excellent client service because fee earners tend to have a wealth of experience.’
‘Adam Bushby’s expertise is wide ranging and impressive. He is extremely personable and able to guide smaller schemes through the legislation with ease, rendering the complex comprehensible. Parminder Latimer has an excellent manner with clients; she is calm and reassuring.’
Principaux clients
Zedra Trust Company (Jersey) Limited
Computer Systems in Education Limited
Lendswift Limited
Bridon Pension Trustees
Cosworth Racing Limited Pension Fund
Shoe Zone Pension Scheme
TWIL Group Pension Fund
Varian Medical Systems UK Pension and Life Assurance Scheme
Brockhampton Pension Scheme
Trustees of the G. H. Frith Director’s Pension Scheme
Principaux dossiers
- Acted for the trustees of a large pension scheme in respect of protecting members’ benefits and securing significant concessions.
- Advised Northern Housing Consortium on their cessation participation in the local government pension scheme.
- Advised Citizens Advice Manchester on their cessation participation in the local government pension scheme.
Irwin Mitchell
Irwin Mitchell‘s non-contentious pensions practice is dually headed by Penny Cogher, who leverages her thirty years' experience in the pensions industry to advise clients on the full gamut of pension matters, and Martin Jenkins, who specialises in benefit review and de-risking matters. The practice recently welcomed Terry Saeedi and senior associate Matthew Ambler from Clyde & Co in April 2023.
Responsables de la pratique:
Penny Cogher; Martin Jenkins
Autres avocats clés:
Terry Saeedi; Matthew Ambler
Keystone Law
Keystone Law‘s pensions practice - which notably features the highly experienced Monica Ma - assists both trustees and employers in all types of pensions issues, with its recent work including advising on pensions aspects of corporate transactions. The team regularly collaborates with Isle of Man-based Ben Hughes, who is particularly adept at assisting on both domestic and international pensions issues, as well as with its colleagues in other departments such as financial services, corporate, and tax. It is complimented for its provision of an ‘extremely courteous and competent service’.
Autres avocats clés:
Ben Hughes; Monica Ma
Les références
‘They provide extremely courteous and competent service.’
‘Monica Ma has proved to be an exceptional professional who has provided an invaluable service over the past twenty years or so. The work and response times provided by Monica are of a refreshingly high-quality. A pleasure to have her as our legal advisor.’
Taylor Wessing LLP
Taylor Wessing LLP‘s advisory pensions practice is noted as being formed of ‘excellent technical specialists' and is led by Mark Smith. The department utilises its cross-practice expertise to assist clients in pensions issues involving aspects such as cyber-security and data protection. It also has a particular expertise in the pensions aspects of corporate restructurings. Anna Taylor is a key name for defined benefit schemes work. Associates Georgie Wardrop and Afshan Mallik are also names to note within the team.
Responsables de la pratique:
Mark Smith
Autres avocats clés:
Anna Taylor; Georgie Wardrop; Afshan Mallik
Les références
‘Excellent technical specialists in the field of pensions. They are easy to work with and give good, constructive advice.’
‘Mark Smith is a first-rate pensions lawyer – technically excellent.’
‘The people I have dealt with at Taylor Wessing have an extremely broad and deep understanding of UK pension law.’
Principaux clients
Trustee of the Merchant Navy Ratings Pension Fund
Trustees of the Visa UK Pension Plan
Allied Universal
Trustees of the Royal British Legion Staff Pension Fund
SA Damm
Kessler Group
Pi Trustees
Trustee of the Sedgemoor Group Pension Fund
Principaux dossiers
- Advised the trustee of the Merchant Navy Ratings Pension Fund in relation to a range of issues, including the provision of promised benefits under the scheme.
- Advised the trustees of Visa’s UK defined benefit pension scheme in relation to a number of important matters, including the provision of promised benefits under the scheme.
- Advised Allied Universal (which owns G4S) on the acquisition of Total Security Services Limited and the pensions aspects of the transaction.
TLT
TLT‘s pensions team is adept at advising clients on a wide-range of pensions issues, including buy-ins and buy-outs, GMP conversion and equalisations, the pensions aspects of acquisitions, and the restructuring of security arrangements within plans. Sasha Butterworth, who is dual-qualified in both England & Wales and Northern Ireland, heads the team and is especially experienced at advising on pensions issues in the ESG space. Chris Crighton and associate Kate Beech are also recommended.
Responsables de la pratique:
Sasha Butterworth
Autres avocats clés:
Kate Beech; Chris Crighton
Principaux clients
Anglian Water
Government Legal Department
Fujitsu Technology Solutions International Pension Plan Trustee
Sainsbury’s Supermarkets Limited
Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime
Viridor Waste Management Limited
WHSmith
Travelers
Arkema Bostik Pension Trustee Limited
Mono Equipment Pension Scheme Trustees
Principaux dossiers
- Advised the Trustee of the Fujitsu Technology Services International Limited Pension Plan on the successful bulk transfer of the DC section of the plan to the Legal & General WorkSave Mastertrust.
- Advised the Trustees of the Koito Europe Limited pension scheme on the scheme buy-out, winding up the scheme, and negotiated the documentation to secure the benefits with Aviva.
Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP
The pensions team at Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP is experienced in assisting trustees, sponsoring employers, and insurers. Led by Martin Poore, the practice has particular expertise for pensions issues within the public and voluntary sectors. Newcastle-based Suzanne Duff brings extensive knowledge on a variety of matters relating to occupational pension schemes, whilst Bristol-based Tracy Walsh is noted for her work in the Pensions Regulator’s moral hazard powers and the pensions aspects within transactions. Gavin Ellison and associates Paul Rosenzweig and Kelly Beattie are also key contacts.
Responsables de la pratique:
Martin Poore
Autres avocats clés:
Suzanne Duff; Tracy Walsh; Gavin Ellison; Paul Rosenzweig; Kelly Beattie; Naomi Jacques
Les références
‘They always have interesting ideas for addressing issues and can see problems from various angles. This invariably means that any issue presented to the team is resolved with a creative thought process.’
‘Suzanne Duff’s background and experience invariably means that she is able to find an angle that answers our problems in a constructive and commercial manner.’
‘Very proactive in dealing with any legal matters about our pension scheme.’
Principaux clients
Liverpool Victoria Financial Services Limited
Northern Powergrid
Trustee of the Go-Ahead Group Pension Plan
The Trustees of the Newcastle Building Society Pension and Assurance Scheme
Broadacres Housing Association
IBM
Vehicle Lease and Service Limited
Principaux dossiers
- Advised LV on moving to a master trust for future DC accrual and subsequently undertaking a bulk transfer of all its existing DC accounts into the master trust.
- Advised Northern Powergrid on its section of the Electricity Supply Pension Scheme (ESPS) and its own occupational money purchase scheme.
- Advised the Trustee of the Go-Ahead Group Pension Plan on the legal aspects connected with the £669m acquisition of the Go-Ahead Group plc by a consortium made up of Kinetic Group and Globalvia Inversiones.
Ashurst
Ashurst‘s advisory pensions practice regularly advises trustees and employers on pensions investments, the pensions aspects of transactions and mergers, member benefits, and scheme fundings. With nearly 20 years’ experience in pensions matters, John Gordon is the name to contact for complex matters. Gordon’s recent work includes advising trustees and lenders on refinancing issues in the context of the new regulatory regime, and assisting trustees in circumstances of insolvency, restructuring, and distress.
Responsables de la pratique:
John Gordon
Principaux clients
Wm Morrison Supermarkets Limited
On behalf of Thomas Cook PLC and subsidiaries
Mitsui & Co Europe plc
Babcock International Group plc
Output Services Group Inc
Chesnara plc
Stewart Milne Group
UIA (Insurance) Limited
The Trustees of the NIAB (1996) Pension Scheme
Clement Clarke Pensions Trustees Limited
Carr’s Group plc
Navigator Terminals Limited
The Trustee of the Dartford River Crossing Pension Scheme
Keolis Amey
Insight Investment Management Limited
CapVest Partners LLP
Principaux dossiers
- Advised Babcock International Group plc on various transactions involving complex pensions issues.
Trowers & Hamlins LLP
Trowers & Hamlins LLP‘s pensions practice is described as being both ‘pragmatic’ and ‘excellent’ by clients. Martin McFall leads the team and is recommended for his experience advising local authorities and employers on public sector scheme-related matters. The practice as a whole also assists trustees and employers on issues such as scheme wind-ups, benefit restructurings, and corporate transactions. Senior associate Deborah Shumate is a name to note for experience with complex commercial pensions strategies.
Responsables de la pratique:
Martin McFall
Autres avocats clés:
Deborah Shumate
Les références
‘They are very pragmatic, knowledgeable of our sector, and respond promptly.’
‘Martin McFall is excellent.’
Principaux clients
Bristows LLP
Incommunities Limited
Trustees of the International Transport Federation Pension Scheme
London Borough of Croydon
National Autistic Society
Toyota
XPO Logistics
Brighton & Hove City Council
Praxis Group
Bic
Vivendi
Karbon Homes
The Guinness Partnership Trust
Trustees of the General Federation of Trade Unions Pension Scheme
Alliance Homes
Orbit Group
Chartered Institute of Environmental Health
Numerical Algorithms Group
ICTS Limited
Trustees of the GFTU scheme
Principaux dossiers
- Advised Incommunities Limited on a ground-breaking agreement with West Yorkshire Pension Fund and Bradford MBC for a subsumption of Incommunities’ £67m pension liabilities by the local authority.
- Advised Karbon Homes on the pensions aspects of its 3000 homes merger with Leeds & Yorkshire Housing Association.
- Advised Accent where a Liability Driven Investment issue arose in the Accent scheme with the investment manager taking urgent action during the crisis to raise cash to hedge its investment strategy.
Wedlake Bell LLP
Wedlake Bell LLP‘s pensions and employee benefits team is headed by the ‘extremely polished' and ‘excellent‘ Justin McGilloway, who has nearly 20 years’ experience advising clients on the full gamut of pensions issues. The practice is adept at advising its trustee and employer clients in matters including final salary schemes, the implementation of international pension arrangements, and the arrangement of pensions for private clients. Other key in the team are associates Paul Ashcroft and James Newcome.
Responsables de la pratique:
Justin McGilloway
Autres avocats clés:
Paul Ashcroft; James Newcome
Les références
‘Approachable, vastly knowledgeable and experienced in terms of their overall capabilities in the pensions space. The practice is outward-looking, diverse and places considerable emphasis on cross-collaboration with other external businesses. The team at Wedlake Bell LLP are without doubt my go-to set of advisors.’
‘The people in the pensions team at Wedlake Bell are second-to-none and are a delight to work with.’
‘Justin McGilloway is unquestionably a leading figure in the non-contentious pensions space. He is an extremely polished and personable practitioner with extensive knowledge and experience in pensions. From a leadership and teaming perspective, Justin also clearly understands how to get the very best from his people, having fostered a strong team culture at Wedlake Bell.’
Principaux clients
Trane UK Limited Retirement Benefit Plan
Scandinavian Airlines System Pension and Assurance Scheme
The Staff Pension and Life Assurance Scheme of the Grand Lodge
Jotun Paints (Europe) Limited Pension Scheme
Capital Radio Pension and Assurance Scheme
Steamship Insurance Management Services Limited Pension and Assurance Scheme
The Royal London Mutual Insurance Society Limited
South-African Co-operative Citrus Exchange Limited Pension and Assurance Scheme
Louvre Fiduciary Group Limited
Trustees of the Carpenters’ Company Pension and Assurance Scheme
Natixis Pension Scheme
Sumi Agro Pension Scheme
The Museum Association Pension Plan
Global Association of Risk Professionals
The Carlton Tower Pension Scheme
Capital Radio Pension Plan
Buhler Limited
M&G Investments
Trad Scaffolding Limited
Mission Aviation Fellowship Europe Pension Scheme
Vimeo, Inc.
Baccata Trustees Limited
Turning Point Scotland Limited
Principaux dossiers
- Advised the trustees of the Scandinavian Airlines System Pension and Assurance Scheme on the implications of Chapter 11 bankruptcy on SAS Airlines and select associated group companies, two of whom provide guarantees to the Scheme.
- Advised the trustees of the Capital Radio Pension and Assurance Scheme on the cessation of accrual under the Scheme.
- Advised the trustees of the Jotun Paints (Europe) Limited Pension Scheme on liability management exercises with a view to ultimately buying-out members’ benefits and winding-up the Scheme.