The 'unparalleled team' at Allen & Overy LLP has a strong reputation for trustee-side work, including risk transfer projects, multi-jurisdictional and -scheme mergers and sophisticated long-term funding structures. The team is well-versed in governance restructuring work, in addition to pensions change and rectification matters. Areas that have seen an uptick for the group include preparing schemes, sponsors and lenders for the Pensions Schemes Act 2021, as well as master trust transfer arrangements. Taking the lead is Neil Bowden, who takes 'a pragmatic approach' to advising trustees and employers on issues such as guaranteed minimum pension (GMP) equalisations and liability management. 'Super lawyer' Jane Higgins is a seasoned pensions lawyer with knowledge in governance and the impact of banking reform on banking sector pensions; while Andy Cork is deeply focused on trustee work, advising on major strategic projects. Jessica Kerslake ('excellent on a larger projects') and pension fund investment expert MaameYaa Kwafo-Akoto were made partners in May 2021.

CMS continues to dominate in the pensions space, fielding ' a refreshingly commercial and pragmatic' team with expertise across the spectrum of the pensions space, able to draw on a standalone de-risking practice. In a demonstration of the group's strengths, it recently advised Clara-Pensions as the first commercial defined benefit pension scheme consolidator to complete the regulator's assessment process; a matter where Keith Webster made a significant contribution. The department is led by Mark Grant, who also chairs the pensions ombudsman liaison group, with a strong client roster of employers and trustees. Mark Atkinson has experience in GMP equalisations and winding-ups; Neil Smith is noted for benefit restructuring and liability reduction exercises; and Emma Frost is an expert in risk transfer transactions. Johanna Clarke has experience in advising on distressed covenants, as well as focusing on defined contribution master trusts.

'Responsive and flexible, and always giving sound and practical advice', the team at Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP is known for its large private sector scheme and trustee and employer clients, which it advises on the waterfront of pensions issues. The group has experience in fundamental benefits reviews, as well as international pensions-related work, drawing on the firm's global office network. It is also adept at pensions insurance, advising insurance providers on buy-ins and buy-outs. In September 2021, the team was joined by Michael Jones from Pinsent Masons LLP, adding significant expertise in defined benefit and defined contribution master trusts. Francois Barker  is a veteran of the pensions space, often advising industry bodies on the direction of pensions law and policy. He co-leads the department with Jeremy Goodwin, who is an expert in trustees' responsibilities and duties. The duo is praise by clients for being 'approachable, facilitative and helpful'. Also recommended are Steven Hull , Sarah Swift  and Mark Latimour .

'Technically excellent, commercially switched on, and clearly enjoy working together', the team at Hogan Lovells International LLP works closely with other highly-rated departments in the firm to provide a full-service to pensions clients; utilising capital markets and insurance lawyers for derivatives and longevity solutions and the privacy department for GDPR compliance. The group is known for advising on novel funding solutions and buy-in deals, in addition to GMP equalisations and master trust matters. Katie Banks  leads the offering, regularly advising on the pensions aspects of corporate deals. Edward Brown  is most known for de-risking issues, including buy-ins, buy-outs and longevity transactions; and Claire Southern  is an expert in derivative instruments for trustees and the VAT recoverability of pension scheme expenses.

At Linklaters LLP, the standalone pensions practice acts for trustees, employers, insurance companies and consolidation vehicles, and handles the gamut of pensions issues. For investments, the group is well-versed in ESG and fiduciary management; on the fund consolidation front, it has significant experience in master trust arrangements and related authorisations; the funding offering includes advice on long-term funding agreements. Liability management is another core competency, and the group is often instructed on buy-ins, buy-outs and longevity swap structures; while the team is also noted for supporting colleagues with corporate reorganisations, transactions and insolvencies. Claire Petheram  heads the global practice, and is experienced in scheme mergers and consolidations, as well as benefit changes and equalisation issues, also areas of expertise for Tim Cox. Rosalind Knowles  leads the pensions investment team, bringing together experts in investment management, derivatives, structured projects, and pensions. Philip Goss is praised by clients for his expertise in de-risking projects.

Pinsent Masons LLP has built out a strong pensions practice geared towards employer and pension provider clients, with growing coverage of the buy-in, buy-out and longevity hedging transactional space. The group is well-versed in regulatory and governance issues, and is noted for its advice on ESG issues. It has recent experience in defined benefit scheme winding-ups and closures, and master trust transactions, and is also regularly called upon to assist with data subject access requests. Carolyn Saunders  is a key name in the practice, heaving led the team until November 2021. She now focuses on expanding the firm's pensions-related ESG practice. The department is currently led by Stephen Scholefield, an expert in strategic and day-to-day governance issues. Matthew De Ferrars  is an expert in defined benefit risk transfers, advising on pension buy-outs, longevity transactions and assisting trustees with winding-up projects, while Raj Sharma  focuses on pensions regulatory matters.

‘A joy to work with‘, pensions boutique Sacker & Partners LLP has developed a pre-eminent offering that provides employers, pension scheme and trustee clients with a comprehensive service. The firm is at the forefront of developments in the pensions industry, and is increasingly active in advising on ESG and climate risk issues that affect pensions. Following the retirement of Ian Pittaway in 2021, the firm has been led by David Saunders, who is an expert in pensions-related transactional support. Janet Brown  has significant experience in advising trustee clients on issues such as defined contribution feeder schemes and scheme closures; Fuat Sami is regularly instructed on transactional support issues, including in relation to reorganisations; while clients comment that  Edward Hayes  is ‘always available, understands trustees’ questions and concerns, provides a balanced and comprehensive analysis of an issue, and then gives clear conclusions’. Jacqui Reid  (‘absolutely fantastic in the patient way she has “herded cats” and facilitated the development of an industry consensus on some tricky issue‘) is also recommended.

Slaughter and May is described as 'the firm to go to when you want something done that has never been done before, or in a way that's never been done before'. The practice has a strong advisory focus, while also handling complex transactional matters, acting for both trustees and sponsors, and is made up of 'exceptional pensions lawyers who have the ability not just to communicate complexity clearly, but to provide strategic guidance to find a way through difficult challenges.' Key names include practice head Charles Cameron, 'big-hitter' Sandeep Maudgill and the highly regarded Daniel Schaffer.

Travers Smith LLP is ‘at the top of its game in the world of pensions’ and is also praised for ‘leading the way in diversity and inclusion within this sector.’ The team, which is led by Daniel Gerring, is well-regarded for ‘providing a fully integrated approach to work for pension clients at a very high level‘ combining specialists from other areas such as structured finance and derivatives to provide a more rounded service to clients. The pure pensions specialists in the team also include ‘exceptional problem solver’ Susie Daykin; typical work covers covenant and distress, de-risking and major transactions, with recent high-profile work including advising the administrators of Laura Ashley in relation to the retailer’s UK defined benefit pension scheme.

The team at specialist pensions firm Arc Pensions Law is based across two offices in London and Leeds, and is well-regarded for 'converting technically complex legal points into much more palatable and user-friendly language.' The London team includes a number of heavyweight figures in the pensions world, including founding partner Anna Rogers, managing partner Rosalind Connor, the 'trusted and well-respected' Anna Copestake and 'outstanding professional' Jane Kola, who specialises in advising pension schemes on the legal aspects of their investments. The firm prides itself on acting for a balanced mix of trustees and employeers, as well as handling the pensions aspects of big ticket corporate deals, such as the £7bn take-private of Morrisons by Clayton, Dubilier & Rice.

Baker McKenzie's London pensions practice, which has 'significant bench strength at partner and senior associate level', is now headed up by Arron Slocombe, who has taken over leadership of the team from Jeanette Holland . Clients include a range of trustees, corporate and providers; the team is able to draw on the wider firm's huge international platform to expertly handle significant multi-jurisdictional matters. Recent high-profile work has included advising GSK on pensions aspects of the demerger of its global consumer healthcare joint venture with Pfizer, a matter led by Jonathan Sharp. Other key names include Chantal Thompson and of counsel Tom McNaughton.

Burges Salmon LLP's non-contentious pensions team is spread across Bristol, London and Edinburgh. The practice works with both trustees and employer clients on a national and international level, with a particular niche in Northern Irish expertise, as well as Scots law knowledge, rounding out its UK-wide offering. It has a particular focus on public sector matters, personal pension schemes and regulatory matters, working with big-name clients in sectors including telecoms, financial services, retail and automotive. Key names include practice head Richard Knight; he leads the team from Bristol, working alongside a strong team of partners including the 'superb' Clive Pugh and the well-regarded Susannah Young.

DLA Piper‘s practice combines experts in pensions, tax, structured finance, litigation, restructuring and funds, with the ability to draw on colleagues across the firm’s international office network, to advise on the spectrum of pensions issues; with a dedicated de-risking practice that is under the leadership of Amrit Mclean, in whom clients have ‘great confidence‘. The broader group led by Matthew Swynnerton, who has exceptional knowledge in auto-enrolment issues, and supported the UK government’s pensions minister on drafting the conditions for transfers regulations in November 2021. Tamara Calvert has a strong client list of energy sector employers, and is an expert in the pensions aspects of outsourcing contracts. Joel Eytle specialises in pensions regulation.

At Gowling WLG, lawyers advise schemes, trustees and employers on a wide variety of pensions issues. On the scheme advisory front, the group is experienced in advising on ESG issues, GMP equalisations and the spectrum of transactions. For employers, the group handles liability management mandates, as well as contribution notice requirements. It also has several public sector pensions mandates, and area where Paul Carberry is noted. Pensions risk transfers are led on by Paul Feathers with the support of legal director Sara Chambers. Jason Coates heads the overall pensions group and has developed a specialism in pensions-related ESG. Also recommended is legal director Maddy Frost, who is adept at advising trustee-side clients.

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP is known for its strength in de-risking mandates, handling numerous bulk annuity and reinsurance transactions for a variety of employers. including its recent advice to PIC on the £2.2bn buy-out of the Metal Box pension scheme. The team also has an active regulatory practice, bringing together disputes, public law and regulatory lawyers. Alison Brown  heads the global employment, pensions and incentives practice, while Samantha Brown, who co-leads the industry-wide Women in Pensions Network, heads the UK pensions practice, specialising in de-risking. Rachel Pinto is another lawyer of note, with experience in de-risking and the pensions aspects of corporate transactions; while Michael Aherne, promoted to partner in 2021, is a specialist in energy sector pensions, as well as taking the lead on pensions investment fund work.

The team at Mayer Brown International LLP is praised by clients as 'very focused on practical solutions', with a strength in advising trustee and employer clients on high-profile pensions mandates, including GMP equalisation and conversion projects. The group is also well-versed in restructuring and insolvency matters, in coordination with other departments within the firm, and in cross-border pensions matters alongside colleagues across the firm's global office network. The group is co-led by Jay Doraisamy, who has broad experience across benefit redesign, funding arrangements and banking reform ring-fencing requirements; and Ian Wright  whose handles investments, funding and employer covenant issues. Giles Bywater assists with the pensions aspects of corporate transactions, in addition to advising trustees on the purchase of bulk annuity policies. Senior associate Liam Kellett is also recommended.

Norton Rose Fulbright's lawyers receive plaudits from clients for their 'breadth and depth of experience, ability to draw on different competencies across the team, pragmatic approach, connections in the market'. The group is able to assist employers, trustees, insurers, lenders and providers with the spectrum of pensions issues, with an active pensions-related transactions practice, an employer advisory workstream that involves funding negotiations, trustee engagement and information sharing, as well as liability management and de-risking. On the trustee side, the team advises on all legal aspects of the administration and management of schemes, with particular expertise in regulatory issues. Lesley Browning  heads the department, with a varied practice that includes day-to-day regulatory and governance issues, corporate transactions and matters relating to scheme mergers and custody agreements. Shane O’Reilly  is also well-regarded for regulatory and transactional issues, and has recent experience in GMP equalisations. In July 2021, the group was joined from the pensions regulator by counsel Graeme Tricker.

Squire Patton Boggs is noted for predominantly advising trustees on the gamut of their pensions law requirements, with specialisms in regulatory compliance, investments, data protection and de-risking. The group has a particular strength in pensions schemes for utilities companies, and is also well-versed in public sector and not-for-profit organisation schemes. Wendy Hunter is an expert in public to private sector transfers, investments and the pensions aspects of corporate transactions. She jointly heads the department with Clifford Sims , who specialises in pensions-related investment and financial services issues. The duo are ably supported by 2022 minted partner Chris Harper, who is building a strong pensions practice, with a focus on pensions investments in relation to the not-for-profit sector; and senior associate Simon James.

Stephenson Harwood's 'innovative and forward thinking’ pensions law group, which includes pensions advisory and litigation lawyers, is able to handle the spectrum of pensions issues for employers, funds and trustees, with a particular specialism in banking sector pensions. It is also known for its GMP conversion work. Philip Goodchild  heads the non-contentious pensions team, and has recent experience in scheme sectionalisations, and pensions increase exchange matters. Stephen Richards  is an expert in banking sector pensions schemes, and is known for assisting with transfers to defined contribution master trusts. Graham Wrightson  ('straightforward, organised, clear and tough when he needs to be') is another lawyer with an all-round pensions practice, and is particularly experienced in buy-ins and buy-outs. Senior associate Naeem Noor  is praised by clients for offering 'sensible and practical advice’

Clients see the pensions lawyers at Addleshaw Goddard as 'excellent, considered and thoughtful', advising employers, trustees, representative beneficiaries and pensions professionals on the spectrum of pensions issues, including public sector scheme issues and scheme investments. Rachel Rawnsley heads the national pensions practice, while the London team is headed by Catherine McAllister . Judith Donnelly is the name to note for public sector pensions.

Clifford Chance LLP's group is well-placed to assist with the pensions aspects of corporate transactions, working closely with other departments within the firm. The team also advises a wide variety of standalone pensions clients on the spectrum of regulatory issues. Taking the lead is Hywel Robinson, who is a seasoned pensions generalist, with expertise in cross-border membership issues, asset pooling, as well as assisting investment providers with products and funds. Clare Hoxey has a specialism in advising insurance clients on de-risking products, while Sarah McAleer is noted for M&A and transactional-related pensions issues.

The team at Dentons houses pensions veterans with experience in advising on all issues pertaining to defined benefit and defined contribution schemes, in addition to life assurance agreements and healthcare trusts. The group has expertise in transactional work related to pensions and regularly supports the corporate team on multi-jurisdictional deals. Taking the lead is Eleanor Hart, commended for having 'a wealth of experience and is accomplished in a range of complex restructuring, financing and related issues of crucial importance to pension schemes'. A former practice head who became a consultant in 2020, Elmer Doonan  is a well-respected expert in insolvency-related pensions matters, and continues to advise trustees and employers on pension restructurings, acquisitions and disposals.

Macfarlanes LLP's team is noted by clients for being 'technically very strong, also commercial and pragmatic'. The group advises employers, corporate groups and trustees in relation to the management of their pensions liability, as well as defined benefit scheme consolidations. The group is well-versed in pensions regulation, funding negotiations, section 75 debt management and intra-group reorganisations, as well as technical benefit issues, scheme closures and benefit changes. The department is jointly led by Camilla Barry , an expert in the powers of the pensions regulator; and Andrew Barton, who specialises in insurance issues related to scheme de-risking projects. Madison Isted is an expert in advising insurers on pensions de-risking, while Stacey Yon is another key lawyer with knowledge across the pensions space.

In 2022, Osborne Clarke LLP's pensions department received a major boost, with the arrival of the Reading-based pensions team from BDB Pitmans, including former practice heads Chris Netiatis and David Hosford. The group provides a full service to employer and trustee clients, with substantial expertise in corporate restructuring ad insolvency issues, risk settlement and liability management work for defined benefit schemes, as well as a strong offering for public sector pension scheme work. Jonathan Hazlett heads the team from the firm's offices in Bristol, and is an expert in corporate restructuring and M&A-related pensions work. Other key lawyers in Bristol include Paul Matthews, who has experience in advising on defined benefit scheme closures, as well as master trusts. Brent Wright  is also recommended.

PwC LLP's pensions offering focuses on advising large corporates and pension schemes in the UK, as well as trustees, on novel issues relating to pensions liabilities and concerning corporate transactions and structuring work. It is increasingly active in the ESG space, assisting companies and trustees with the transition to more sustainable models. The legal function works closely with the firm's wider consultancy wings, including tax and accounting, enabling it to provide a well-rounded pensions service. The department is headed by Oliver Reece , who has a strong track-record in pensions-related regulatory matters (particularly in relation to moral hazard), as well as in M&A and corporate restructurings. Fraser Sparks  is an expert in benefit correction issues, liability management, bulk annuity transactions and establishing, closing and winding-up schemes. Elizabeth Ramsaran takes the lead on the ESG piece.

Reed Smith LLP's 'small but highly skilled pensions legal team' is most known for its trustee-side work, specialising in negotiations involving sophisticated funding structures, mergers and de-mergers, restructurings, as well as regulatory issues and litigation risk management. The core group consists of Justine Senior, who has vast experience in day-to-day scheme management issues, as well as restructuring work; William Sutton, whose practice spans scheme mergers and closures, funding and investments, buy-ins and buy-outs, as well as age discrimination and auto-enrolment issues. Simon Hartley is another key individual who advises on scheme documentation, mergers, funding and covenant negotiations and investment issues.

Simmons & Simmons' lawyers are commended by clients for 'an excellent knowledge of the pension world, and applying it to advising clients with their unique requirements and circumstances'. The group has a number of longstanding trustee and employer clients, which it advises on issues including funding, de-risking, pensions issues arising from M&A, as well as providing support in investigations and regulatory compliance. The group has particular expertise in the financial services sector. Taking the lead is Danny Tsang  ('an excellent advisor on the law and commercial implications'), who has expertise in restructuring of pensions schemes and benefit structures, and assisting insolvency practitioners in stressed and distressed situations. Bristol-based consultant James Dean has a specialism in pension scheme investments, corporate restructurings and de-risking projects, while Edward Smith  has a strength in pension scheme redesigns, funding negotiations and reduction of past service liabilities.

Ashurst's pensions offering advises on issues concerning defined benefit and defined contribution schemes, with a particular focus on supporting the firm's corporate department on the pensions aspects of corporate transactions. It has a specialism in rail industry schemes, restructurings and matters involving the pensions regulator. The key contact is John Gordon, who has recent experience in major corporate deals, pension issues arising from rail franchise bids, and restructuring, insolvency and refinancing situations.

Charles Russell Speechlys LLP has carved out a niche in advising charities and not-for-profit organisations on pensions issues, working closely with the insolvency team to assist with restructurings. The group also has a strong private sector pensions practice, where lawyers advise on funding, risk reduction, M&A, restructuring and pensions regulator clearance. The group is led by Michael Jones , who is an expert in advising companies, trustees and individual on the waterfront of issues affecting employer sponsored occupational pension schemes. Legal director Esther White  is a specialist in pension-related issues arising from restructuring, M&A and auto-enrolment regulations.

Clyde & Co's team is characterised by clients as being composed of 'very helpful, collaborative people who are solution focussed and easy to deal with'. The group advises employers, trustees and individuals in relation to defined benefit and defined contribution pension schemes and life assurance schemes, building on the wider firm's expertise in insurance law. It is also strong for pensions-related professional indemnity issues. Terry Saeedi heads the practice, and 'when she speaks people know it is worth listening to'. Senior associate Paul Hodges often supports Saeedi, utilising his expertise in pension scheme restructurings and closures of defined benefit schemes; while senior associate Matthew Ambler takes the lead on public sector pensions issues.

Clients feel that gunnercooke LLP's modern, flexible structure 'makes it very agile - in the post-pandemic world they seem to be pulling in well-respected partners from all over the country'. The team benefits from the firm's professional trustee company, gcTrustees, which acts as a trustee of numerous pension schemes. Parminder Latimer advises trustees, employers and individuals on all aspects of pensions issues, in addition to working with the corporate department in transactions involving defined benefit and public sector schemes. Helen Miles is chair of the NHS pensions board and is experienced in matters requiring clearance from the pensions regulator. Adam Bushby  is well-versed in de-riskings, GMP equalisations and pension scheme winding-ups.

At Irwin Mitchell, pensions lawyers are based across the London and Newcastle offices, with a service that is particularly strong for higher education, outsourcing contractors, charity and manufacturing sector clients. The group is well-versed in pensions tax for UK and overseas schemes, as well as specialising in auto- and re-enrolment issues, schemes for new employers, contribution increases, salary sacrifice and TUPE transfers. In London, Penny Cogher  (with a 'depth of technical knowledge') heads the group, advising trustees and employers, on all aspects of pensions issues pertaining to defined benefit and defined contribution schemes, including buy-ins and buy-outs, master trusts and GMP equalisation; while Martin Jenkins  is an expert in benefit reviews and de-risking.

Taylor Wessing LLP has a strong offering that caters to professional trustees, as well as advising on the pensions aspects of company restructurings, bringing together pensions experts with specialists in fraud matters and restructuring issues. The group was bolstered by the arrival of Anna Taylor from Linklaters in January 2022, adding an expert in trustee advisory and projects work, including buy-ins and GMP conversion mandates. Taking the lead is Mark Smith, who has vast experience in restructurings, asset transfers, buy-ins and buy-outs. Also recommended is Angela Sharma, a senior professional support lawyer attached to the pensions group.

TLT's standalone pensions team has a strong regulatory practice, recently advising on a high-profile super-fund issue. The team is also adept at SIPP and SSAS work, in addition to handling a healthy diet of public sector pensions work, owing to its position on the government legal department's pensions panel. The group is led by Sasha Butterworth, who is an expert in new pension structures and products, governance and regulatory issues, as well as advising employers on pension legacy matters. Kate Beech is an expert in GMP equalisation and liability management. Chris Crighton and Lizzie Stone are also lawyers of note.

US firm White & Case LLP has a multi-disciplinary pensions practice in London, focusing on employer issues and the pensions aspects of corporate transactions and restructuring deals. The practice is led by Nicholas Greenacre, who also heads the EMEA employment, compensation and benefits group. Associate Kate Russell is increasingly active in the pensions space.

Clients appreciate that the pensions lawyers at Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP 'seek to solve problems and work collaboratively with co-advisers'. The group has well-rounded expertise in pensions issues facing trustees, providers, insurers and sponsoring employers. Martin Poore heads the Newcastle-based department, drawing on specialisms in interpretation of scheme rules, legislative compliance, scheme and corporate sponsor restructuring and liability management. Suzanne Duff  advises trustees ad sponsors on all aspects of occupational pension schemes, as well as handling contentious issues, while Bristol's Tracy Walsh  stands out for her experience in advising on the structure of scheme mergers, and negotiating scheme closures and benefit redesigns.

Trowers & Hamlins LLP's pensions group brings together public, private and charitable sector expertise, advising sponsors of occupational pension schemes, and trustees. The team is led by Martin McFall, rated by clients for being 'excellent at explaining complicated pensions issues in a straightforward manner', who is experienced in benefit restructuring, liability management and scheme wind-ups. In November 2021, Rebecca McKay left for an in-house position with Just Group.

Wedlake Bell LLP's 'very pleasant to deal with' pensions and employee benefit group works closely with teams across the wider firm, including the banking and finance, and insolvency and restructuring, teams to offer a broad pensions practice. The group has experience in advising employers on final salary schemes, in regulatory issues such as auto-enrolment, and in pensions matters pertaining to divorce. Heading the department is Justin McGilloway , who is ably supported by Alison Hills and Clive Weber , who 'brings the advantage of very many years experience in the field'.