Firms To Watch: Pensions (non-contentious)

Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP‘s pensions practice was bolstered by the May 2022 addition of practice head Alison Hills from Wedlake Bell LLP, who is particularly experienced with assisting in cross-border pensions issues.

Pensions (non-contentious) in London

CMS

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.

Practice head(s):

Maria Rodia


Other key lawyers:

Mark Atkinson; Mark Grant; Keith Webster; Emma Frost; Caroline Kurup; Johanna Clarke; Thibault Jeakings; Neil Smith


Testimonials

‘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.’

Key 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.

Practice head(s):

Francois Barker; Jeremy Goodwin


Other key lawyers:

Mark Latimour; Michael Jones; Steven Hull; Charlotte Cartwright; Sarah Swift; Lorna Doggett; Freya Stuart


Testimonials

‘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.’

‘Sarah and Freya work seamlessly together as the senior members of the team. However, all the team are able to cover matters and coordinate the necessary response.’

‘Mark Latimour is an excellent adviser and strategic partner. Apart from his technical strengths, he is fully up to speed with prospective legal and regulatory developments, and is instrumental in shaping these.’

‘This is a technically excellent but very user-friendly team that provides clear advice in accessible language, allied to a robust but pragmatic style.’

‘Integrity, understanding and responsiveness.’

‘Mark Latimour and Michael Jones are very approachable and consistently offer rapid turnarounds on advice. I’ve always received excellent, commercially-focused advice from them.’

Key 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.

Practice head(s):

Katie Banks


Other key lawyers:

Claire Southern; Duncan Buchanan; Edward Brown; Beth Sheehan


Testimonials

‘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.’

‘Claire Southern and her team understand the complexities of the different schemes within our pension fund and always provide legally sound yet pragmatic advice.’

‘Service levels and responsiveness are both very good. This is particularly the case when work is urgent. Hogan Lovells provides excellent training sessions for its clients.’

‘Both Katie and Beth have an excellent understanding of our pension scheme and its history. They work exceptionally well with the trustee and the plan’s other advisers. They are quick to bring our attention to matters that will impact our scheme. Both are approachable and are happy to take the lead or offer a supporting role to our other advisers as required.’

‘Beth is excellent at enhancing our understanding of matters. Katie has a wealth of experience advising pension schemes across a range of scenarios and offers practical and pragmatic advice. Both have a good understanding of the expectations of the various regulatory bodies and guide us to ensure these are met’

‘The specialist legal knowledge of the team is best in class. The advice is always clear and factors in the complexities associated with our arrangements. The team have a strong knowledge of how we do things and their advice is always on-point.’

Key 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


Work highlights


  • 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.

Practice head(s):

Claire Petheram


Other key lawyers:

Rosalind Knowles; Philip Goss; John Sheppard; Sarah Parkin


Testimonials

‘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.’

‘Claire Petheram is superb. She confidently and professionally handles all business and seems to have an encyclopaedic knowledge of all things pensions. She tactfully guides and steers the board, always allowing them to make the decisions but providing them with enough insight to ensure they make informed ones.’

Key clients

British Airways


XYZ Trustees Limited


The Trustee of the British Staff Superannuation Scheme


Sainsbury’s Pension Scheme


Work highlights


  • 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.

Practice head(s):

Stephen Scholefield


Other key lawyers:

Matthew de Ferrars; Raj Sharma; Mark Baker; Stewart Murphy; Alison Cribbs; Chris Burke


Testimonials

‘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.’

Key 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


Work highlights


  • 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 ‘superbJacqui Reid as well as Edward Hayes.

Practice head(s):

David Saunders


Other key lawyers:

Janet Brown; Fuat Sami; Stuart O’Brien; Philippa Connaughton; Helen Ball; Jacqui Reid; Edward Hayes


Testimonials

‘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.’

‘Sacker & Partners LLP is recognised as the go-to legal practice for pensions advice to trustees. Their pension expertise is undoubted, but this combined with the team’s pragmatism and approachability sets them apart.’

‘An impressively broad range of subject matter experts, who ensure we receive tailored and proportionate approach for specific projects.’

‘They are highly responsive and take the time to understand our characteristics and perspective, to provide bespoke advice.’

‘Jacqui Reid has been superb at encouraging effective interaction between the industry and regulators. She has played a key role in helping a consensus to develop across many different players and perspectives in terms of how best the industry can implement the regulators’ policy intentions.’

‘Friendly team, able to take complex matters and support the trustee board members through the detail. All members of the team are strong, collegiate, and readily available.’

Key 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


Work highlights


  • 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.

Practice head(s):

Charles Cameron


Other key lawyers:

Sandeep Maudgil; Daniel Schaffer; Chris Sharpe; Adrien Mallevays


Testimonials

‘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.’

‘Adrien Mallevays’ technical expertise is unquestionable and his approach to client engagement and clear, commercial and confident application of the law is different to most of his peers.’

‘The team at Slaughter and May has a strong client focus and successfully handles the most complex of legal pension issues. The team is collaborative, responsive, and draws on specialist expertise from other areas of Slaughter and May, where needed. Slaughter and May have recognised the increased need for virtual meetings and have invested in gold standard conferencing facilities at their offices.’

‘Lead partner Daniel Schaffer goes out of way to listen, communicate and respond. An exceptionally strong individual who seems able to visualise every eventuality to ensure that all angles are covered. All of the individuals at Slaughter and May display strong ethical and professional values and area pleasure to work with.’

‘Very capable team with broad experience. Responsive and quick.’

‘Easy to strike up a good working relationship with the team.’

Key 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


Work highlights


  • 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.

Practice head(s):

Susie Daykin; Daniel Gerring


Other key lawyers:

David James; Dan Naylor; Andy Lewis; Niamh Hamlyn; Chris Widdison; Karen Sahota


Testimonials

‘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.’

‘Travers Smith are a very customer friendly firm and have, in my experience, always integrated very well with the trustees they support. Their advice is always clearly explained and above all pragmatic, avoiding overuse of jargon and technical detail.’

‘Their in-depth legal and pensions knowledge is second-to-none. Their responsiveness is always 100%. In terms of innovation, they lead the way in their field on diversity.’

‘Travers Smith are unique in that they are pragmatic lawyers who actively seek-out simple solutions to complex problems, and we are confident in their ability to support the trustee board, having understood the brief and the detail of the matter.’

‘Susie Daykin is a leading figure in the industry with masses of experience. She’s a truly outstanding technical lawyer, great at solving problems, and lovely to work with.’

Key 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


Work highlights


  • 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.

Practice head(s):

Anna Rogers


Other key lawyers:

Rosalind Connor; Jane Kola; Anna Copestake


Testimonials

‘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.’

Key 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.

Practice head(s):

Arron Slocombe


Other key lawyers:

Jonathan Sharp; Tom McNaughton; Danielle Klinger; Jeanette Holland


Testimonials

‘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.’

Key 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


Work highlights


  • 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.

Practice head(s):

Richard Knight


Other key lawyers:

Michael Hayles; Clive Pugh; Richard Pettit; Alice Honeywill; Susannah Young; Chris Brown; Crispin Freeman


Testimonials

‘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.’

‘Richard Pettit is a brilliant pensions lawyer who really knows his stuff and is a pleasure to deal with. Pragmatic and sensible.’

‘Highly competent team with specialist pensions expertise. A sound balance of pragmatic and protective legal advice.’

‘Very personable, thorough, professional, and well-resourced.’

‘Clive Pugh is client-focused, understanding, technically strong, offers value for money, and makes pensions fun.’

‘Chris Brown is extremely good at following up and providing sound advice.’

Key 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


Work highlights


  • 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.

Practice head(s):

Hywel Robinson


Other key lawyers:

Clare Hoxey; Sarah McAleer; Rebecca Trapp; Robert Klepka


Testimonials

‘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.’

Key clients

Mitchells & Butlers


Thames & Hudson


Saint-Gobain


The Co-operative Bank


Work highlights


  • 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 ‘outstandingMatthew 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.

Practice head(s):

Matthew Swynnerton; Amrit Mclean


Other key lawyers:

Tamara Calvert; Joel Eytle; Oritsema Ejuoneatse; Paul Blagg


Testimonials

‘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.’

‘Tamara Calvert is preeminent in her ESPS knowledge which puts her ahead of her colleagues in other practices.’

‘An extremely professional and responsive team.’

‘Tamara Calvert is excellent. Nothing is too much trouble and she is very solutions-driven, pragmatic and extremely clear on her advice, both written and verbally. She is ably supported by Paul Blagg, who has been very helpful.’

Key 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


Work highlights


  • 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.

Practice head(s):

Elizabeth Gane


Other key lawyers:

Joanne Tibbott; Jason Coates; Paul Feathers; Sarah Tate; Sara Chambers


Testimonials

‘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.’

‘Joanne Tibbott provides a caring, thoughtful, and proportionate service to ensure advice strikes the right balance between giving you what is required and adequately covering the issues concerned without going over-the-top on detail. Joanne is more than ably supported by Sarah Tate, who efficiently deals with our requirements and helps us correctly solve legal problems.’

‘The team is commercial, available and really work as part of the scheme team. This applies across the team at all levels, and is refreshing. Fee conversations are timely, transparent and proportionate.’

‘Paul Feathers is great to deal with and is very solutions-driven. Sarah Tate is thorough and extremely knowledgeable.’

Key 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


Work highlights


  • 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.

Practice head(s):

Samantha Brown


Other key lawyers:

Rachel Pinto; Michael Aherne; Alison Brown


Testimonials

‘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.’

Key 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


Work highlights


  • 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.

Practice head(s):

Jay Doraisamy; Ian Wright


Other key lawyers:

Andrew Block; Duncan Watson; Beverly Cox; Edward Jewitt; Liam Kellett; Alex Knowles-Smith


Testimonials

‘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.’

‘Edward Jewett possesses a fine legal mind and is able to tease apart often highly complex issues arising from decisions taken many years ago, involving incomplete or impenetrable documentation.’

‘The team works well together to cover a variety of investment pensions issues. They are flexible in their approach and provide clear practical advice.’

‘Giles Bywater is a pleasure to work with. His advice is considered, thorough and collaborative. He is good at problem solving and thinking ahead to next steps and implications.’

‘Jay Doraisamy is our lead contact and over the last couple of years has established a good team to support our Scheme. Jay is a very senior partner within the business but is always on hand and will always respond to any requests very quickly, identifying next steps and timescales.’

‘Duncan Watson is very professional, diligent and will use his knowledge to offer practical solutions to requests that best suit the needs of our pension scheme rather than offer a ‘standard’ approach. He is always approachable and is happy to chat through topics/issues rather than rely on email instruction.’

Key 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.

Practice head(s):

Lesley Browning


Other key lawyers:

Shane O’Reilly; Giannis Waymouth; Graeme Tricker


Testimonials

‘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.’

‘Lesley Browning is highly experienced and practical.’

‘Lesley and Giannis Waymouth are very technical, very comprehensive, very user friendly and great value for money.’

‘A very strong and knowledgeable pensions practice – I have had dealings with the pensions sections of a number of firms and have found Norton Rose Fulbright LLP to be the best.’

‘Lesley Browning has an excellent understanding of pensions matters and provides her advice in a clear and straightforward way. She is totally reliable.

‘I work with Shane O’Reilly and Graeme Tricker who demonstrate patience as well as extensive knowledge. This is the best team I work with.’

Key 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


Work highlights


  • 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.

Practice head(s):

Wendy Hunter; Matthew Giles


Other key lawyers:

Kirsty McLean; Archana Gupta; Clifford Sims; Chris Harper


Testimonials

‘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.’

‘An extremely experienced and knowledgeable team. Available and responsive. Extremely skilled at responding to the diverse Trustee board.’

‘Wendy Hunter has a fantastic relationship with the Trustee and is great at translating complex legal positions into intelligible, balanced advice. Always available if needed, and great to discuss issues informally with.’

‘Pragmatic, personable, calm in crisis, professional and always looks for solutions rather than problems.’

Key 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


Work highlights


  • 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‘.

Practice head(s):

Philip Goodchild


Other key lawyers:

Stephen Richards; Naeem Noor; Chris Edwards Earl; Mark Catchpole


Testimonials

‘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.’

‘I have found Stephenson Harwood to be very adept at dealing with various scenarios the Sponsor has tabled. They have led us through some really complex times, and I have found that their flexibility and understanding of our position very refreshing.’

‘I have had a great deal of support from Stephen over the past year. He is always willing to explain complex matters in layman’s terms and ensures that our trustee board are aware of the pros and cons of decisions we have to take.’

‘Stephen Richards is one of the most pragmatic, commercial and thorough lawyers in the industry.’

‘There is always good experience and knowledge within the team that we deal with and they are always very good at problem solving challenges the scheme faces.’

‘I have worked with Stephen Richards and Chris Edwards Earl. Stephen is bright and thoughtful with excellent judgement and a good way with clients. Chris is hardworking and intelligent with a charming manner.’

Key clients

PHL


First UK Bus Pension Scheme


Yell Pension Plan


Paramount Pictures/Universal Pictures


Harvey Nichols


Dior


Moet


Textron


Work highlights


  • 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.

Practice head(s):

Alison Weatherhead; Eleanor Hart


Other key lawyers:

Caroline Curran; Carolyn Saunders


Testimonials

‘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.’

‘Eleanor Hart has been exceptionally responsive, making herself available at short notice and providing a sense of both what the regulations state, and what the regulator is currently focused on.’

‘The individuals have an unusual mix of technical pensions acumen and litigation experience. Eleanor Hart and Caroline Curran are both technically excellent and a pleasure to work with.’

‘There is a wide-ranging skillset across the partners. Their ability to understand what is likely to be important to us within the public sector whilst balancing this against private sector precedence is useful.’

‘Dentons provide a full-range of legal services to suit our requirements. They have strength in depth in all areas and an open and transparent approach to addressing the challenges within the engagement.’

‘Eleanor Hart provided clear and concise advice throughout our pension transaction and was always available to support our needs in the sale overall process.’

Key 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


Work highlights


  • 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.

Practice head(s):

David Gallagher


Other key lawyers:

Jeremy Harris; Michael Calvert; Andrew Patten; Katie Whelan


Testimonials

‘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.’

‘They are always available and turn things around quickly. Standout partners are David Gallagher and Jeremy Harris plus Andrew Patten.’

‘They are extremely knowledgeable in their field, helpful, and proactive.’

‘Andrew and his team have been pivotal in keeping our pension scheme wind-up moving along.’

‘Their knowledge and experience have enabled us to keep pushing the project along.’

‘Andrew Patton is extremely knowledgeable and has the ability to make a complex subject understandable to non experts. Despite being very busy, Andrew is always available for a call or meeting.’

Key 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


Work highlights


  • 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.

Practice head(s):

Camilla Barry; Andrew Barton


Other key lawyers:

Madison Isted; Stacey Yon; Faye Jarvis


Testimonials

‘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.’

‘Their attention-to-detail is second-to-none and we always value their ability to simplify drafting to tackle any problem. Working with them is a pleasure every time.’

‘Macfarlanes are a smaller practice than others but one with a huge level of industry knowledge in the UK pension de-risking market. They deliver a personalised and very human service based on their wealth of experience.’

‘Andrew and Madison present a great team from a client perspective. Andrew has a huge level of knowledge of the industry and any problems encountered he has often seen – and indeed solved – before.’

‘Madison has an incredible eye for detail and picks up on errors or dangers in proposed wording that has often eluded others during review. A real standout is how well they both work as a team- better than any others I’ve worked with.’

‘They understand each other’s strengths and contribute accordingly to deliver a perfect level of client service.’

Key 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


Work highlights


  • 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 ‘greatTobias Hole, alongside Claire Rankin, Thames Valley-based Chris Netiatis, and legal director Lee Colgate. Carol Dick notably joined from PwC LLP in October 2022.

Practice head(s):

Jonathan Hazlett


Other key lawyers:

Tobias Hole; Claire Rankin; Chris Netiatis; Lee Colgate; Carol Dick; Joe Webster


Testimonials

‘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.’

‘Joe Webster is a joy to work with. He provides a technically excellent service in a ready user-friendly way. He is an exception in a private legal practice in that he provides the perfect in-house lawyer service; law that can be easily used and applied, not an academic treatise requiring cold towels round the head to be read in a darkened room.’

Key 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


Work highlights


  • 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.

Practice head(s):

Oliver Reece


Other key lawyers:

Fraser Sparks; Elizabeth Ramsaran; David Farmer; Lindsay O’Farrell


Testimonials

‘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.’

‘PwC Legal is an up and coming practice in the pensions sector. Their client care and communication is first-rate, and they are also diligent and effective litigators with experience within the team of more technical pensions law.’

‘David Farmer is a very likeable, hardworking, and effective litigator who is very good with clients. Oliver Reece is very clever and has a good knowledge of more technical pensions law.’

Key clients

Ageas Insurance Staff Pension Scheme


SIG


Inchcape


ASD/Kloeckner Metals


adidas


British Broadcasting Corporation


Pentland Brands


IMI plc


Work highlights


  • 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'.

Practice head(s):

Simon Hartley; Justine Senior; William Sutton


Testimonials

‘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.

Practice head(s):

Danny Tsang


Other key lawyers:

James Dean; Edward Smith; Laura Friedman; Kate Fellows Tully; Andy So


Testimonials

‘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.’

Key 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


Work highlights


  • 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.

Other key lawyers:

Adam Bushby; Helen Miles; Parminder Latimer; Michael M Jones


Testimonials

‘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.’

‘Helen Miles is an excellent and pragmatic thinker. Exceptional at getting across complex issues to lay trustees.’

‘The quality and advice provided by each of the partners has been exceptional. Gunnercooke is one of the best law practice firms I have worked with in the last 20 years.’

‘Parminder Latimer has been exceptional in relation to all pensions guidance and has supported the business with a full pension set-up and transition from a Corporate Pension Plan to our own scheme. Fellow Partner colleagues at Gunnercooke have also supported our business with exceptional legal advice which has supported our business transition in the last 12-18 months.’

‘We have worked in partnership with Gunnercooke for over a year and the level of technical pensions expertise and insight has been and is exceptional.’

‘Parminder Latimer has consistently demonstrated excellent insight, tenacity for detail and delivery of assurance and content that we required for a what was, on reflection, a relatively seamless transition and change to our company pension scheme. Parminder’s guidance has been exceptional.’

Key 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


Work highlights


  • 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.

Practice head(s):

Penny Cogher; Martin Jenkins


Other key lawyers:

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’. 

Other key lawyers:

Ben Hughes; Monica Ma


Testimonials

‘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.

Practice head(s):

Mark Smith


Other key lawyers:

Anna Taylor; Georgie Wardrop; Afshan Mallik


Testimonials

‘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.’

‘Excellent on the intersection between cyber and pensions.’

‘A team of expert pension lawyers.’

‘A highly professional and experienced team with strong communication skills and depth of knowledge.’

‘Mark Smith is excellent. His legal analysis of complex situations provides clarity and clear recommendations for next steps.’

‘Mark Smith is very efficient, very quick with responses and his work is outstanding.’

Key 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


Work highlights


  • 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.

Practice head(s):

Sasha Butterworth


Other key lawyers:

Kate Beech; Chris Crighton


Key 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


Work highlights


  • 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.

Practice head(s):

Martin Poore


Other key lawyers:

Suzanne Duff; Tracy Walsh; Gavin Ellison; Paul Rosenzweig; Kelly Beattie; Naomi Jacques


Testimonials

‘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.’

Key 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


Work highlights


  • 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.

Practice head(s):

John Gordon


Key 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


Work highlights


  • 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.

Practice head(s):

Martin McFall


Other key lawyers:

Deborah Shumate


Testimonials

‘They are very pragmatic, knowledgeable of our sector, and respond promptly.’

‘Martin McFall is excellent.’

Key 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


Work highlights


  • 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 ‘excellentJustin 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.

Practice head(s):

Justin McGilloway


Other key lawyers:

Paul Ashcroft; James Newcome


Testimonials

‘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.’

‘A big city firm experience and, in terms of collaboration, they are very open to this on pensions and incentive work.’

‘Justin McGilloway is very focused, approachable and excels in pensions and incentive work. His team always deliver at a high level and with great consistency. Justin is our go-to for complicated pension work and where we have difficult incentive project work.’

‘Strong advisory practice led by Justin McGilloway. User-friendly, with genuine expertise.’

‘Justin McGilloway is excellent. Great attention-to-detail but also highly commercial. They provide strong and robust advice when required.’

Key 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


Work highlights


  • 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.