Outer Temple Chambers remains a leading pensions set in addition to its employment expertise, with members are frequently engaged in the largest, most complex cases. Recent highlights include BBC v BBC Pension Trustee Ltd and Christina Burns, a Court of Appeal case which considered the correct interpretation of an amendment power with a fetter preventing prejudicial amendments to ‘interests’ and therefore whether the pension scheme could be closed to future accrual. Andrew Spink KC successfully acted for the representative beneficiary and led Saul Margo in the case. Richard Hitchcock KC, Nicolas Stallworthy KC and Charlotte Elves all appeared in Arcadia Group Pension Trust v Smith. The case concerned two occupational pension schemes and the attempts to bring them to full solvency, it resulted in the recognition that ’objects’ of a pension scheme include both existing members and new joiners.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- Created a center of excellence in pensions over the last couple of decades. A strong stable of excellent silks and a very good pool of quality juniors.
- An excellent set that offers that rare combination of pensions and employment law expertise.
- Hardworking, switched on, and always available. Matt Sale and Ellie Barra deserve special praise.
- Outer Temple Chambers is a great set and my "go-to" chambers.
- Fabulous, ever-ready team. Matt Sale is always willing to help out.
- Outer Temple is our go-to Chambers for pensions disputes advice. They are well-regarded across the market, have exceptional pensions expertise, and offer a perfect blend of technical and practical advice. The chambers also puts on an annual pensions roadshow which is always insightful (particularly the silks’ fireside) and well attended across the industry. This is the only set we are aware of hosting pensions litigation focused events in Manchester, and it is much appreciated.
Lawyers
Leading Silks
KCs at the very top of their field, with a long-established record of market-defining cases, and widespread endorsement from clients and peers. All silks appointed in the last two rounds are listed further below.
Nicolas Stallworthy KC
Excellent on his feet in court - very persuasive, knowing how to bring judges along with even the most complicated facts and arguments.
Well prepared for consultations and works well in a team with instructing solicitors.
Prepared to give robust and sophisticated advice.
Keith Bryant KC
It is a pleasure to deal with. Calm, collected, and clear advice. Good with clients.
Andrew Short KC
Andrew is the best barrister I have worked with. Andrew is down to earth and sees the human side, which is very important in the world of pensions. Andrew sees the big picture and has excellent legal skills. Andrew has a very high success rate and is a winner!
2026 Silks
KCs at the very top of their field, with a long-established record of market-defining cases, and widespread endorsement from clients and peers. All silks appointed in the last two rounds are listed further below.
Leading Juniors
Leading juniors are those with significant experience of key cases, strong market recognition from both peers and clients, and are seen as future candidates for silk.
Philip Stear
Philip is a pleasure to work with and has real gravitas and standing - an intellectually strong barrister who speaks with real authority and presence when advising clients. He is particularly creative in his application of the law and in exploring the scope of liability in a fresh and engaging way. He is always responsive and capable of distilling extremely complex legal points into accessible, client-friendly advice.
Victoria Brown
Victoria's knowledge of the law is to be assumed; what stood out was her responsiveness and willingness to discuss and engage with challenges to her advice from the client and our team. The advice provided was clear and strategic.
Elizabeth Grace
A strategic thinker who effortlessly combines practical insight, technical excellence, and fierce advocacy. Beth is brilliant at putting clients at ease and definitely someone you want fighting your client's corner. She is a pleasure to work with as a solicitor.
Patrick Tomison
Organized and thorough in research to assist KC on a very intellectually challenging case. Good client care skills.
Stephen Butler
Stephen Butler has extensive experience in pensions litigation. He is very bright, diligent, and easy to work with - and cuts through to the key issues with speed and elegance.
Rising stars
Rising stars at the Bar are defined as barristers between four and eight years’ call who are seen as up-and-coming members of the Bar in their respective practice areas by clients and peers alike. They will already be instructed in high-profile, complex, and high-value contentious and non-contentious matters, working with and opposite more experienced leading counsel.
