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Wilberforce Chambers

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England - London Bar

1

Pensions

Wilberforce Chambers continues a go-to set for occupational pensions work. Members of the set routinely advise on novel issues affecting pensions schemes and personal pension, crossing over with the set's expertise in Chancery litigation. Fenner Moeran KC appeared opposite Brian Green KC, Joseph Steadman and Michael Tennet KC in Re 3i Pension Scheme, which centred on interpretation of the word ‘interests’ and concerned whether or not the scheme was closed to future accrual in 2010 and resulted in the employer receiving an £83m surplus. Paul Newman KC is leading Ram Lakshman in Samworth Brothers Ltd v Samworth Brothers Superannuation Scheme Trustee Ltd, the case raises issues surrounding the administration of pension schemes such as what limitation periods apply to the repayment of overpaid pension benefits.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

Excellent chambers. Leaders in pensions law. The clerking staff are extremely approachable and willing to assist. We have a very good relationship with them.
The clerks are excellent: responsive and easy to deal with.
Wilberforce is professional from start to finish, from the time you instruct a barrister to the final invoice.

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.

Michael Furness KC

Michael is at the very top of the pile when it comes to technical black letter law matters. There is no one in my experience who has a better knowledge of pensions law, combined with tax and trust law. He is a "very big brain!" One of the advocates most respected by judges because of his expertise but also because of his measured and clear submissions in which they can trust - no fireworks or melodrama, no exaggerations. A lovely team member with no airs and graces.

Brian Green KC

He's simply the best pensions barrister there is. It's not especially close either. A fantastic legal thinker and one of the hardest working lawyers I know. A superlative advocate who knows just how to put things for the court.

Michael Tennet KC

Mike is easy to work with and very responsive. He takes into account the commercial position of the client as well as the legal issues and gives clear advice. He is willing to listen to alternative perspectives before reaching a considered view.

Paul Newman KC

At the top of his game; tremendously able and clever; a real grasp of the detail but sees the bigger/commercial picture; I would trust Paul with the knottiest problems; he has a grasp of pension law that is probably not surpassed; amazingly accessible and approachable; a great team player.

Jonathan Hilliard KC

Jonathan is very clever and has excellent technical knowledge and analysis. He considers an issue from all sides and gives clear advice on the strengths and weaknesses of the potential outcomes.

Fenner Moeran KC

Fenner instills confidence in his clients, and they are keen to return to him for further matters. He is excellent on his feet and reassuring to clients.

Andrew Mold KC

Andrew is very clever and has excellent judgment. He is a really team player who manages expectations and advises in clear and concise terms. He is great with clients. In court, he is straightforward and makes submissions to the judge in a clear and concise manner.

2025 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.

Thomas Robinson KC

Tom is outstanding and my first choice for a pensions silk. He is a pleasure to work with - very knowledgeable on pensions issues, practical, commercial, incisive in his thinking, gets to the heart of the issues quickly, responsive even at short notice and when busy on other matters. No question is too stupid and I know he has my back when I need it. Can't recommend enough.

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.

Edward Sawyer

Very thorough, sensible, and bright; a master of technical and procedural detail; an impressive and understated courtroom manner.

Sebastian Allen

He provides clear and considered advice and comes up with creative arguments.

Jennifer Seaman

Strong advocate, clear advice, great client skills, a pleasure to deal with.

James McCreath

Excellent advocacy style, James is skilled in explaining very technical areas simply and clearly. He has a calm and persuasive style. More generally, James is easy to work with and is able to distill complex issues and arguments to draw out the most important points.

James Walmsley

James is able to consider large amounts of information and identify the relevant points for the case. He is responsive and considers an issue from all angles.

Jonathan Chew

Very able; a master of detail; writes very well. A thorough approach, but also commercial; a great team player and fun to work with.

Michael Ashdown

Joseph Steadman

Very bright, superb analysis. Combines it with a very approachable and likable manner.

Ram Lakshman

Ram is professional, thoughtful, and fully engaged. He fully commits to a matter and provides important input throughout. Ram is always available and will always respond via email soon after any email is received. We know that we are in good hands with Ram.