With dedicated litigation capabilities, CMS maintains a robust position in the pensions disputes market. The practice is regularly instructed on Part 7 professional negligence claims by major industry players, including consultants, trustees, and pension providers, and has played a prominent role in Part 8 actions and disputes involving the Pensions Regulator. Maria Rodia leads the team, while Neil Smith remains a go-to advisor for consultants in professional negligence actions. Based in Manchester, Tim Green is frequently instructed by household-name clients on significant pensions mandates. Neal Gibson brings extensive experience representing clients at first instance and in the Court of Appeal.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- A large, highly experienced team of pensions lawyers in one of the pre-eminent firms, both in contentious and non-contentious work. Excellent at both partner and associate levels, attracting and providing quality advice to top clients.
- Neil Smith, for his exceptional client care and excellent strategic insight. Every case he handles, from my experience, he applies himself very diligently indeed to trying to secure the best possible client outcome.
- The team at CMS has exceptional strength and depth, and in my experience is unmatched by any other firm.
- Mark Jenkins - proactive, pragmatic, solution-focused. Rosie Pickles - dynamic, fun, solution-oriented.
- Proactive, solution-focused, pragmatic.
- The individuals I have worked with stand out for their responsiveness, sound judgment, and commercial awareness. They are accessible and engaged, and provide advice that is practical rather than overly technical or theoretical. Tim Green provides clear, well-structured input and demonstrates good judgment in assessing risk and shaping a proportionate response. John Hanratty brings valuable experience and perspective, particularly in more complex or sensitive matters. Samuel Fulda is responsive and reliable, and provides concise, well-focused support.
Key clients
- Aon
- Trustee of the Motor Industry Pension Plan
- Trustee of the Biwater Retirement and Security Scheme
- Trustees of the Northumbrian Water Pension Scheme
- Munro & Miller Fittings Ltd RBS
Work highlights
Advised the Trustee of the Motor Industry Pension Plan on a high-value multi-employer Part 8 High Court rectification application.
Advised the Trustee of the Biwater Retirement and Security Scheme on the High Court’s ratification of the decision to wind up the Scheme’s sponsoring employer.
Acted for the Trustee of the Northumbrian Water Pension Scheme in a Part 8 application on the interpretation of key scheme provisions.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Maria Rodia
Other key lawyers
Neil Smith; Neal Gibson; Tim Green