Hogan Lovells International LLP works with some of the largest pension schemes in the UK, covering FTSE 100 clients and multinational companies. From buyout transactions and GMP equalisation strategy arrangements to bulk annuities and longevity solutions and pensions spin-off issues, the team is well-equipped to handle matters domestically and on a cross-border basis. Practice head Katie Banks boasts three decades advising companies, trustees, and financial institutions on multibillion-pound mergers and projects. Claire Southern is noted for being ‘trusted and highly valued’, with experience acting for high-profile clients in risk transfer and taking schemes into the insurance market. Beth Sheehan, experienced in complex scheme mergers, security and asset-backed contribution arrangements, and multi-employer schemes, and Charlotte Yeates, an expert in managing surplus and setting up contingent funding arrangements, are leading counsels. Duncan Buchanan retired in December 2024.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The team manages to be both technically brilliant while at the same time having the ability to present to the lay person in plain English. That is a true skill.'
'Katie Banks is a truly outstanding partner - she's approachable, down to earth, and refreshingly easy to work with. One of her most impressive qualities is her leadership style: she fosters a collaborative and empowering environment, allowing her team to take the lead in client interactions and advice delivery, rather than taking precedence herself.'
‘Hogan Lovells' pension team is excellent and should be the first port of call for anyone seeking advice on pension issues. The partners are universally strong; there is nothing in pensions that they haven't seen or can't deal with and always offer consistently good, measured advice.’
‘The Hogan Lovells pensions team brings over two decades of trusted experience advising corporate pension management teams on their most complex legal challenges. As specialists in pensions law, they understand the regulatory landscape inside and out - and how to navigate it with precision, clarity, and foresight.'
‘The longstanding relationships with this law firm is built on consistency, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of both the law and the pressures associated with the company.'
‘Hogan Lovells is a best-in-class organisation with a culture that is aligned with our own. The team has a deep understanding of our complex benefits arrangements and provides bespoke, tailor-made advice that is clear and proportionate.’
Key clients
- Department of Business and Trade
- Rolls Royce
- HM Treasury
- ITV plc
- Pension Protection Fund
- Ford
- Pilkington Superannuation Scheme
- United Biscuits
- Johnson & Johnson
- Vodafone
- Ernst & Young LLP
- AA
Work highlights
Advised the Department of Business and Trade on all legal aspects of its response to the bid from EP Group to buy Royal Mail for £3.5 billion.
Advise the Pension Protection Fund on the implementation of ECJ rulings (Bauer, Hughes and Hampshire) on compensation for scheme members of companies which have failed.
Advise Royal London on their entrance into the bulk annuity market, using their own defined benefit (DB) schemes.
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.
Claire Southern
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Beth Sheehan
Practice head
Katie Banks
Other key lawyers
Claire Southern; Edward Brown; Beth Sheehan; Charlotte Yeates