Focusing exclusively on pensions, Sacker & Partners LLP fields a deep bench of pension specialists advising trustees, master trusts, and pension providers across the full spectrum of pensions. The firm is recognised for its work on liability management and structural change across both DB and DC arrangements, including scheme funding, end-game strategy, and master trust models. At the helm of the practice, David Saunders maintains a broad practice, encompassing mergers and demergers, de-risking projects, and scheme funding, in addition to assisting clients with navigating pension regulation and legislation. Covering both DB and DC arrangements, Janet Brown leads on large multi-employer DB schemes across various sectors, while Fuat Sami focuses on supporting clients with pension scheme management and change driven by legislative reform or corporate activity. Jacqui Reid is well-known in the market for her master trusts work, advising on wider strategic issues and operational projects. Michael Jones joined from Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP in July 2026.
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- Lucy Dunbar is a very pragmatic lawyer, communicates well and focuses on the client's perspective. Tom Jackman is the very best in the business when it comes to specific high-pressure and time-constrained projects. Janet Brown – very refreshing to have a lawyer who doesn’t sit on the fence, says what she thinks, and always comes up with a practical way forward for the client.
- Janet Brown and Kirsty Pake are standout partners for us. They are always cheerful with a punchline or a quote that sums everything up in a light-hearted manner - even when topics are very dry. They also have encyclopedic knowledge of our scheme and pensions law in general, keeping us on the right side of the law at all times. The junior members of the team are also very knowledgeable, and we have complete confidence in the advice provided by all levels within the firm. I would also mention Iain Cormichon and Polly Ehrman, who have been a considerable help with complex contract negotiations.
- I have always found the team at Sackers to be the most professional yet approachable and friendly. Nothing is missed, and the team has a great way of remembering everything and covering every small detail. There is collaboration across the teams, and we are made to feel that our Sackers team has all our complex issues firmly under control at all times.
- My two primary points of contact have been Fuat Sami and Emily Rowley. Both of these individuals are very knowledgeable regarding technical pension rules and are able to explain arcane concepts in a very understandable way. They are very responsive and always take the time to answer all my questions.
- Very strong technical knowledge and deep bench experience.
- Pragmatic, expertise, value for money, depth of knowledge.
Key clients
- Royal Mail Pension Plan
- The Trustee of the Superannuation Arrangements of the University of London
- TfL Pension Fund
- DHL Group Retirement Plan
- 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
Work highlights
Advised the Trustee of the National Grid UK Pension Scheme on its further £900m buy-in with Rothesay, securing the benefits of 7,130 pensioners and dependants.
Advised the sponsoring employer, Honda Motor Europe, on a major buy-in transaction with L&G for its pension scheme. The transaction had a deal value of £800m.
Advised the Trustee of the Royal Mail Pension Plan on the corporate takeover of Royal Mail’s parent company, International Distribution Services, by EP Group, which was completed in 2025.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
David Saunders
Other key lawyers
Janet Brown; Jacqui Reid; Fuat Sami; Michael Jones; Andy Lewis