Boasting a growing team that represents some of the largest group pension schemes in the market, Stephenson Harwood‘s pensions team supports clients in multiple jurisdictions on advisory matters and various tax issues, working with a host of trustees and sponsors. Practice head Stephen Richards is an expert in big schemes, advising employers, trustees, and master trusts on day-to-day matters. Other stand-out practitioners include Philip Goodchild, a specialist in the not-for-profit sector who advises on liability reduction exercises, and Estella Bogira, a private wealth and occupational pensions expert. Naeem Noor is also noted for the breadth of his experience across general advisory, transactional, and contentious matters.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Naeem Noor is very sensible, calm and level-headed and Philip Goodchild is an excellent relationship management partner, sorting out any issues and making changes when requested.’
‘The team are considerate, polite, friendly and keep to the subject matter.'
‘They work well together, very solid on the law but also with an eye to value and innovation.’
‘Stephen Richards is extremely responsive, commercial, and calm, looking for solutions with a can-do attitude.’
‘Strength in depth and able to work effectively together to cover everything.'
‘Estella Bogira is a joy to work with.’
‘My experience of SH is that they provide in-meeting advice and guidance which clients can rely on, which means the service is efficient and pragmatic.'
‘Stephen Richards embodies the firm's pragmatic, practical, and solution-driven advice. He is very personable and takes time to build deep relationships with his clients.’
Key clients
- The Trustee of the First UK Bus Pension Scheme
- The Trustees of the FM Insurance Company Limited Pension Fund & Life Assurance Scheme
- Railpen
- Santander UK Group Pension Scheme
- Northumbrian Water
- Trustee of the W & J Leigh Staff Pension Scheme
Work highlights
Acted for the Trustee of the First UK Bus Pension Scheme on the merger of the First UK Bus Pension Scheme into the FirstGroup Pension Scheme.
Advised on various matters relating to the effective and efficient operation and governance of the four rail industry pension schemes for which Railpen is responsible.
Acted on the transition of administration services for the £10bn Santander UK Group Pension Scheme from Aptia to Gallagher and the parallel production of benefit specifications for all 7 sections of the scheme.
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
Stephen Richards
Other key lawyers
Philip Goodchild; Estella Bogira; Naeem Noor