Handling a broad range of pensions issues, including scheme restructurings, de-risking, and covenant matters, Stephenson Harwood maintains a diverse client base, ranging from high-net-worth individuals and charities to large occupational pension schemes. Stephen Richards is regularly instructed by well-known pension schemes, companies, and institutions. Capable of every aspect in the pensions industry, Philip Goodchild brings experience acting for trustees and employers in large-scale projects. Leading the department’s international pensions practice, Estella Bogira provides a unique offering for individuals, and Naeem Noor is well-equipped to handle a range of advisory work, as well as transactional matters.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- Always accessible when needed. Timely and relevant advice.
- They understand us, and therefore it is easy to do business with them.
- Estella Bogira is excellent. She provides the right balance of commerciality and pragmatism, as well as having a clear understanding of client needs. She is also collaborative and easy to work with.
- Dynamic, commercial, and pragmatic.
- We chose Stephenson Harwood because from the outset they were approachable, responsive, and clearly understood our needs. They provide high-quality and practical advice that shows good knowledge of our industry, and that sets them apart from other firms.
- Stephen Richards is always accessible, consistently picks up the phone, communicates in a timely manner, and provides clear, pragmatic advice that helps the trustee board make informed decisions. Compared with peers at other firms, his combination of technical expertise, responsiveness, and practical judgement is outstanding.
Key clients
- The Trustee of the First UK Bus Pension Scheme
- The Trustee of the FirstGroup Pension Scheme
- Renishaw Plc
- Kroll Bond Rating Agency UK Ltd
- Santander UK Group Pension Scheme
- The Trustee of the First Bus Retirement Savings Plan
- The Trustee of the Kelly Services (UK) Ltd Business Plan
- The Trustee of the Consumer UK Pension Plan
- De-risking Pathway Proposition
- Trustees of the Thyssen 1992 Pension Plan
Work highlights
Advised the First Bus Retirement Savings Plan on drafting a bespoke governance structure and providing a comprehensive approach to establishing an Effective System of Governance for the scheme.
Advised the trustee of the Thyssen 1992 Pension Plan on the bulk transfer of the majority of the members and assets to a Defined Contribution Master Trust with Aviva, together with advice on winding up the Plan and securing comprehensive trustee protection.
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
Estella Bogira
Other key lawyers
Philip Goodchild; Naeem Noor; Stephen Richards