Travers Smith LLP’s pensions team is experienced in advising the UK’s largest DB and DC pension schemes, covering a host of matters from risk and liability management, investment, contracts, funding and security to employment, tax, governance, and disputes. The practice boasts a risk transfer specialism and is advising on innovative schemes diversifying into the private equity and ESG and sustainability spaces. The team is led by the derisking and trustee advisory expert Susie Daykin. Other standout figures include Daniel Gerring, experienced in advising some of the UK’s largest schemes on covenant, regulatory and governance issues, and David James, who advises employers on pension obligations, and in relation to corporate activity. Andy Lewis left the team in 2024 for Sacker & Partners LLP.
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The team take a deep dive into the issues presented to them to understand our needs. They consult other members of the department if needed and bring an expert into the team for a particular matter. ’
‘The team demonstrates its cohesiveness at all times, they interchange personnel between different meetings as well as matters to ensure the right person it is doing the right thing at the right time, and they are always professional, respectful and a pleasure to work with.’
‘David James - he has a way of making the difficult seem easy, he looks for logical practical solutions that don't overcomplicate. David has a pleasant, easy-going nature and provides excellence in his approach and delivery.'
- 'Daniel Gerring is practical, exceedingly knowledgeable, and approachable. His contacts in the pensions industry means he has a vast knowledge of current matters and can offer relevant insight.'
‘Daniel Gerring and Niamh Hamlyn are first-class pensions lawyers. Their advice is always easily understandable, pragmatic and well-thought through.'
- ‘Susie's range and depth of knowledge, ability to respond swiftly with deep technical knowledge overlaid with a pragmatic approach and aligned with an ability to explain complex matters in an easy-to-understand way for a lay trustee is highly valued. ’
Key clients
- Akzo Nobel (CPS) Pension Trustee Limited
- AXA UK Group Pension Scheme
- BAE Systems Pension Scheme
- C&J Clark Pension Fund
- The National Employment Savings Trust (Nest)
- Nortel Networks UK Pension Plan
- Unilever UK Pension Fund
- Vodafone Group Pension Scheme
- Microsoft
Work highlights
Advised the Trustee of C&J Clark Pension Fund on £540m buy-in with Pension Insurance Corporation.
Advised Nortel Networks UK Pensions Trust Ltd (“Trustee”) on the third and final phase of a landmark insurance transaction, with the total value of transactions between the Nortel Networks UK Pension Plan and Legal & General being £2.5 billion.
Advise Nest on pensions, investment and competition issues, including innovative market-leading investments in private equity and in the ESG and Sustainability space.
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.
Susie Daykin
David James
Practice head
Susie Daykin
Other key lawyers
Daniel Gerring; David James; Niamh Hamlyn