Travers Smith LLP has a well-established pensions practice advising on a broad range of advisory, transactional, and regulatory matters for trustees, employers, and pension schemes. Working closely with specialists across the firm, the group delivers integrated advice on corporate transactions, de-risking, and investment. Leading the team, David James has established experience advising DB arrangements on journey planning and funding negotiations, including how to handle surpluses and deficits. With in-depth knowledge on pension scheme funding and covenant issues, Daniel Gerring is noted for providing bespoke solutions for sponsors and schemes across an array of situations.
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- David James is a standout partner and Harriet Sayer is a standout associate. Thoughtful, well-thought-out legal advice, hugely enthusiastic, and well-connected into industry groups/forums and government policy.
- It is a real pleasure to work with them. They are really interested in the client and keen to help and support. It is a quality service. They are very well connected to industry groups, forums, and the government.
- Daniel Gerring really cares about his clients, is commercial, gets it right, is easy to work with, and has deep sector knowledge.
- Great pensions team, love what they do, very commercial, and easy to work with.
- A diverse practice with an eye for detail but not afraid to innovate solutions for clients.
- The Pensions team is a well-led and cohesive team that provides advice that, as appropriate, is pragmatic, strategic, and commercially sound. The work is divided so that it is done by the most appropriate lawyer, resulting in keeping bills down. The team also calls on colleagues who are financial specialists with good experience in pension transactions when required, so trustees are in completely safe hands for all transactions and matters.
Key clients
- Trustees of the Unilever UK Pension Fund
- BAE Systems Pension Scheme
- The National Employment Savings Trust
- Trustees of the ING UK Pension Fund
- Trustees of the Associated British Foods Pension Scheme
- The Trustee of the British Steel Pension Scheme
- Trustees of the Vodafone Group Pension Scheme
- Trustee of the City and Guilds (1966) Pension Scheme
- Microsoft Corporation
- The Trustees of the ITN Pension Scheme
- Trustee of the AXA UK Group Pension Scheme
- Trustee of the C&J Clark Pension Fund
Work highlights
Advised the National Employment Savings Trust on its DC deferred bulk annuity solution, including its acquisition of a 10% shareholding in IFM Investors.
Advised the Trustee on the buy-out and wind-up of the British Steel Pension Scheme.
Advised the Trustee of the C&J Clark Pension Fund on a buy-in of the Scheme's liabilities with PIC and preparation for buy-out.
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David James
Practice head
David James
Other key lawyers
Daniel Gerring