CMS advises trustees, employers, and insurers on the full range of pensions matters, from day-to-day advisory work to litigation, scheme closures, and liability management. The team is recognised for its expertise in pensions de-risking, advising on strategic buy-ins, buy-outs, and longevity swaps. Practice head Maria Rodia is experienced in acting for companies in the energy sector and handling issues arising from industry-wide schemes. Mark Atkinson provides ongoing advice to household names on structural issues that impact schemes, while Keith Webster leads on large defined benefit schemes and DC master trusts. With strong capabilities across both contentious and non-contentious issues, Mark Jenkins maintains a broad practice advising employers and trustees across the spectrum of pensions law. Johanna Clarke has a particular focus on the DC master trust space, and team member Hadassah Whitaker continues to contribute towards innovative matters in the pensions market.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Key clients
- Rothesay Life Plc
- Baker Hughes (UK) Group
- Trustees of Biwater Retirement & Security Scheme
- Trustees of a new CDC pension scheme
- Clara Pensions
- Just Group
- GE Aerospace Pension Plan
- Trustee of the Motor Industry Pension Plan
- Trustees of the British Tourist Boards’ Staff Pension and Life Assurance Scheme
- Trustees of the Avon Cosmetics Pension Plan
- Board of the Pension Protection Fund
- Munro & Miller Fittings Ltd RBS
Work highlights
Advised Rothesay on its 3rd buy-in, insuring nearly £1bn of liabilities in relation to the National Grid UK Pension Scheme.
Advised the Trustee of the Biwater Scheme on managing a unique distressed employer covenant and getting the High Court’s blessing to wind-up the Scheme.
Advised Clara on the Church Mission Society’s transfer of £55m and over 700 members into the Clara Pension Trust.
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.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Hadassah Whitaker
Practice head
Maria Rodia
Other key lawyers
Hadassah Whitaker; Mark Atkinson; Keith Webster; Johanna Clark; Mark Jenkins