Intellectual Property
United Kingdom
10 September 2025
Praised as ‘practical and commercial', Shoosmiths LLP in Manchester is experienced in the full spectrum of pension matters. The group advises employers, professional trustees of occupational pension schemes, and trustees of master trust arrangements on issues such as scheme mergers, buy-in and buyout projects, restructurings, and GMP equalisation. The group includes pensions expert Paul Carney, who has ’a remarkable ability to communicate complex legal issues in a clear and concise manner to lay trustees', and Alexandra Ventham, who advises employers and trustees of occupational pension and life assurance schemes on the full spectrum of pensions law.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Personal service.’
‘Friendly and they explain everything in layman’s language.’
‘I highly recommend Paul Carney. He has been an invaluable advisor to us in both a buy-in and a buyout transaction. He has a remarkable ability to communicate complex legal issues in a clear and concise manner to lay trustees. He is always responsive and timely in his delivery of advice and documents.'
'Paul Carney is a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion and actively participates in mentoring initiatives within the firm. He also has excellent rapport with the pension scheme administrators and works collaboratively with them to ensure the smooth and efficient operation of the scheme. Paul is a superb lawyer and a trusted partner.’
‘Practical and commercial.’
‘Paul Carney was immediately on the same wave-length as us and a joy to work with.’
Key clients
- Trustees of the Hexcel Composites Pension Scheme
- Trustees of the NPT
- Stellantis (PSA)
- Elior UK Limited
- Trustees of the Guardian Media Group legacy pension schemes
- Trustees of the British Salt Pension Scheme
- Trustees of the Evergreen Pension Plan
Work highlights
Advising the trustees of the NPT (Project Nexus) on the £42.5m acquisition of the NPT master trust by SEI.
Advised the trustees of the Hexcel Composites Pension Scheme on two buy-in projects and the buyout of the DB Section of the Scheme.
Advised Entrust Pension Limited as an independent trustee of the NOV – Stanplan F Plan on its buy-in project.
Practice head
David Thompson
Other key lawyers
Paul Carney; Alexandra Ventham