The Manchester-based team at CMS has a varied client portfolio, which it is experienced assisting with a breadth of complex pensions matters, including advising on multi-billion-pound funds and complex schemes. Tim Green is well-equipped to handle a range of high-profile pensions advisory matters, as well as the variety of contentious issues, including high-stakes international disputes. Green co-heads the practice alongside London-based Maria Rodia. Key practitioners alongside Green in Manchester include Alexandra Tomlinson, whose workload includes advising trustees on scheme transfers and data cleanses, and corporates on the pensions aspects of significant transactions. Kayleigh Garforth‘s experience includes handling professional negligence matters. Samuel Fulda joined the team in July 2025.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

CMS stands out for its deep pensions expertise combined with a pragmatic, solutions-focused approach. The team has a strong understanding of complex regulatory and governance environments and provides advice that is technically robust but proportionate, clear, and focused on practical outcomes. CMS lawyers integrate well with internal teams, explain complex issues clearly for non-specialist stakeholders, and provide consistent, well-judged advice across both routine and more complex matters. Partner engagement is meaningful, and matters are appropriately resourced with good continuity. CMS offers a more consistent and relationship-based service, with strong institutional knowledge and an understanding of wider organizational objectives.
Proactive, pragmatic, and approachable.
Tim Green and Alex Tomlinson both know their market inside and out, both for the northern region and also the London/English market. Both are very commercial and easy to take advice from, and they don't sit on the fence. Alex, in particular, has a lovely style over email, conveying key messages simply and with a friendly tone, while keeping things moving efficiently at a reasonable cost.
The team as a whole has incredible strength in depth with the ability to deal with technical pension issues as well as pension litigation. The quality of the team at all levels - and its capacity to take on work - is unmatched by other firms.
Alex Tomlinson is an absolute star. He is very bright and has an excellent commercial and litigation brain.
Excellent all-around pensions service. Strong in legal knowledge and litigation skills.

Key clients

Trustee of the Avon Cosmetics Pension Plan
Trustee of the Marlowe Holdings Limited DC Pension Scheme
Trustee of the Newbury Investments DC Pension Scheme
Trustee of the Frank Roberts & Sons Limited Pension Scheme
Stanplan F – Rical Limited
Adam Carpets Limited PLAS
Northumbrian Water Pension Scheme
Trustees of the American Battle Monuments Commission Pension Scheme
Morton Young & Borland Ltd RBS
Trustee of the Motor Industry Pension Plan
Trustee of the British Tourist Boards’ Staff Pension and Life Assurance Scheme
Trustee of the University of Manchester Superannuation Scheme

Work highlights

Advising the Trustee of the Motor Industry Pension Plan on successful Part 8 rectification proceedings and consequences flowing from distressed employer issues, including statutory debts and PPF assessment periods

Advised the Trustees of the Avon Cosmetics Pension Plan on benefit matters leading to a buy-in transaction for c £240m with M&G.

Advising the Trustees of the Munro & Miller Fittings Ltd RBS in relation to the enforcement of a parent guarantee through the French Courts, including freezing injunctions over assets and implications relating to PPF assessment periods

Lawyers

Leading partners

The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Tim Green

Next Generation Partners

Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.

CMS

England - North West • Employment

Pensions