Praised as ‘supportive, approachable and pragmatic', DLA Piper UK LLP advises on the full range of pension-related matters with particular expertise in bulk annuities work. The group has extensive experience acting for large and complex pension schemes, such as the Royal Insurance Group, Universities Superannuation Scheme, and the Medical Research Council. The practice is co-led by Ben Miller in Liverpool, who has a ’big picture focus' and advises on the full range of pension scheme issues, including the establishment of closure schemes, mergers and acquisitions, and the bulk transfer of benefits, and the ‘diligent' Gary Davies in Manchester, whose expertise spans high-value transactions, such as buy-in transactions and bulk transfers into DC master trusts, as well as equalisation issues. Manchester-based Scott Rorke advises both trustees and employers on all aspects of pensions, and Stephanie Owens in Liverpool is also a key contact.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The DLA pensions team have an in-depth knowledge of pensions and the issues facing both sponsoring employers and trustees alike. The team are supportive, approachable and pragmatic. From a what I have seen, DLA do spend time developing their trainees, providing on the job guidance and encouraging them to get involved in more complex cases.’
'I would like to mention Gary Davies and Stephanie Owens for their continued professionalism, proactiveness and understanding of current and historical matters. Any legal work undertaken is always thoroughly researched and presented in manner suitable for the end user.’
‘The team focus on the outcome and the big picture with robust but pragmatic advice that gets to the right solution for the client and the situation. They are very personable and client-centric.'
'I find them very easy to work with as they adopt a highly collaborative approach, working with us on getting to the right solution and test driving where appropriate in terms of practicalities of different approaches where there may be more than one right answer.’
'Ben Miller and Gary Davies have really stood out. I have worked closely with them for a number of years and the comments above really do apply to them. In addition, Gary is super diligent, helpful, thorough and really client focussed. This is complimented by Ben's experience and big picture focus.’
‘Reliable and pragmatic.’
‘Gary Davies understands his clients and goes that extra mile to ensure that he provides pragmatic and cost-effective advice.’
Key clients
- Trustee of the Universities Superannuation Scheme
- Trustees of Warburtons Pension and Life Assurance Plan
- Trustee of the Royal Rosyth Docklands Pension Scheme
- MAG Airport Limited
- Trustee of the Royal Insurance Group Pension Scheme
- The Trustee of the Trinity Retirement Benefits Scheme
- The Trustees of the England and Wales Cricket Board Retirement and Death Benefits Scheme
- Trustees of the Stantec Pension Plan (UK)
- Beiersdorf UK Limited
- Trustee of the Royal Liver Assurance Limited Superannuation Fund
Work highlights
- Advised the Trustee of the Royal Insurance Group Pension Scheme on the largest bulk annuity transaction that has ever been completed in the UK.
- Advised the Trustee Directors of the Royal Liver Pension Scheme on securing all of the scheme’s liabilities with a bulk annuity policy with Royal London.
- Assisted the Trustees the James Fisher Pension Scheme with difficult circumstances where a participating employer in the scheme, JFN Ltd, was disposed of before the Trustees became aware of it.
Lawyers
Leading partners
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Next generation partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Ben Miller; Gary Davies
Other key lawyers
Scott Rorke; Stephanie Owens