DLA Piper‘s practice has a presence across Manchester and Liverpool, and is well-placed to advise on high-stakes bulk annuity agreements, flexible apportionment arrangements, and the establishment of new schemes. The team is co-headed by experienced practitioner and May 2025-promoted partner Gary Davies, whose workload includes advising on high-value corporate transactions, as well as providing day-to-day advice on a range of pensions issues, alongside Ben Miller, who is well-equipped to assist pension scheme trustees and employer clients on a range of issues, including funding, tax, and investment compliance, as well as risk management. Scott Rorke’s experience includes advising on scheme mergers and de-mergers, member complaints, and asset-backed funding arrangements, while Stephanie Owens is noteworthy for her capabilities advising on a variety of pensions issues, including those in the public sector.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

We have consistently received an excellent level of service. The team is highly knowledgeable, pragmatic, and responsive, with a strong understanding of both the technical detail and the wider commercial and regulatory context. Advice is clear, proportionate, and solutions-focused, enabling us to make well-informed decisions with confidence. The team works collaboratively with stakeholders, communicates complex issues effectively, and delivers to tight timescales. Overall, they are a trusted adviser and a pleasure to work with.
Gary Davies, in particular, has become a standout in recent years and really delivers when it's needed. George McGrady has provided excellent assistance, and Ben Miller is always helpful.
Really pull out all the stops to get things done when the pressure is on.
Simon Evans - very straightforward, explains in plain English, prompt. Ben Miller - good availability when needed, very considered advice.
Thorough and pragmatic high-quality advice. Good availability of key people.

Key clients

The Trustees of Royal Insurance Group Pension Scheme
The Trustees of Royal Liver Assurance Pension Scheme
Travis Perkins Plc
The Trustees of Warburtons Pension Scheme
The Trustees of the Stantec UK Limited Pension Scheme
The Trustees of the Beatson Clark Pension Scheme
The Trustees of Primula Pension Scheme
The Trustees of the VW Company Ltd Pension Scheme
The Trustees of the Louis Dreyfus Pension Scheme
MAG Airport Limited
Trustee of the Jacob’s Bakery Retirement Scheme
The Trustees of the Medical Research Council Pension Scheme
Bangor University
The Trustees of Johnson Group Defined Benefit Scheme
Trustees of the Carrs Billington Agriculture Pension Scheme
ABB Limited
Trustees of the Pension and Life Assurance Plan of Griffiths & Armour
Trustees of the DISA Industries UK Ltd Pension Scheme
The Trustees of the Weatherbys Pension and Life Assurance Scheme
PJH Group Ltd

Work highlights

Advised the Trustees of the Trinity Retirement Benefit Scheme in relation to the £300m buy-in of all deferred members and all remaining pensioner members with Prudential Assurance Company Limited, including residual risk cover.

Advised the Trustees of the Redrow Staff Pension Scheme on the buy-out of all deferred and pensioner member liabilities with Standard Life, including a detailed due diligence exercise to secure residual risk insurance as part of the winding-up of the scheme.

Advising the Trustee of the Royal Insurance Group Pension Scheme in relation to the buy-out of all deferred and pensioner member benefits as part of the UK's largest ever bulk annuity transaction (£6.5bn).

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.

Ben Miller

Next Generation Partners

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

DLA Piper UK LLP

England - North West • Employment

Pensions