Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP offers a specialist pensions law service, providing comprehensive advice to trustees, providers, insurers and sponsoring employers of UK pension schemes. The team is particularly noted for its strength in the public and voluntary sectors and its expertise in advising US-based companies on UK pensions issues. Headed by the highly experienced Martin Poore, the practice covers the full range of pensions work including complex scheme restructurings and liability management. Suzanne Duff is well-regarded for both contentious and non-contentious matters, while Gavin Ellison is praised for his work on benefit restructuring and transition management projects with trustees and employers.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘I work with Suzanne Duff primarily who is exceptionally knowledgeable on pension matters, is well connected in the sector and has long and extensive experience in the sector which is invaluable. Suzanne is always extremely prompt in responding and very thorough in all the advice she gives.’
‘Very pro-active with new legislation and new events within the pensions world.'
‘They are always available and the advice is clear and concise.’
'Paul Rosenzweig and Suzanne Duff are both impressive lawyers, and I have met other team members who share Paul and Suzanne's enthusiasm for pensions.'
Key clients
- IBM United Kingdom Limited
- Northern Powergrid (North East) plc
- Trustee of the VA Tech UK Pension Scheme
- Trustees of the House of Hardy Pension Scheme
- Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP)
- Trustees of the Raleigh Pension Scheme
- Dogs Trust
- Trustees of the Perivale Gütermann Pension and Life Assurance Scheme
- Trustees of the Newcastle Building Society Pension & Assurance Scheme
- Royal Masonic Benevolent Institute
- Somerset Wildlife Trust
- Pocklington School
Work highlights
Advising the Trustees of the British Red Cross Pension Fund (UK Fund) and the Scottish Branch, British Red Cross Society Retirement Benefits Scheme (Scottish Scheme) on the buy-out and wind-up of both schemes.
Advising the Trustee of the VA Tech UK Pension Scheme on complex aspects of its buy-out and wind-up, including reinsurance arrangements with an overseas group company and facilitating DC pot transfers to a PIC master trust to help members maximise cash commutation at retirement.
Advising the Trustees of the Newcastle Building Society Pension & Assurance Scheme on all aspects of pensions law and the increasing governance requirements, including the Pensions Regulator's general code of practice, and strategically planning and implementing the equalisation of guaranteed minimum pensions for the scheme.
Lawyers
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.
Practice head
Martin Poore
Other key lawyers
Suzanne Duff; Gavin Ellison; Paul Rosenzweig; Naomi Jacques