Noted for its ‘pragmatic, commercially focused’ approach, Morton Fraser MacRoberts hold a strong book of work advising on public sector pension schemes. Leadership responsibilities are jointly assumed by James Keith, who acts for a diverse client base of trustees, employees, and third sector organisations, and Martyn Shaw, whose areas of expertise include scheme funding matters, buy-ins and buy-outs, and equalisation projects. Amina Mahmood joined the team from DLA Piper in December 2025.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- James Keith is excellent at building long-term relationships and bringing on junior members of the team under his supervision.
- The team has a good balance of expertise and always works pragmatically to help find the right solution for the scheme.
- Good availability at the senior level and continuity of the team have enabled the buildup of expertise.
- James Keith is the co-head of the pensions team. He provides clear, commercial, and prompt advice to his clients.
- In my experience, a strong team, particularly in the public and not-for-profit sectors. They are very responsive, commercial, and provide good value.
- James Keith is growing into an industry senior statesman exemplified by his recognition as Secretary of the UK APL. His ability to apply his knowledge of the law and industry into commercial pragmatic solutions is peerless. Martyn Shaw is another great lawyer and a very safe pair of hands.
- A very strong senior team led by James Keith, whose knowledge of the law is peerless. The team has added strength in depth and diversity this year with both internal and external hires, which should allow them to grow into one of, if not the, best independent Scottish pensions practices.
- Lead partner James Keith is among the leading pension practitioners in the Scottish market. Supported ably by Martyn Shaw, who is a highly experienced, pragmatic lawyer with deep knowledge of pensions and historic case law. The team is supported by the recent hire of Amina Mahmood, trainee Thomas Paxton, and by further investment into trainees.
- Their overall approach is pragmatic, commercially focused, and delivers value for money. Their willingness to invest time and engage with the industry, fellow advisers, and stakeholders in the pensions market stands out.
- James Keith is a leading lawyer in the Scottish market and beyond. He is solutions-oriented and delivers on time and on budget. I have worked with James on some complex matters, often "first-time" transactions, and he has innovated and provided practical solutions to new problems. I would not hesitate to recommend James.
Key clients
- The Chivas Brothers Pension Scheme
- The Edinburgh Airport Pension Plan
- The Ayrshire Metal Products Group Senior Officials' Pension Scheme
- The Trustees of the LS Starrett Company Limited Retirement Benefits Scheme
- Trustees of the Scottish Football Association Pension Scheme
- Bruce Stevenson Limited Retirement Benefits Scheme
- Trustees of the Link Logistics Retirement Benefits Scheme
- Trustees of the Malcolm Group Pension Scheme (1989)
- Trustees of the SLM Retirement Benefit Scheme
- Trustees of the Denholm Pension Scheme
Work highlights
Advised the Trustees of the Scottish Football Association Limited Pension Scheme on the Principal Employer's closure of the Scheme to future accrual.
Advised the trustees of the UK defined benefit pension scheme of a global group regarding the benefit changes within the scheme and the equalisation of scheme benefits between males and females, all in the context of conflicting opinions from multiple counsel.
Completed the consolidation of the Trust Deed and Rules of the Chivas Brothers Pension Scheme, collating and updating over 15 years' worth of legislative change, historical deeds and scheme amendments.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
James Keith; Martyn Shaw
Other key lawyers
Amina Mahmood