In addition to its notable experience in benefit redesign, pension scheme closures, and liability reduction strategies, CMS also offers support in litigation and pensions de-risking transactions. Led by Jae Fassam, the practice supports scheme, trustee, corporate, and public sector clients, including on matters related to liability-driven investing claims. Key senior associates include Claire Miller, who focuses on the day-to-day management of pension schemes for trustees; Amanda Cooke, with expertise in master trusts and contract-based pensions; and Amina Mahmood, who advises on both defined benefit and defined contribution schemes. Alistair Hill left the firm in October 2023.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The team at CMS keep each other informed and can deputise at a moment's notice where needed. They are responsive and always keen and eager to help. I would appoint them on other cases without hesitation.’
‘I couldn't ask for a more dedicated and thorough team. Jae is fantastically pragmatic and a great communicator, one of the best (if not the best) pensions lawyers I have worked with. Claire Miller makes an excellent deputy to Jae, clearly all across the detail and ever so helpful when I need something.’
‘They always deliver top quality advice, are ultra-responsive, and clear on fees’
‘Jae Fassam is super to work with - charismatic, very knowledgeable and a good partner for our complex needs.’
‘They are extremely responsive, practical and clear communicators.’
‘Jae Fassam and Claire Miller stand out. They are particularly effective communicators.’
‘The team is technically strong. We throw a wide variety of pensions issues at them, some quite niche and complex, and they deal with them all. They bring in subject matter experts when relevant.'
‘Jae Fassam is a pleasure to have in meetings. He is personable, capable of lightening the mood when the subject matter gets a bit tough/dry and technically exceptional.'
Key clients
- Trustees of the British Medical Association Staff Pension Scheme
- TotalEnergiesPension Company Limited
- The Trustees of the John Dewar and Sons Limited Pension Scheme
- ISS UK
- Lothian Pension Fund
- Trustees of the Gulf International Bank (UK) Limited Pension Scheme
- Trustee of the Samsung Electronics Manufacturing (UK) Ltd Pension & Life Assurance Scheme
- SLB (formerly known as Schlumberger)
- Tayside Pension Fund
Lawyers
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Jae Fassam
Other key lawyers
Claire Miller; Amanda Cooke; Amina Mahmood