The pensions team at Shoosmiths LLP is well regarded for its wide-ranging expertise in scheme mergers, restructures and closures, buy-in projects, wind-ups, rule amendments and GMP equalisation. The practice has a tripartite leadership under the ‘exceptional’ Heather Chandler, based in Milton Keynes, Suzanne Burrell, based in Thames Valley and described as ’one of the best’, and Tracey Hemingway, ‘an excellent advisor’, in Solent. The team regularly advises trustees of occupational schemes and provides support to employers regarding defined contribution schemes. The practice also has strength in scheme security agreements and trustee compliance with data legislation, leveraging support from the firm’s wider banking and data protection teams. Associate Sarah Jenkins is ’technically extremely strong’ and has experience assisting trustees with a multitude of scheme matters.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Heather Chandler is an exceptional stand-out partner. Approachable, extremely knowledgeable and very helpful with a calm and friendly manner and a good sense of humour.'
‘They are great business partners and not only provide excellent legal advice, but tailor their advice to take account of the commercial realities faced by our businesses. The team are agile and collaborative.’
‘Tracey Hemmingway is an excellent advisor, responsive, commercial and pragmatic.’
‘Great team, easy to contact and response times are very good. Routine matters are dealt with efficiently.’
‘Heather Chandler's advice is pertinent and practical. We can rely and act on that advice.’
‘Sarah Jenkins has a real eye for detail and is technically extremely strong’.
‘Suzanne Burrell is arguably one of the best if not the best legal partners I have worked with. Extremely accessible, knowledgeable and responsive and with a personable style that makes her a delight to work with.’
‘Suzanne Burrell has always helped guide us through many a tricky issue.’
Key clients
- Trustees of Kesslers Group Pension Plan
- Trustees of the RNIB Retirement Benefits Plan
- Hewlett Packard
- Trustees of the Kesslers Group Pension Scheme
- Central England Co-operative Society
- Trustees of Bank Leumi Pension Scheme
- Trustees of Gieves Group Retirement Benefits Scheme
- Trustees of Marshall Group Executive Pension Plan
- Trustees of the 3M Pension and Life Assurance Scheme
- J & E Hall Pension Scheme
Work highlights
- Advised Cargill Plc on its acquisition of an energy utility plant to support its businesses and the TUPE transfer of employees.
- Advised Master Trust Trustee on the transfer of a whole fund to new Master Trust Sponsor SEI.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
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
Heather Chandler; Suzanne Burrell; Tracey Hemingway
Other key lawyers
Sarah Jenkins