Pinsent Masons LLP is regularly sought after by trustees and employers of defined benefit and defined contribution pension schemes. The team is led by veteran pensions specialist Ian Gordon, who is highly regarded for his role as an independent trustee and his advice to pension schemes. Ruth Tobias counsels on all aspects of defined benefits pensions law, including buy-ins, buy-outs, and scheme mergers, and Cameron McCulloch advises trustees and corporate clients on securing pension liabilities with insurers. Amie Bain joined the firm in September 2023 from Shepherd and Wedderburn, bringing significant experience in the energy and financial services sectors.

Praised for being 'knowledgeable about all aspects of pensions', Shepherd and Wedderburn advises companies and trustees from diverse sectors such as financial services, transport, and higher education. The practice is co-led by pensions specialists Louisa Knox, Andrew Holehouse, and Edwin Mustard. Knox focuses on defined benefit and defined contribution schemes, scheme restructuring, and ESG compliance. Holehouse supports trustees of major occupational pension schemes with risk management and transactional issues, while Mustard is experienced in general scheme advisory work and pension disputes. Additionally, director Kirsty Headden offers expertise in the pensions implications of corporate activities.

Brodies LLP is highly esteemed for its ‘extensive knowledge of pensions and pensions law’, making it a popular choice among pension scheme trustees. The team is also well-versed in advising public sector pension funds, US law firms, and institutional pension providers. Practice head Juliet Bayne advises on all types of pension schemes for public and private sector clients, while senior associate Jennifer Crawford supports sponsoring employers and trustee boards. The arrival of Alistair Hill in November 2023 from CMS added ‘strength and depth to an already strong team’.

Burness Paull LLP stands out for its corporate pensions advisory work, assisting UK and international companies with the pension aspects of mergers and acquisitions, private equity investments, and refinancing activities. The firm’s pensions team is helmed by Margaret Meehan, who represents employers, pension scheme trustees, and local authorities. Sarah Phillips, who spearheads the corporate department, advises on transactions and addresses pension disputes. Liam Young, elevated to partner in August 2023, focuses on scheme governance, trustee discretion, and GMP equalisation.

With Martyn Shaw at the helm, Morton Fraser MacRoberts‘s expertise encompasses asset-backed funding arrangements, buy-ins, and GMP equalisation. James Keith offers advice on all aspects of pensions law to trustees, companies, public-sector clients, and third-sector organisations. Meanwhile, senior associate Richard MacDonald is experienced in apportionment arrangements, scheme mergers, and handling the pension aspects of corporate transactions.

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.

DWF is proficient in advising on master trusts, buy-ins, and buy-outs of pension scheme liabilities, operating across various spaces such as real estate, engineered asset solutions, and transport. Spearheaded by June Crombie, the group supports private, public, and third-sector clients with establishing schemes, handling acquisitions and TUPE transfers, managing pension duties, and setting up death-in-service life assurance schemes. Colin Greig is experienced in contentious pensions issues.