Addleshaw Goddard’s Leeds-based pensions team is noted for its size and depth of experience, with a number of senior lawyers handling a broad mix of advisory and transactional work. The team is led by Rachel Uttley and Jade Murray, who advise on de-risking issues, scheme wind-ups, and regulatory matters. The team also has expertise in the SIPP and SSAS space, with Murray acting for providers and platforms. Richard Shelton and Jonathan Stewart play a key role in delivering complex transactional support and advising on scheme governance and pensions disputes.

Arc Pensions Law, a specialist pensions firm, handles a wide range of advisory work for trustees, employers, and law firms seeking dedicated pensions expertise. The Leeds team is jointly led by Vikki Massarano and Kate Payne, and is known for advising on the pensions aspects of corporate transactions, scheme governance, and risk management strategies. Massarano focuses on scheme closures, valuations, and corporate activity, while Payne advises on investment matters and day-to-day scheme operations. Robert Walker has additional expertise in legacy schemes and supports clients with the pensions implications of corporate restructurings and regulatory developments.

Pinsent Masons LLP’s highly regarded pensions team draws on the wider firm’s resources to offer a comprehensive pensions service; clients include major insurance company schemes, master trusts, and SIPP providers. The team is known for its strong expertise across defined contribution and defined benefit work, high-value schemes, risk transfers, buy-outs, and significant pensions litigation. Tom Barton leads the team and is a recognised national expert in defined contribution pensions, advising a large share of the UK’s authorised master trusts and SIPP providers. Andy Wright focuses on defined benefit schemes, providing expert advice to trustees and sponsors on a wide range of complex pension issues. Katie Lodge is a key associate who plays an important role in advising master trusts and insurance providers.

DLA Piper’s Leeds-based pensions team is integrated into the firm’s global network, allowing it to deliver cross-border advice on complex pensions issues. The team advises major international employers and trustees, often combining pensions expertise with input from other departments. Andrew McIlhinney leads the Leeds team and is a key figure nationally, known for his work on complex, multi-jurisdictional matters. David Young has significant experience in pensions litigation and dispute resolution, often acting on high-value regulatory and trust matters. Hannah Watson is noted for her work with major clients, and Craig Looker also contributes to the practice.

Squire Patton Boggs handles a broad range of pensions matters, including scheme governance, regulatory compliance, and transactional support. Catherine McKenna leads the team, while Jane Briggs advises trustees and sponsors, with a focus on retail pensions, insurance providers, and master trusts. Anna Tomlinson is noted for her work on GMP equalisation and corporate transactions. Beth Darragh's expertise is increasingly recognised in the market.

Wrigleys Solicitors LLP is known for its focus on trustee advisory work, regularly acting for the trustees of occupational pension schemes, particularly in the charity, education, and third sectors. The team, based in Leeds, is jointly led by Kate Buckham and Louise Edwards. Buckham advises on endgame planning, GMP equalisation, and scheme restructurings, with a practice that draws on experience across both the public and private sectors. Edwards advises on pensions administration and trusteeship issues, and is a director of the firm’s independent trustee company. Victoria Acomb is also a key figure.

CMS advises on a wide range of pensions matters, with a strong focus on public sector schemes, charities, and not-for-profit organisations. The team is also active on matters involving master trusts, multi-employer schemes, and governance issues. The firm regularly supports clients on both advisory and contentious work. Tim Green plays a key role in the Yorkshire practice, and is known for his work across advisory and contentious matters. John Hanratty plays a central role in Sheffield and is well regarded for his expertise in public sector pensions. Alexandra Tomlinson is also noted for her work across both contentious and non-contentious mandates.

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP’s Leeds pensions team is known for its broad expertise across defined benefit and defined contribution schemes, advising trustees and employers in sectors such as the energy, utilities, and rail industries. Gemma Hanley leads the team, focusing on DB schemes. Kate Sheehan, who is dual-qualified in pensions and employment law, advises on complex scheme changes and discrimination issues. Catherine Lonergan has extensive experience in buy-ins, scheme closures, and GMP equalisation issues.

Walker Morris LLP’s pensions team in Leeds is jointly led by Ruth Bamforth and Liz Graham, both highly experienced specialists. Bamforth combines extensive City experience with deep expertise in advising on scheme reorganisations, winding-ups, and corporate transactions, while Graham has a long and varied career in pensions law. The team is well-regarded for providing pragmatic, straightforward advice on funding issues, covenant negotiations and GMP equalisation work. Sarah Greenwell supports the team.

Bevan Brittan LLP’s pensions team is headed up by Nigel Bolton in Leeds. Bolton has extensive experience across both the public and private sectors, particularly in Yorkshire and the North East.

Brabners LLP‘s pensions team in Leeds offers broad experience advising a diverse range of clients, including employers, trustees, local authorities and charities. Headed by Kim Jones, the team focuses on various pensions matters such as scheme governance, regulatory compliance, and funding issues.