Pensions

We have experience in all forms of UK based pension and life assurance arrangements. Recognised by the Legal 500, our pensions lawyers possess an in-depth understanding of a broad range of scheme types, including trust-based defined benefit, defined contribution and hybrid schemes, and ensure that our advice is in line with your interests, reflecting the latest regulatory developments and case law. We also assist clients on contractual arrangements, obligations under the ‘auto-enrolment’ regime for workplace pensions, and salary sacrifice.

Comprehensive guidance is available for operating and using Self-Invested Personal Pensions (SIPPs), reviewing product terms and conditions, and supporting various pension arrangements. For SMEs, we provide tailored assistance in setting up and using Small Self-Administered Schemes (SSAS) to optimise pension arrangements.

We advise pensions trustees on defined benefit and defined contribution schemes under trust, address trustee duties and breach of trust concern, ensure compliance with governance and funding requirements, manage benefit corrections and liability, and handle disputes involving members, sponsoring employers, and other advisers, including IDRPs, Pension Ombudsman complaints, and court applications. For individuals, we handle complaints and disputes and advise on Small Self-Administered Schemes (SSAS) arrangements and investments, pensions tax, and how to manage pensions on divorce.

Other areas we advise on include scheme funding issues, such as negotiating security and Pension Protection Fund levy issues, as well as corporate restructuring exercises and company sales, scheme mergers and rule consolidation projects. Our expertise extends to scheme amendments and closure exercises, and we offer robust support in pensions-related disputes to protect your interests.

In addition to our private sector work, our team has detailed knowledge of the special rules on pensions which apply in the public sector, in particular in relation to transfers of staff to the private sector. With many years of experience in both City and regional pensions practices, our combination of technical excellence and practical, client-focused advice, ensures your receive clear, strategic guidance whatever your pensions law challenge.