Emma King leads the full-service practice at Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP, which acts for employers, pension schemes, public authorities and insurers on the full range of pension-related issues in the UK and internationally. The ‘totally client-focused’ team acts for many household names, and continues to lead on various projects to develop and establish new SIPP products for leading financial institutions. Gary Delderfield is an important member of the firm’s public sector pensions team. Sarah Franklin has a wealth of knowledge in advising trustees and scheme sponsors on occupational pension schemes. Legal director James Ellis has significant expertise in advising trustees and employers. Senior associate Tom Meyrick is vastly experienced in both DB and DC schemes.

Elizabeth Gane spearheads a ‘commercially aware’ team at Gowling WLG. Gane is highly regarded for her work on an array of complex funding issues, mergers, restructurings and benefit changes. Joanne Tibbott is recommended for her work across a wide range of sectors, while Christopher Stiles has particular expertise in risk transfer transactions. Paul Carberry receives plaudits for his work with a broad mix of trustees and employers. Richard Black is another notable member of the department who frequently advises trustees of some of the largest schemes in the UK. Other recent highlights included Ben Goldby’s promotion to the partnership in May 2023.

With Simon Laight and Stephen Scholefield at the helm at Pinsent Masons LLP, the Midlands team stands out for its excellent defined contribution practice, which provides both contract and trust-based solutions. The 'vastly experienced and commercially astute' practice has a portfolio of large and complex defined benefit scheme clients, and has a proven track record of advising on many substantial projects. Aside from advising trustees and corporate sponsors, Nick Stones is also known for his work with public service bodies, the education sector and commercial organisations. Katie Ivens has considerable experience of advising on many high-value projects, including multiple buy-ins and buy-outs, scheme mergers and benefit change projects.

Led by Matthew Giles, the 'knowledgeable' and stable pensions team at Squire Patton Boggs specialises in diverse areas such as offering de-risking and risk transfer solutions, providing corporate deal support and advising on pensions litigation. Philip Sutton is well-regarded for his transactional and insolvency-related work. Victoria Jeacock excels in advising on UK occupational pension schemes in both the private and the public sectors, with a particular specialism in risk transfer matters. Kate-Emma Bailey has a wealth of experience advising on all aspects of occupational pension plan management. The group has considerable sector strength in regulated utilities, local government pension schemes and the not-for-profit sector.

The first-rate team at Gateley Legal frequently advises trustees and employers on their duties and liabilities. Under the direction of the 'pragmatic and calm' Michael Collins, who 'really knows his stuff', the group continues to be busy supporting companies with their pension issues as these arise during the course of major corporate transactions. The group is adept at advising on DB schemes with significant assets, DC occupational schemes and contract-based schemes, as well as SSASs and SIPPs.

The agile team at Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP has particular expertise in advising on public sector schemes. The team is recognised for its work in health and social care, as well as housing and local government. It is also well-regarded for its work in the charities/social businesses and education sectors. Anna Dabek is the practice head, while Douglas Mullen remains active in this space.

The ‘very capable and knowledgeable‘ Clare Grice leads the practice at Mills & Reeve LLP. The group is experienced in advising on buy-ins and buy-outs of occupational defined benefit pension schemes. It has considerable strength in the education sector, as well as in public sector pensions. In addition, it has been increasingly advising on GMP equalisation projects.

At Shoosmiths LLP the 'very competent' Lynette Lewis has been involved in several complex transactions involving defined benefit pensions schemes. Lewis continues to act for both trustees and employers. National head of pensions David Thompson is also well-regarded. The team is recommended for its work on scheme mergers, buy-in projects and other areas such as rule amendments and scheme restructurings.