Pensions Litigation
UK Guide 2025 : UK-wide
Band 2
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
(020) 7329 4422About
Provided by Stephenson Harwood LLP
Our clients range from pension scheme trustees to sponsoring employers; from multi-nationals and banks to charities and not-for-profits; from actuaries and scheme administrators to lawyers and documentation providers. We work with pension consultants to help them with remediation projects arising from systemic issues, advising upon scheme unauthorised payment issues, client-money issues, referrals to regulatory bodies (including the Pensions Regulator and IoFA), professional standards, and problems arising from transfers (including enhanced due diligence obligations).
Key work includes dealing with professional negligence claims and the often-associated rectification/construction applications.
The team are highly experienced in all types of pensions disputes cases, including:
- pursuing, or defending, professional negligence cases
- construction and rectification cases
- challenges to exercises of discretion by trustees
- moral hazard cases and investigations by the Pensions Regulator
- judicial review and challenges to public bodies
- alternative dispute resolution, ranging from mediation to arbitration
- working with high-net worth individuals managing their pensions affairs and disputes
- RPI/CPI disputes
- challenges to trustees' exercises of discretion
- cross-border disputes involving multi-national businesses and funding support
- dealing with errors in the supply of services
- acting for representative beneficiaries
Chambers Review
Stephenson Harwood advises clients on the full range of pensions disputes. The team regularly handles investigations by the Pensions Regulator and the FCA. It has particular expertise in relation to the pensions aspects of insolvency and professional negligence matters, and is also noted for its extensive work on rectification and construction cases.
Work Highlights
- Stephenson Harwood acted for the Representative Beneficiary of the BBC Pension Scheme in court proceedings concerning questions arising under the Scheme's amendment power.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Stephenson Harwood's pensions litigation team shines in its technical ability and attention to detail."
"The team is highly knowledgeable from both a legal and commercial perspective; all advice is clearly explained and promptly delivered."
"Stephenson Harwood's pensions litigation team shines in its technical ability and attention to detail."
"The team is highly knowledgeable from both a legal and commercial perspective; all advice is clearly explained and promptly delivered."
Notable Practitioners
Helena Berman is head of Stephenson Harwood's pensions disputes team and offers advice on pensions regulatory issues and rectification matters. She is also well regarded for handling professional negligence claims.
"Helena was a tremendous support and the application of her wealth of experience to the advice was greatly appreciated."
"Helena delivers innovative and pragmatic solutions."
Jenny McKeown regularly represents scheme trustees and corporate sponsors in complex pensions disputes and negligence claims.
"Jenny is very good. She is pragmatic and well versed in the law."
Chris Edwards-Earl is well regarded for handling a range of matters within the pensions space, including regulatory matters and rectification disputes.
"Chris is a highly knowledgeable and clear communicator with an immediate understanding of the commercial intent behind any questions."
"Chris is a rising star in pensions litigation. He thinks very deeply about the cases he does, is very client-friendly and is always pushing for the best results."
"He ensures excellent working relationships through his excellent advice and exemplary conduct."
Maria Chami is developing an impressive pensions dispute practice and is noted for her experience in handling professional negligence claims in a pensions context.
"Maria was thorough, responsive, precise and clear in providing her advice. We could not have asked for better support to achieve our goal."
"Maria is outstanding."
Ranked Lawyers at
Stephenson Harwood LLP
UK-wide
Members
Provided by Stephenson Harwood LLP
Head of Department
Head of Department
Philip Goodchild
Head of Department