Pensions | UK

A&O Shearman maintains a leading practice that offers innovative de-risking solutions and advice on changes to cross-border pension schemes. It is recommended for its regulatory proficiency and for work on the pensions aspects of complex corporate transactions. The team regularly advises both trustee and sponsor clients on strategic decisions, projects and technically demanding areas of pensions law.

Arc Pensions Law is a pensions boutique with deep expertise in the field. The team is led by industry-leading practitioners and offers high-quality advice across the full spectrum of pensions issues. Its impressive client base includes both trustees and sponsoring employers.

Baker McKenzie's pensions team provides expert advice to employers and trustees in regard to defined benefit and defined contribution schemes and corporate transactions. It is distinguished for offering innovative financing and investment solutions in de-risking projects, including longevity swaps and asset-backed funding.

Hogan Lovells has a highly regarded pensions team that frequently advises household-name corporate clients and pensions schemes. It is notable for its restructuring, funding and buy-in expertise, as well as its strength in pensions litigation and cross-border matters. The team has significant experience in high-value scheme mergers and is also reputed for its work handling the creation and structuring of master trusts for auto-enrolment.

Pinsent Masons has a national practice that enjoys a strong reputation in traditional pensions issues and pensions litigation. It offers impressive expertise in the field of master trusts. The firm has accomplished advisers on scheme merger and consolidation transactions. It also advises corporate clients, trustees and pension providers.

Freshfields enjoys a reputation for advising on the pensions implications of complex international transactions. The team is distinguished for its deep knowledge and experience of acting for employers in funding and restructuring negotiations with trustees. It has further strength in de-risking and scheme restructuring and in relation to regulatory actions.

Gowling WLG is a large national firm offering expertise across the full spectrum of pensions issues for trustees, employers and providers. The team is notable for its strength in handling corporate transactions and large buy-ins and buyouts, as well as risk transfer mandates. Its clients include both pension providers and trustees.

Herbert Smith Freehills has a well-regarded pensions practice that is acknowledged for its work on de-risking and for overseeing the pensions implications of corporate transactions. The team is also respected for its strength on equalisation and funding, as well as for its knowledge of the pensions issues facing energy sector clients.

Mayer Brown has a strong pensions practice and advises companies and trustees in relation to some of the largest UK pension funds. The team offers strength in wide-ranging pensions issues, including funding arrangements and liability management.

Stephenson Harwood handles a wide array of pensions matters on behalf of trustees and sponsoring companies. The team is well versed in advising on investment opportunities, liability reduction and restructurings. It is capable of advising on both contentious and non-contentious pensions matters. It regularly works on matters relating to both defined benefit and defined contribution plans.

DLA Piper advises sponsoring employers and trustees across the full spectrum of pensions issues. The team is able to apply knowledge in tax, finance and restructurings to its pensions advice, and is also experienced at advising on the pensions implications of corporate transactions. The team is recognised for its ability to provide multi-jurisdictional advice.

Norton Rose Fulbright has a broad pensions practice that is noted for servicing insurance companies, trustees and large corporate sponsors. The team is experienced in all areas of pensions and regularly handles cross-border pensions matters. The firm is also recognised for its work in pensions disputes.

Fieldfisher has an established pensions practice known for its expertise when advising on pension schemes in the utilities, energy and transport sectors. The firm handles complex benefit amendments, buyouts and pensions issues relating to corporate transactions for corporate sponsors and trustees.