Pensions | UK

Pinsent Masons provides high-end advice to some of the UK's largest pension schemes, as well as employers, insurance companies and financial institutions. It is particularly strong in scheme restructurings, funding solutions, buy-ins and buyouts. The firm has recognised capabilities in advising insurance companies on pension scheme design and is an experienced adviser to regulator-appointed trustees.

DLA Piper has an established pensions group in the North West with lawyers based in the firm's Liverpool and Manchester offices. The team offers considerable insight into scheme management, as well as corporate transactions and de-risking strategies. It often advises major occupational pension schemes, and has significant experience advising the trustees of schemes in sectors such as food, education, insurance and healthcare.

Fieldfisher houses an impressive Manchester-based pensions team. The group advises trustees and employers on a full suite of pensions issues and is especially noted for its work with clients in the manufacturing, utilities and higher education sectors.

CMS frequently supports trustees and employers on bulk transfers, scheme buyouts and wind-ups, and funding arrangements. It also acts on scheme amendments and closures to future accrual, with further strength advising on the pensions aspects of employer insolvency.

Gateley Legal has a respected pensions team with a significant trustee advisory offering. The firm frequently handles scheme closures and funding solutions, including asset-backed funding structures. It often acts for trustees of high-value schemes, including those sponsored by trade unions.

Shoosmiths advises trustees and sponsors on the full gamut of pensions law, including scheme closures, transfers and mergers. It has further experience of automatic enrolment and equalisation issues. The team also assists with the pensions aspects of corporate transactions and restructurings.

Squire Patton Boggs has a well-established pensions practice with a strong record of acting for trustees and employers. The firm offers expertise in pension mergers, corporate restructurings and buyout transactions. It is also experienced in scheme closure and funding arrangement work. Its client base includes those in the financial services, healthcare and real estate industries.