Pensions
UK Guide 2025 : Scotland
Band 2
Contact number
0131 228 3777About
Provided by Brodies LLP
Our specialist pensions lawyers advise trustees, employers and pension providers on all pension related issues. We have an in-depth understanding of the full range of pension arrangements including defined benefit, defined contribution and hybrid schemes, and SIPPs and SASSs.
Our lawyers advise on both Scots and English law. With clients throughout the UK and across the globe, in both the private and public sectors, we have an invaluable sector-specific understanding of pension provision and the impact of pensions legal issues.
We work collaboratively with our corporate, banking, litigation, employment and restructuring and insolvency lawyers to provide advice that is tailored to clients' individual needs. We aim to understand the relationship between the pension scheme and the supporting business and we deliver clear, commercial advice on technical issues and provide workable solutions.
Areas of expertise include: liability reduction and risk management (including buy-ins and buy outs, member options exercises, putting in place (PPF) contingent assets); transfers to master trusts; scheme amendments (including closure exercises and employee consultations); scheme funding (including employer debts and Scottish limited partnership funding arrangements)mergers and acquisitions; corporate transactions and restructuring; pensions and insolvency (including PPF entry); dispute resolution and litigation; GMP Equalisation; automatic enrolment and advice on public sector pension schemes.
Chambers Review
Brodies advises trustees and corporate employers on a range of pensions matters, notably transactions, benefit design issues and scheme administration. It is experienced in advising on de-risking exercises. The team is frequently sought out by clients in Scotland and across the UK. It regularly works with clients in the retail, construction and travel sectors.
Work Highlights
- Brodies advised the Trustees of the Howden Group Pension Plan in connection with a buyout with Legal & General.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Brodies delivered speedy replies that covered all questions and gave confidence in their ability to handle the case."
"The most important aspect in dealing with complex situations is the ability to help find solutions and create options for consideration, which is an area where Brodies are particularly strong."
"Their advice is pragmatic rather than simply technically correct."
"Brodies delivered speedy replies that covered all questions and gave confidence in their ability to handle the case."
"The most important aspect in dealing with complex situations is the ability to help find solutions and create options for consideration, which is an area where Brodies are particularly strong."
"Their advice is pragmatic rather than simply technically correct."
Notable Practitioners
Juliet Bayne is head of Brodies' pensions team. She advises clients on a range of matters, including buy-ins, mergers and scheme establishments. She also assists with pensions aspects of employee transfers.
"Juliet is an excellent pensions lawyer - she has deep knowledge and a pragmatic style that her clients love."
"Juliet provides complex advice in an approachable way which ensures clients make the right decisions."
"Juliet stands out and looks at everything from a holistic viewpoint."
"Juliet demonstrates exemplary levels of knowledge, commercial awareness and the ability to propose solutions to current issues."
Alistair Hill frequently acts for employers and trustees on the pensions aspects of corporate transactions and scheme funding.
Jennifer Crawford assists with buy-ins, scheme mergers and wind-ups as well as advising on pension aspects of takeovers.
"Jennifer is proactive and delivers excellent client service."
"Jennifer is excellent to work with. Her personable approach means even the most complicated advice is provided in an easy-to-understand way."
"Jennifer provided an extremely efficient service, giving us clear instructions on what was required and ensuring that we had a good understanding of our responsibilities."
Ranked Lawyers at
Brodies LLP
Scotland