Pensions

Eversheds Sutherland has a large pensions team with an excellent record for providing high-quality advice to trustees, employers and international corporations, among others. The team has notable household-name clients in the banking, retail, and food and drink sectors. It offers expertise in pensions investment, insurance and dispute resolution work. The firm is also experienced in handling multi-jurisdictional matters.

"They have a capable team and others come on board as needed. We have never experienced a resource gap working with them."

"They are able to explain the issues in a way that all trustees are able to understand. In addition, they are able to communicate solutions to the problems that have arisen."

"They are extremely responsive and come back in a timely manner with solid advice."

"They have always responded in a timely manner, and their professionalism has been exemplary."

Eversheds Sutherland advised Scottish Widows on an update to its standard form bulk purchase annuity agreement.

Elenor Lovering is the senior partner in Eversheds' Manchester office and also leads the firm's pensions team in the city. She frequently advises pension scheme trustees on scheme mergers and closures to future accrual, liability risks and master trust matters. She also assists with the sectionalisation of pension plans and pension aspects of corporate transactions. "Elenor provides very tailored and pragmatic advice." "She is very approachable and is able to discuss complex pension points clearly and concisely, and in language the trustee board can relate to." "She is very experienced and pre-empts the scheme's needs." "Elenor is very capable and responsive, and helps navigate through difficult issues."

Charmian Johnson provides extensive support to pension scheme trustees on scheme mergers and closures, rectification matters and bulk annuity transactions. "Charmian has a pragmatic and common-sense approach."

Simon Daniel is recognised for his expert advice to providers and trustees on asset investment and insurance de-risking. He has advised employers, insurers and trustees on multibillion-pound bulk annuity transactions.

Amanda Small assists trustees and corporate clients with a range of pensions issues, including scheme wind-ups, bulk annuity transactions and PPF requirements. She also advises on scheme amendments and liabilities. "She has been in-house and in private practice, which makes a difference because she can stand in our shoes; she can anticipate the trustee board's positions on things." "Amanda has provided continuity and consistent advice to pension trustees. She is very capable and responsive."

Sarah Lown regularly advises on a range of pensions matters including scheme mergers and closures, amendments and funding agreements.