Pensions

Andrew Short KC is highly sought after for his specialism in matters where pensions issues intersect with employment law. He is seen acting in some of the most significant pension disputes, often with discrimination or equalisation aspects. His client list includes trade unions and representative beneficiaries.

"Andrew is an outstanding KC at the forefront of his field. He provides straightforward practical advice."

"Andrew Short is a truly excellent advocate and a pleasure to work with."

"Andrew is at the top of his game. He's technically brilliant and demonstrates an incredible ability to assimilate and keep details at the front of his mind."

"He is very good, a specialist in this field and someone who clients warm to as he is very down to earth and very clever."

"Andrew went straight to the heart of the problem, and our clients loved his robust and down-to-earth approach."

Andrew Spink KC is an authoritative and experienced advocate well known for his handling of high-profile pension disputes. He frequently undertakes regulatory work as well as Part 7 and 8 claims in relation to pensions. He also offers experienced advice on the inflation index to be applied to pension increases.

"Andrew combines strong technical capability with a clear understanding of commercial imperatives."

"He is brilliant - very flexible and responsive, client-friendly and a pleasure to work with."

"Andrew Spink is enthusiastic, energetic and user-friendly."

"He has a tremendous presence in court."

Naomi Ling specialises in both pensions and employment law, and is an expert in professional negligence, discrimination and rectification disputes. She is particularly strong at representing public sector organisations, as well as private employers and trustees. She provides advice on pensions-related commercial agreements, contractual entitlements and the drafting of trust deeds.

"Naomi is extremely bright and really gets to the crux of the issues in hand."

"Naomi was very easy to get on with and worked well in a team."

Nicolas Stallworthy KC stands out for his impressively broad pensions practice, covering regulatory, professional negligence and tax implications. He is widely recommended for complex pensions issues and often acts in sensitive cases, such as those concerning insolvency, equalisation and scheme merger issues.

"Nicolas is one of the best pensions KCs. He is extremely thorough and clever and there is nothing he has never seen before."

"The single leading barrister in pensions these days. He is the person who is in the leading cases, so his advice is top notch."

"Nick combines great technical knowledge and experience with superb client skills."

"Nick is intellectual, incisive and pleasant. He is rightly regarded as one of the leading pensions silks."

"He is great in front of clients, great at unpacking highly complex matters and great at putting his advice into the commercial context."

Saul Margo is a standout junior in the pensions market offering expertise in pure pensions litigation and advisory work, as well as issues at the intersection between pensions and employment law.

"Saul is very commercially minded, insightful in his comments and also very easy to deal with."

"He does a lot of work in pensions and employment, which gives him a valuable perspective that few other people of his seniority will have."

Keith Bryant KC is highly rated by respondents for his skill in high-value, complex matters, particularly regarding rectification, equalisation and Part 8 claims. Strengths include representing public sector organisations, trustees and representative beneficiaries, as well as individual scheme members. He also has expertise in pensions cases that have employment law aspects.

"Keith is thoughtful and clear with his views and very responsive. His opinions are always very readable, which is valued by lay clients."

"Keith Bryant delivers commercially sound, practical advice."

Lydia Seymour is recommended for her specialisation in the pension and employment crossover, but is additionally well versed in pure pension disputes. She frequently acts for the Pensions Regulator, employers, trade unions and individuals. She handles rectification, trustee matters and de-risking, among other issues.

"Lydia's advocacy skills were outstanding, her cross-examination was first class and she was incredibly well prepared."

"Lydia is very strong technically and she is very good on her feet."

"Lydia is really good. She gets into the detail and can explain herself very clearly. She is very confident during client engagement."

Nicholas Hill is a junior with significant expertise in financial services law. He can boast extensive experience in Part 8 claims, professional negligence and contribution disputes.

"Nick has in-depth pensions knowledge and provides valuable commercial input. He is a rising star and one to watch for the future."

"Nicholas is really good and a pleasure to work with. He gets straight into the weeds of a case and is very collaborative to work with."

"Nicholas Hill is highly motivated and intelligent. He is a tenacious litigator and not afraid of taking an innovative approach to claims."

"Nicholas is a rising star, user-friendly and a great all-rounder."

"Nicholas is super professional. He is absolutely brilliant with clients and is accessible, down to earth and really professional."

Richard Hitchcock KC is a well-respected advocate with extensive experience in regulatory cases, in particular concerning equalisation and the reach of the Pensions Regulator's powers. He frequently acts for trustees, members, unions and employers. He is regularly chosen to advise on Part 7 and 8 matters.

"Richard is incredibly good at what he does. He has incredibly good client care skills and puts clients at ease very easily,"

"Richard has a brilliant combination of intellect and commercial savvy."

"If you want a KC who is both an excellent advocate and a visionary then Richard is the go-to."

David Grant KC is a leading expert on Part 8 and professional negligence claims concerning pension schemes. He frequently appears before the Court of Appeal and High Court. Trustees and representative beneficiaries often seek out his counsel.

"David was impressive on his feet."

"David speaks with real authority on pensions as he is so comfortable on the subject and is easy to deal with."

Michael Uberoi is a high-quality junior with particular expertise in pensions and financial services matters. He has notable experience in rectifications and regulatory proceedings. He frequently acts for beneficiaries and trustees.

"Michael has a very clear level of expertise and sophistication in both written and oral tasks."

"A pleasure to work with, Michael provided strong, consistent advice in a timely manner and on budget."

"Michael is approachable and commercial, providing really high-quality legal advice but in a practical way that has helped us on a number of occasions navigate very difficult issues."

Victoria Brown is frequently sought to act in high-stakes and complex pensions matters. She has significant experience in a range of issues including Part 8 proceedings, pensions-related professional negligence cases and discrimination disputes.

"Victoria is a strong barrister with genuine expertise. She produces clear-cut advice and is willing to give views on tricky technical points."