Pensions
UK Guide 2025 : London (Firms)
Band 1
About
Provided by Sacker & Partners LLP
Sackers is a top tier commercial law firm specialising in advising pension scheme trustees, employers, providers and corporate investors on all aspects of their pension arrangements.
Widely viewed as leaders in the field, we advise more of the UK's top 200 pension funds than any other law firm and have been consistently ranked in the top tier for pensions by both leading UK legal directories (Chambers UK and the Legal 500) for over twenty years.
The firm is entirely devoted to meeting the needs of its pensions clients. Since Sackers was established in 1966, our specialist focus has helped us to build a stellar client list of over 450 occupational pension schemes of all sizes and structures and across all industry sectors. We retain key employer appointments on both an advisory and project basis, as well as advising providers, master trusts and IGCs on all aspects of DC pensions.
Whilst other firms have litigators, banking, investment and tax lawyers who ‘do some pensions work’, Sackers has specialist teams who spend all their time on pensions work. Investment lawyers advise on all the key risk transfer solutions including LDI and CDI strategies, buy-ins, buy-outs and longevity transactions, DC asset security and fund reviews and the full range of alternative investment structures. They also offer expert advice on the impact of ESG factors in pension scheme investing and managing and reporting climate risks.
Chambers Review
Sacker & Partners is a distinguished pensions boutique with a broad array of experience in defined benefit and defined contribution schemes. Its team offers expertise from a tax and finance perspective, and has strong litigation capabilities. It also has recognised sector-specific knowledge of the financial services, media, energy and retail industries. The firm regularly works with both companies and pensions trustees. Its lawyers are seen leading on innovative matters regarding large scheme restructuring projects.
Work Highlights
- Sacker & Partners advised the trustee of the Sal Pension Scheme on a bulk annuity transaction, insuring a total of £6.5 billion of liabilities and covering the pensions of 40,000 members.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"They have a deep bench of skilled lawyers. They've got no hesitation in taking on complex and sophisticated projects and can be relied upon to deliver."
"Sackers are highly experienced and capable of dealing expertly with the most complex of issues."
"Sackers always have the answer and are able to involve colleagues from other areas when a difficult question or situation arises."
"The service provided has always made us feel like we are the only customer they are dealing with."
"They have a deep bench of skilled lawyers. They've got no hesitation in taking on complex and sophisticated projects and can be relied upon to deliver."
"Sackers are highly experienced and capable of dealing expertly with the most complex of issues."
"Sackers always have the answer and are able to involve colleagues from other areas when a difficult question or situation arises."
"The service provided has always made us feel like we are the only customer they are dealing with."
Notable Practitioners
David Saunders assists trustees and employers with a broad array of pension scheme governance issues. He regularly advises on de-risking, liability management and buy-in transactions.
"David is highly commercial and very solution-focused. He is expert at filtering a myriad of issues to focus his clients on key issues."
"David is an exceptional individual who provides a superb customer-focused service."
"David adds value in any meetings he attends. He challenges when appropriate and summarises succinctly."
"David is excellent - he's a highly trusted resource."
Janet Brown's clients include trustees and employers seeking advice on pensions issues. She works with both on scheme mergers and corporate transactions.
"Janet has a lovely way of explaining complex and difficult issues in a way that really helps them to be understood."
Faith Dickson is a highly experienced partner who is sought out by trustees and sponsoring employers. Her practice is broad and sees her advising on areas including bulk transfers and funding issues.
Fuat Sami is sought out for pensions advice relating to major M&A deals, complex restructurings on the trustee side.
"Fuat demonstrates an exceptional understanding of our pension scheme and collaborates effectively."
Philippa Connaughton assists clients with a wide variety of issues concerning their defined benefit and defined contribution schemes.
"Philippa is the reason why I work with Sackers. She's a very good negotiator with a good grasp of detail and strategic direction."
"Philippa is excellent in providing advice on complex member and administration matters, and clearly explains the issues and the reasoning for the recommendations."
"Philippa provides clear and unambiguous advice and is a joy to work with."
Ranked Lawyers at
Sacker & Partners LLP
London (Firms)
Members
Provided by Sacker & Partners LLP
Clients
Provided by Sacker & Partners LLP
More of the UK’s top 200 pension schemes than any other firm
Industries
Provided by Sacker & Partners LLP
We are active across all industry sectors, with particular strength in financial services, media, energy and retail.