Pensions | UK Bar

Outer Temple Chambers demonstrates notable expertise in a broad range of contentious and non-contentious issues pertaining to pensions law. Its barristers are highly adept at handling Part 7 professional negligence claims and Part 8 actions, as well as cases regarding scheme deed rectifications and regulatory proceedings. Barristers at Outer Temple Chambers regularly act for the Pensions Regulator and the Pensions Ombudsman, as well as employers and trustees. Clients state that "the set has a huge offering which gives a lot of options for instructing solicitors". Set members have a wealth of experience appearing before all levels of the court system. The team have been described as being at the "forefront of legal developments and cases". Key cases include Virgin Media v NTL Pension Trustees II Ltd and others, a case that considers amendments to contracted-out pension schemes.

Wilberforce Chambers is a distinguished set with a market-leading group of both silks and juniors capable of handling the full spectrum of pensions work. Members are thoroughly experienced in handling large-scale, high-profile cases at the forefront of the pensions industry. Wilberforce's barristers are equipped for advice and advocacy in relation to a host of regulatory matters and act for employers, trustees and the Pensions Regulator. The set is able to act in complex cases with elements of employment, trusts and tax law. Described by clients as "one of the pre-eminent sets" in the space, Wilberforce Chambers has represented Newell Rubbermaid UK Services in a Part 8 claim relating to the conversion of DB pension rights to DC benefits.

Radcliffe Chambers has notable experience in a broad spectrum of pensions matters, both contentious and non-contentious. Its barristers have extensive experience acting in cases with elements of professional negligence and trusts law. As well as acting for the Pensions Regulator and the Pensions Ombudsman, members of Radcliffe Chambers offer trustees and employers the benefit of their substantial expertise in the pensions area. One client states the set has "real go-to counsel for the tough technical pensions and trusts questions". The barristers at the set have been acting for Newell Trustees in a case that was a Part 64 application by the sole trustee of the Scheme, seeking directions as to the effectiveness of various changes made to the Parker Pension Plan in 1992. Phillips v National Grid Gas plc is another key case concerning a claim against National Grid Gas by a former employee and defined benefit scheme member for an injunction in relation to the member’s alleged entitlement to an incapacity pension.