Pensions law that works in the real world
Shoosmiths’ pensions team delivers strategic, commercially focused pensions advice that empowers trustees, employers and providers across the UK to make confident decisions. Our team is known for its proactive approach, deep technical expertise, and commitment to building trusted, long-term relationships.
Our pensions team brings decades of experience advising employers and trustees of a broad variety of defined benefit and defined contribution schemes of all sizes—from under £10m to over £3bn and including industry-wide pension schemes. Our team also supports employers and trustees on life assurance schemes, both registered and unregistered.
Whether you're managing pension scheme governance, navigating regulatory change, or resolving complex disputes, we provide clear, joined-up advice that aligns with your wider business goals. Additionally, we work with your other advisers, including the scheme actuary, your administration team, pensions manager and independent trustee.
Our strength lies in integration. We work seamlessly with colleagues in employment, corporate, banking, tax, insolvency, data and privacy and real estate to deliver holistic solutions—so you get answers, not silos.
We support clients through every stage of the pensions lifecycle, including:
- auto-enrolment compliance and benefit redesign
- scheme governance & compliance: Advice on scheme rules, trustee duties, governance, advisor appointments and regulatory requirements
- risk transfer & scheme wind-up: End-to-end legal support for buy-ins, buy-outs, and scheme mergers
- employer covenant & funding: Negotiation and documentation of contingent assets, escrow arrangements, and funding agreements
- benefit review & rectification: Advice and legal support on benefit correction exercises including GMP equalisation
- dispute resolution: Strategic handling of IDRP and Pensions Ombudsman cases, with a focus on pragmatic resolution
- litigation: Pensions-related disputes including document rectification and construction and professional negligence claims
- training & trustee support: Bespoke training sessions, trustee meeting attendance, and ongoing legal updates
- corporate transactions: Due diligence, warranties, employer debt (section 75) and regulatory clearance
- public sector pension schemes including admission agreements
- pension scheme secretarial support
