Wilberforce Chambers is commended by clients for its ‘unrivalled strength in depth’ in pensions, and in particular for the set’s expertise on ‘the most complex and challenging’ cases. In the case of Railways Pension Scheme Trustee Ltd v Atos, a matter concerning the correct calculation of how much members should pay into “shared cost” defined benefit schemes, Brian Green KC and Edward Sawyer acted on behalf of the trustees. Paul Newman KC  is representing Newell Rubbermaid in a dispute over its conversion of defined benefit rights into define contribution scheme, with issues as to if the conversion is discriminatory on the grounds of sex.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • 'The clerking at Wilberforce is, simply stated, second to none. Danny Smillie and Fraser Geddes deserve special mention. They understand their solicitor-clients' needs. This is a real selling point.'
  • 'Across the board, the clerks are very responsive and nothing is too much trouble. Conor Michaels, in particular, stands out for his professional yet personable manner. He's always got everything covered.'
  • 'The clerks are first class. Fraser Geddes is a shining light of client service, listening to and acting upon any particular clients needs and understanding the need to work closely with instructing solicitor to deliver the best possible service.'
  • 'The clerks are always easy to contact and deal with any administrative issues in a very efficient and friendly manner.'
  • 'This set is a market leader.'
  • 'Wilberforce have an outstanding roster of barristers for pensions. The quality is high and they will always find availability when required.'
  • 'Wilberforce continue to be a leading set for pensions.'
  • 'A broad team of impressive and talented individuals at all levels, with deep expertise in the sector, outstanding technical skill and great commercial insight.'

Silks

Leading Silks
KCs at the very top of their field, with a long-established record of market-defining cases, and widespread endorsement from clients and peers. All silks appointed in the last two rounds are listed further below.

Juniors

Leading Juniors
Leading juniors are those with significant experience of key cases, strong market recognition from both peers and clients, and are seen as future candidates for silk.
James Walmsley
3
Wilberforce Chambers
'James is a brilliant strategist. His ability to absorb vast and complex fact patterns and apply acute legal analysis to them is peerless.'
Thomas Robinson
3
Wilberforce Chambers
‘Tom is a leading figure for insolvency and pensions litigation, an overlap which comes up time and time again. A good strategist, his advice is well-judged and practical. He is also personable and precise.’
Jonathan Chew
4
Wilberforce Chambers
‘Jonathan provides brilliant support to his leaders before and during trial, as well as being assured on his own in the Court of Appeal.'
Emily McKechnie
4
Wilberforce Chambers
‘Emily is a pleasure to work with. She is very experienced in pensions litigation. She is also extremely hard-working, and very bright.‘
Michael Ashdown
4
Wilberforce Chambers
'Michael is incredibly bright with an irrepressible enthusiasm for the finer points of the law, which is combined with an engaging advocacy style almost unusual for someone so technical.'