Pensions: dispute resolution

Stephenson Harwood

With ‘extensive experience of the process and a unique capability to determine the most commercial approach’, Stephenson Harwood’s team regularly acts in high-profile professional negligence claims and complex regulatory disputes, including FCA and TPR investigations, both of which are cornerstones of the practice. The group regularly collaborates with the firm’s private wealth, contentious trusts, pensions advisory, and regulatory teams. Described by clients as a ‘tactical genius’, Helena Berman leads the practice and has substantial experience acting on complex pensions and trust disputes concerning the law of limitation, construction of trust documents, and defending trustees in professional negligence cases. Jenny McKeown has ’a great eye for litigation advantage’ and is adept at advising insurers and UK law firms on professional negligence claims. Chris Edwards-Earl is a ‘very personable and effective litigator’, while Maria Chami is another name to note.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘Stephenson Harwood and innovative, creative and solutions focused. They are very commercially focused - they have a vast amount of industry knowledge and their advice goes far beyond the purely legal, the give clients valuable strategic advice as well. They are actively involved in many of the reported pensions cases and their first hand experience with these cases is invaluable.’
‘Helena Berman and Chris Edwards-Earl are both fantastic - commercial and solutions-focused. They have in depth industry knowledge which they utilise to full effect for the benefit of their clients. They are also pragmatic, focusing on their clients needs and aims and presenting solutions that meet those needs.’
‘Particularly strategic and proactive in defending claims. Very good knowledge of client processes and approach. Very strong investment in developing client relationship and ensuring consistent standard of service across firm.’
‘Stand out associate - Maria Chami - exceptional attention to detail and ownership of caseload.’
‘A genuine expertise across dispute resolution in general with those cross-over skills being applied in the pensions space.’
‘Helena Berman is a fantastic all round litigator- totally dedicated to what she does and to delivering a result for the client.’
‘The Stephenson Harwood pensions disputes team has extensive experience of the process and a unique capability to determine the most commercial approach to ensure the best outcome for all stakeholders. ’
‘Chris Edwards-Earl is a very personable and effective litigator. He looks to achieve the best results for his clients focusing on the most effective commercial outcomes and driving settlement rather than litigation when appropriate. He has great technical knowledge combined with deep experience and a strong network.’

Key clients

Representative Beneficiary of the BBC pension scheme
Mercer Limited and Sedgwick Noble Lowndes Limited
BP Pensioner Groups

Work highlights

Acting for the Representative Beneficiary of the BBC Pension Scheme in in proceedings which would determine the scope of the Scheme's amendment power and whether significant variations can be made to the Scheme going forwards. In July 2023, judgement was handed down in favour of the client, and the firm's involvement continues as the BBC has made the decision to appeal the decision to the Court of Appeal.
Defending Mercer Limited and Sedgwick Noble Lowndes Limited in a high value negligence claim issued by the employer and trustees of the Honda pension scheme in December 2009 regarding a range of alleged defective amendments to the scheme between 1986 – 1999.
Advising the Steering Group (representing hundreds of members of the BP Pension Scheme) in relation to actions taken by the Scheme Trustee (BP Pension Trustees Limited) and BP, in light of BP's decision to not pay full RPI pension increases.

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