The 'cutting-edge' pensions disputes team at Burges Salmon LLP is lauded by clients for its ‘excellent knowledge of pensions litigation'. The practice is headed by Justin Briggs, who has extensive experience with cross-border pensions cases and matters which intersect with trusts, tax, and private wealth, in particular. The team is experienced advising both trustees and employers in the public and private sectors with small self-administered scheme (SSAS) disputes, and with self-invested personal pension (SIPP) disputes, which is Suzanne Padmore's area of specialism. Additionally, the team is well-equipped to assist in recovery actions and rectification cases. With the 2022 launch of the practice’s Pensions Schemes ESG Tool, clients are offered up-to-date advice on ESG requirements of UK pension schemes. Senior associate Amy Khodabandehloo is recommended for her work in pensions-related professional negligence cases.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘They have a wide-range of knowledge, insight into the Pensions Regulator, and experience with a wide-range of cases.’
‘They are out of London but provide just as good quality as a London city firm. Excellent knowledge of pensions litigation combined with general commercial litigation skills.’
‘They are really cutting-edge in their thinking and seem to have a brilliant team which keeps them abreast of cutting-edge potential legal arguments. They have been in some huge cases over the years and so they have a lot of credibility in dispute resolution - they will fight their clients' corner hard if they need to.’
‘The team have been at the forefront of all of the significant pensions litigation in recent times. They have strength in depth as well as some of the most qualified individuals in the field. They are user-friendly, efficient, and pleasant to work with.’
‘Suzanne Padmore and Amy Khodabandehloo are a formidable team, differentiated by their persuasive and sound tactical decisions combined with being genuinely enjoyable to work alongside.’
‘An exceptionally strong pensions disputes team who offer a combination of technical expertise, commercial judgement and dedication to obtaining the best outcome for their clients.’
‘Suzanne Padmore is one of the top pensions disputes solicitors in the country. Fantastic knowledge of pensions law and litigation, great strategic and tactical acumen, and extremely hardworking.’
‘Justin Briggs always keeps up to date with legal developments and is a tactical thinker. Suzanne Padmore is switched on and great at managing a team.’
Key clients
- St Modwen Properties PLC and St Modwen Pensions Limited
- Trustees of Associated British Engineering Plc Pension Scheme
- Mattioli Woods
- PSGS Trust Corporation Ltd, the Trustees to the Robert Horne Group Pension Scheme
Work highlights
- Advised St. Modwen Properties Limited and the Trustee of the St. Modwen Pension Scheme in relation to an application to rectify the Scheme rules to correct an error left unrectified following a previous successful rectification application.
- Advised the trustees of the Associated British Engineering Plc Pension Scheme in relation to a defaulting participating employer of the scheme, British Polar Engines Ltd.
- Advised the Trustees, PSGS Trust Corporation Ltd, of the Robert Horne Group Pension in relation to a significant negligence claim valued in excess of £20m against Aon which results from errors committed in the closure of a defined benefit scheme to future accrual, as well as in implementing other scheme changes.
Lawyers
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Justin Briggs