Praised as ‘supportive, approachable and pragmatic', DLA Piper UK LLP advises on the full range of pension-related matters with particular expertise in bulk annuities work. The group has extensive experience acting for large and complex pension schemes, such as the Royal Insurance Group, Universities Superannuation Scheme, and the Medical Research Council. The practice is co-led by Ben Miller in Liverpool, who has a ’big picture focus' and advises on the full range of pension scheme issues, including the establishment of closure schemes, mergers and acquisitions, and the bulk transfer of benefits, and the ‘diligent' Gary Davies in Manchester, whose expertise spans high-value transactions, such as buy-in transactions and bulk transfers into DC master trusts, as well as equalisation issues. Manchester-based Scott Rorke advises both trustees and employers on all aspects of pensions, and Stephanie Owens in Liverpool is also a key contact.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The DLA pensions team have an in-depth knowledge of pensions and the issues facing both sponsoring employers and trustees alike. The team are supportive, approachable and pragmatic. From a what I have seen, DLA do spend time developing their trainees, providing on the job guidance and encouraging them to get involved in more complex cases.’
'I would like to mention Gary Davies and Stephanie Owens for their continued professionalism, proactiveness and understanding of current and historical matters. Any legal work undertaken is always thoroughly researched and presented in manner suitable for the end user.’
Key clients
- Trustee of the Universities Superannuation Scheme
- Trustees of Warburtons Pension and Life Assurance Plan
Work highlights
- Advised the Trustee of the Royal Insurance Group Pension Scheme on the largest bulk annuity transaction that has ever been completed in the UK.
- Advised the Trustee Directors of the Royal Liver Pension Scheme on securing all of the scheme’s liabilities with a bulk annuity policy with Royal London.