The Pensions and Lifetime Savings team at independent UK law firm Burges Salmon has reported exceptional growth, growing its practice by over 100% in three years and increasing its headcount by 50% in 18 months.
Now comprising 65 specialists – including over 50 lawyers, five trainees, an apprentice and two practice development lawyers – the non-contentious practice is one of the largest and most diverse in the UK, with lawyers qualified across all three UK jurisdictions and based in locations across the UK including London, Edinburgh, Bristol, Cardiff, Birmingham and Newcastle. The team is led by nine partners and six directors, reflecting sustained and increasing demand for complex pensions advice. With a separate team of Pensions Disputes specialists comprising two partners, two directors and five lawyers, Burges Salmon’s market-leading offering for pensions clients encompasses the full spectrum of legal services.
During the last 18 months, the firm has welcomed 22 new pension lawyers, strengthening its private and public sector pensions capability. This expansion has enabled the team to advise on some of the UK’s most significant and innovative transactions. Recent work includes acting for the Honda Group – UK Pension Scheme Trustee on its £800 million buy‑in, and advising on the landmark “connected covenant” transfer of members to Clara‑Pensions, the UK’s only defined benefit ‘superfund’.
The team’s national client base has continued to grow, with over 50 new clients onboarded in the past year, including its appointment to advise the Pension Protection Fund. Its public sector pensions practice has been bolstered further with the arrival of partner Gary Delderfield from Eversheds in November and is now considered the leading practice in the country, acting for four of the eight LGPS investment pools and expanding further ahead of important LGPS reforms.
The firm’s commitment to responsible business has also been recognised externally, with the Pensions team winning the Impact on Climate Award at the PMI Pinnacle Awards, reflecting its support for clients navigating the transition to a low‑carbon economy.
