Pensions Disputes

When errors or uncertainties are found in scheme documentation, we can find innovative solutions on which all parties can rely in administering their schemes and which enable our clients to make decisions in which they can have confidence.

Where issues cannot be resolved without litigation, we have significant experience of leading and managing applications to the High Court to approve solutions we have devised, to correct documents so they say what they were intended to say or to obtain directions on how the parties should administer their pension scheme.

Sometimes employers and trustees bring claims seeking compensation from professional advisers. We have considerable experience handling professional negligence claims and securing early settlements so the parties can move on.

Trustees and employers often have to deal with complaints from scheme members. We help our clients find solutions to complaints before they escalate to the Pensions Ombudsman. When necessary, we robustly defend clients before the Pensions Ombudsman.

We work with clients to support decision-making and provide training to help them make defendable decisions to minimise the risk of future complaints being made.

We also help to manage communication exercises to avoid member complaints.

Pensions is a heavily regulated world. Where necessary, we advise clients on their engagement with the Pensions Regulator to help secure the most desirable outcome and ensure the clients' approach is beyond criticism.

If things escalate, we support our clients if the Pensions Regulator is considering formal action.

The Pensions Regulator has the power to conduct investigations, which can cause disruption to our clients' businesses. We support clients through the process and help to protect them from the outset.

We support and advise high-net-worth individuals in dispute with their current or former employers about their pension arrangements.

Data breaches are becoming more common with pensions schemes. Our pensions litigators work closely with our data protection and cyber security lawyers to protect schemes from cyber-attacks.