I advise trustees and employers on a wide range of pensions litigation matters.

I have extensive experience of High Court applications and professional negligence work covering a wide spectrum of issues, and have a particularly strong track record of settling disputes in a timely and cost-effective way through mediation and other forms of ADR.   My practice also involves dealing with claims relating to financial products, including historic annuity contracts and claims arising out of the LDI crisis.

I act for clients on regulatory investigations, advising and assisting on DB scheme funding and moral hazard disputes as well as the use of improvement notices and investigations in a DC and mastertrust context. I also advise employer clients on regulatory matters including the imposition of penalties (and challenges to this) and responding to requests for information as part of ongoing investigations.

I also provide advice on complex member claims and complaints before the Pensions Ombudsman and the Courts.

Recent experience

• Wedgwood v Salt acting for the Representative Beneficiary in relation to the validity of the scheme’s closure to future accrual
• handling proposed claims from a large, high profile member action group
• the resolution of multi-million pound member claims arising from transfer issues
• resolving a claim regarding the terms of a historic annuity contract with a large provider
• Saga v Paul case which involved the rectification of historic errors in pension scheme documentation

Qualified: 2009, England and Wales

Joined Sackers: 2010

Became partner: 2018

Testimonials

“James is charming and unflappable, and really makes an effort to deliver his advice in a way his clients understand.” Chambers UK

“James is able to pinpoint the key issues and provide solutions which are appropriate for each case, and he does so with extreme clarity and in a form which supports effective decision-making.” Chambers UK

“James Bingham is always engaged and offers sensible advice that clients can understand and appreciate. He involves and trusts his associates who always deliver.” Legal 500

“James Bingham has been a clear and stable guiding light in the approach to dispute resolution. From the beginning he was clear about the challenges and prospect for success and has been consistent with his message throughout. He also showed great patience with his client as details slipped from their minds over time and he helped them recall previous discussions.” Legal 500

“As he has got to know the trustees well, he has honed his advice in a very clear and focused way. From my perspective, James’ response time is excellent and where he is unable to respond with advice immediately he ensures that he communicates when he will get back. James has often drafted legal letters on my behalf and on all occasions these have been drafted in a style and tone that I had to make few changes to. This demonstrates that he understands his clients’ needs well and responds appropriately to these.” Legal 500

“James Bingham is a delight to work with. He is responsive, capable and never loses sight of what matters.” Legal 500