I advise trustees, employers and investors on all aspects of UK pensions law, regulation and industry best practice relating to DB and DC arrangements open and closed, as well as life assurance trusts and salary sacrifice arrangements.

For some clients, I provide day-to-day support on the legal aspects of running their pension scheme and providing specialist drafting of rules and contracts.  With others, I support them from time to time on standalone projects. Recent projects include supporting an employee consultation for changing pension scheme and contribution rates, merging two pension schemes, negotiating mitigation when corporate action affected the strength of the scheme sponsor, buying-in and then winding up a scheme following a corporate transaction and moving (mapping) employees’ DC funds without their consent into new investment funds.

I frequently advise on the pension aspects of corporate acquisitions, disposals and internal reorganisations and provide corporate strategy advice around managing DB liabilities, rationalising pension arrangements and winding up schemes.  I am also a member of the team that provides transactional support services to other law firm clients.

I am a regular speaker for the PLSA, developing and running their Trustee training practical workshops (Part 2 and Part 3).

Qualified: 1995, England and Wales

Joined Sackers: 2016

Became partner: 2016

Testimonials

“Philippa is the reason why I work with Sackers. She’s a very good negotiator with a good grasp of detail and strategic direction.” – Chambers UK

“Philippa is excellent in providing advice on complex member and administration matters, and clearly explains the issues and the reasoning for the recommendations.” – Chambers UK

“Philippa provides clear and unambiguous advice and is a joy to work with.” – Chambers UK

“Philippa Connaughton has expertise advising on the pensions aspects of corporate acquisitions” – Legal 500

“She’s a really trusted adviser and has been hugely valuable and supportive on some key commercial issues.” – Chambers UK

“She is very approachable and professional. Philippa is a pleasure to work with” – Chambers UK CMI Report