Independent law firm Brabners has invested in its pensions team with the appointment of new senior leadership as significant pension reform remains a key focus of government policy.
Kim Jones (pictured, right) has joined Brabners as head of pensions alongside new partner Nigel Jones (left), and will lead the team in supporting the firm’s national client base. The appointments come during a time of significant anticipated changes in the pensions sector as the government targets better outcomes for pension savers while seeking to drive growth by facilitating pension fund investment in the UK economy.
Based in Brabners’ Leeds office, both Kim and Nigel join the firm from Freeths and will continue to be supported by legal director Max Ballad who also joins Brabners. Collectively, the team hold more than 60 years of experience advising trustees and employers on all aspects of pensions law.
Advising stakeholders in public and private sector pensions schemes nationally, the team supports clients with the establishment, operation, merger, reconstruction and wind-up of pension schemes and related risk transfer (buy-in/buyout) projects. The team, which includes M&A specialists, will also support Brabners’ leading corporate specialism – which last year was recognised as a top 15 M&A adviser nationally by Experian – in advising on the pensions aspects of refinancing, restructurings, sales and acquisitions.
The appointment is the latest addition to the firm’s fast-growing Leeds office, which works closely with colleagues across Brabners’ offices in Liverpool, Manchester and Lancashire. Brabners was recently named the best law firm to work for in the UK and the best company to work for in Yorkshire by Best Companies.
Nik White, managing partner at Brabners (centre), said: 'The pensions landscape has shifted significantly in the last three years, influenced by both the Truss administration’s mini-Budget and now the current government’s ambition to leverage pension funds to support UK economic growth through the creation of new megafunds. Kim, Nigel and Max’s combined experience puts us in an excellent position to guide clients through this period of reform and consolidation.
'It’s a pleasure to bring them on board and to see the broader Leeds office growing further, having recently been recognised as employer of choice in the region.'
Kim Jones, head of pensions at Brabners, added: '2025 will continue to present challenges for those with responsibility for pension schemes as the government sets out to deliver the most significant reform in decades. For employers, funds and their trustees, the next few years will undoubtedly represent a period of change, and one they will need the support of experienced advisors to help them navigate.
'Working alongside Nigel, Max and the wider Brabners team, we very much intend to play our part in helping make the difference for clients old and new during what promises to be a period of profound change for public and private sector pensions.'
