Burges Salmon bolsters public sector pensions offering with double hire

Gary Delderfield, who was head of public sector pensions at Eversheds Sutherland, joins as a partner, while Alec Bennett joins as a senior associate.

Burges Salmon said Delderfield and Bennett advise on all aspects of pensions law, acting for funds, trustees, employers and providers on a wide range of contentious and non-contentious pensions issues.

“Gary and Alec have particular experience in public sector pensions law, supporting both public and private sector clients on matters across central government, education, local government, NHS and voluntary sectors,” the firm added.

Richard Knight, partner and head of Pensions and Lifetime Savings at Burges Salmon, said: “Our ability to attract leading talent like Gary and Alec reflects our commitment to providing clients with unparalleled expertise across the full spectrum of pensions law.

“With the introduction of the Pension Schemes Bill and, notably, the government’s plans to reform the legal framework governing Local Government Pension Schemes and asset pooling in March 2026, our clients face a pivotal period of change and complexity.

“This continued investment in our people and practice enables us to respond dynamically to the evolving needs of our clients, providing critical support and guidance as they navigate these significant reforms.”

Delderfield said: “We are thrilled to join Burges Salmon, a firm renowned not only for its excellent expertise in pensions law, but also for the collaborative, supportive culture it nurtures, one that consistently earns the trust and respect of clients and peers across the industry.

“With the upcoming reforms to the LGPS and a fast-evolving legal landscape, there is a real opportunity to help clients navigate the complexities with confidence and I look forward to continuing to work with Alec and my new colleagues to support our clients.”