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Richards Stephen

Stephen Richards

Partner - Head of Pensions, London

A leading lawyer in the Legal 500 and a Thomson Reuters Stand-out Partner, Stephen brings market-leading pensions solutions in a pragmatic and proportionate way.

D +44 20 7809 2350 M +44 773 938 4686

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Awards and Recognition

"Stephen understands our business and understands me, so he knows how to deliver his advice to suit his audience - and that advice is always clear and proportionate."    

Chambers and Partners, 2026

"Stephen Richards embodies the firm's pragmatic, practical, and solution-driven advice. He is very personable and takes time to build deep relationships with his clients."    

Legal 500, 2026

Thomson Reuters Stand-out Lawyers List 2026    

Thomson Reuters

Leading Partner (Pensions)    

Legal 500

Biography

Language - English

Jurisdiction - England & Wales

Partner and Head of Pensions Advisory, Stephen is recognised by clients and the pensions industry as a market-leading pensions lawyer advising some of the UK's most well-known pension schemes, companies and institutions. Stephen's clients include the Santander (UK) Group Pension Scheme, Arriva, the First Group Pension Scheme, BNP Paribas and the Royal Society Pension Scheme.

Clients go to Stephen for innovative solutions to their most difficult pensions problems. From creating new funding structures to setting up new pension schemes, clients trust Stephen with their biggest projects and most difficult challenges. Feedback on Stephen consistently notes his commercial style on strategic issues and his responsive and pragmatic approach on day-to-day matters. 

As one of the industry's leading pensions lawyers, clients say Stephen sets the standard for blending the highest-quality service, clear and concise advice and a pragmatic and proportionate approach.

Experience

  • Merger of the First UK Bus Pension Scheme with the First Group Pension Scheme

    Successful merger of First Group's two major pension schemes.
  • Santander (UK) Group Pension Scheme - Administration transition

    Successful administration transition for Santander's £9bn pension scheme.

  • Acquisition of Arriva

    Acted for Arriva on its acquisition by I Squared.

EXPERTISE

NEWS AND INSIGHTS