Senior hire boosts pensions practice team

Squire Patton Boggs has enhanced its Manchester Pensions Practice with the recent appointment of Helen May as a director. This move continues the firm’s growth strategy in the pensions sector, following the arrivals of Amanda Small and Alison White from Eversheds Sutherland earlier in July.

Helen, a familiar face at Squire Patton Boggs, has returned to the firm where she trained and qualified, bringing over 12 years of experience. In her role, she will advise trustees and employers on various pension arrangement types, navigating the intricate legal and regulatory framework that governs occupational pension schemes. Her expertise spans complex pension issues, particularly within the consumer, financial services, manufacturing, and public sectors.

Matthew Giles, head of the Pensions Practice Group, expressed enthusiasm for Helen’s return by saying, “We are delighted to welcome Helen back to the firm. Demand for pensions advice continues to grow, and Helen’s appointment further strengthens our impressive team in Manchester. Her technical capability, sector knowledge and longstanding relationships with colleagues across the firm will be invaluable as we continue to support clients on their most complex pensions matters.”

Amanda Small, who leads the firm’s Pensions team in Manchester, echoed this sentiment, stating “I’ve known and worked with Helen for many years and have always been impressed by her expertise, ability to build strong client relationships and practical approach to helping clients navigate complex pensions issues. It’s great to have the opportunity to work alongside her again. Her experience further strengthens our Manchester team and enhances the support we provide to clients across the region and nationally.”

In her own words, Helen added, “The firm has an outstanding reputation for its pensions expertise, and I am excited to rejoin so many former colleagues and to contribute to the continued growth of the practice across the North West and beyond.”

Squire Patton Boggs has already established a strong presence in the pensions landscape, winning two “Pensions Law Firm of the Year” awards in 2025 and currently advising on more than 300 pension plans with over £400 billion of assets. This year has seen the addition of three senior pensions lawyers, with Helen now enhancing the firm’s offerings alongside Amanda Small and Alison White in Manchester, as well as Gemma Hanley in Leeds.