Law firm Stephenson Harwood LLP has strengthened its pensions team with the addition of partner Stephen Richards, who joins the firm's London office.

Richards' practice is predominantly non-contentious, with a focus on advising employers, trustees and insurance companies on a wide range of pensions related matters. He has particular expertise in the banking sector, master trusts, buy-ins and buy-outs, and has experience advising in relation to major strategic projects. He joins Stephenson Harwood from Allen & Overy, and brings more than a decade of experience.

"We've seen an increased demand from trustees and employers for advice on a wide range of pensions issues," said Mark Catchpole, head of employment and pensions at Stephenson Harwood. "Stephen's arrival will further bolster the practice, building particularly on the non-contentious expertise of our multi-disciplinary team."

Richards has participated in the Pensions Regulator's DC working group, is a member of the Association of Pensions Lawyers Education and Seminars Committee and is organising the APL's annual conference.

The Stephenson Harwood pensions team has provided specialist pensions advice for over 30 years. As one of the largest teams in the City, it advises both pension scheme trustees and sponsors on the full spectrum of pensions-related matters.