James Bingham

About

James advises trustees and employers on a wide range of pensions disputes. He has been involved in a number of high profile pensions cases including:

• Wedgwood v Salt acting for the Representative Beneficiary in relation to the validity of the scheme’s closure to future accrual
• Saga v Paul case which involved the rectification of historic errors in pension scheme documentation
• the Prudential case concerning the scope of the employer’s duty of good faith
• the rectification of a number of deeds governing one of the Citibank pension schemes by summary judgment.

In addition, James has experience of trustee applications to the High Court for directions on a wide range of subjects.

James has significant experience of The Pensions Regulator (TPR) exerting its power, including its ‘moral hazard’ powers. James’ work has included advising the trustees of the Coats Pension Plan in relation to a recent TPR investigation and the settlement of a scheme funding dispute following the takeover of EMI by private equity firm Terra Firma. James has also advised employer clients on regulatory matters including the imposition of penalties (and challenges to this) and responding to requests for information as part of ongoing investigations.

James also has significant experience of mediation in a professional negligence context and has obtained a number of successful outcomes for clients as a result of mediation.

A further element of James’ work involves responding on behalf of clients on complaints before the Pensions Ombudsman and he also advises a large number of schemes on individual member disputes.

James is ranked by Chambers UK 2019 as a lawyer to watch.

Memberships and Qualifications

Membership of professional bodies:
Association of Pension Lawyers (Full Member)

Career history

Qualified: 2009, England & Wales

Pensions experience since: 2010

Joined Sackers: 2010

Joined partnership/LLP: 2018

Employers: Travers Smith LLP (2006-2009)

Academic history

University/College

Magdalen College, University of Oxford (2002-2005)

Degree: BA in Jurisprudence

Further Information

Testimonials:

• “James Bingham has been a clear and stable guiding light in the approach to dispute resolution. From the beginning he was clear about the challenges and prospect for success and has been consistent with his message throughout. He also showed great patience with his client as details slipped from their minds over time and he helped them recall previous discussions.” – Legal 500 2023
• “As he has got to know the trustees well, he has honed his advice in a very clear and focused way. From my perspective, James’ response time is excellent and where he is unable to respond with advice immediately he ensures that he communicates when he will get back. James has often drafted legal letters on my behalf and on all occasions these have been drafted in a style and tone that I had to make few changes to. This demonstrates that he understands his clients needs well and responds appropriately to these.” – Legal 500 2023
• “James Bingham is a delight to work with. He is responsive, capable and never loses sight of what matters.” – Legal 500 2023
• James Bingham is “calm, practical and collaborative.” – Chambers UK 2022
• James Bingham is particularly skilled at advising clients on regulatory investigations, Part 8 proceedings and cases involving allegations of negligent misstatement.  “He is knowledgeable, accessible and helpful.” – Chambers UK 2021
• “James Bingham is very personable and particularly strong on Ombudsman issues” – Legal 500 2021
• One source remarks that he is “very personable, knowledgeable and great with clients,” adding that he “combines an eye for litigation with extensive technical knowledge” – Chambers UK 2020

Extracurricular interests and activities:

As a keen sportsman I will often be found playing or watching any number of sports. I also enjoy going to the gym, reading and cooking.