LAW firm Ward Hadaway has appointed pensions law expert TUSHAR BHATE to lead its pensions team.

The former police officer is recommended by Chambers - the legal industry's directory of experts - and is an acknowledged authority on pensions law.

He has advised all types of pension schemes, from one-member schemes to some of the largest in the UK.

He has also acted for multinationals in forming their UK pensions strategy and public sector pension arrangements, including the Teachers' Pension Scheme and the Local Government Pension Scheme.

He said: "I am thrilled to have the opportunity to launch a specialist pensions team.

"The team has strong relationships with acknowledged experts in the field of pension administration, actuarial services and consultancy, which enables us to provide a seamless management service."

Joining Mr Bhate in the pensions team is Kathryn Cowen. She has specialised in pensions law for the past four years.

She is a paralegal, who has provided advice on project management of large pension scheme transactions.

She assists clients with legal queries, administration issues, legislative compliance and training requirements.

The third member of the team is solicitor DR TRISTAN MANDER, who has specialised in pensions law at Ward Hadaway since 2001.

He will provide legal and technical advice on pension arrangements and pensions law, leading the pension teams' technical support service.