Pictured (L-R): Sophia Harrison and Hayley Gibson

The three-day conference, which featured a range of speakers covering hot topics in the world of pensions, was organised by Shane O’Reilly, a partner at Norton Rose Fulbright.

The APL also held a gala ball at Glasgow’s Kelvingrove Art Gallery, at which APL chair Claire Carey, a partner at Sackers, provided a warm address to the group.

Hayley Gibson, senior legal counsel at Hymans Robertson, and Sophia Harrison, partner at Burness Paull and a barrister, were among some of the speakers to present to the audience of 300 lawyers and barristers.

Ms Gibson addressed the group on the new pension transfer regulatory regime and pension fraud while Ms Harrison examined the procedures engaged in pensions litigation in the Scottish courts.

Ms Gibson said: “Providing trustees with legislative power to halt suspicious transfers has been welcomed. However under the current regime we see the regulations and industry guidance differ making it difficult for trustees and those managing pension schemes.

“This provided for a very interactive presentation and I thank the audience for their lively participation during the Q&A. On a personal level I was delighted to have the opportunity to share some top tips on managing risk and in particular to be able to present on Scottish soil as one of the few Scottish lawyers in attendance. Thanks to the APL for arranging a fantastic three days of seminars and socialising and a special thank you to my brilliant session chair Ben Fairhead of Pinsent Masons.”

Ms Harrison added: “This was a wonderful event, it was a brilliant forum which allowed for the exchange of knowhow and experience amongst real leaders in the field of pensions.

“It was also a delight to be able to share the stage with my co-presenter Chris Edwards-Earl of Stephenson Harwood LLP, who discussed the English procedural position in pensions litigation.

“The differences between the jurisdictions when it comes to pensions litigation is fascinating and I think that the seminar may cause some to pause in the future when deciding upon the jurisdiction for any potential disputes. I am very grateful to the APL for putting together such an excellent event in Scotland.”