The Association of Pension Lawyers (APL) has appointed DLA Piper partner, Matthew Swynnerton, as its new chair.

Swynnerton, who was announced as chair elect of the association earlier this year, took up office last week (21 November) at the APL Annual Conference in Leeds.

He takes over the role, which is a two-year appointment, from Fieldfisher head of pensions practice, David Gallagher, who served as chair from November 2023 to November 2025.

Swynnerton brings almost three decades of pensions and legal expertise to the role. A partner at DLA Piper, he heads up the London pensions team at the firm and advises on all aspects of pensions law.

He is also recognised as a Leading Individual in the Legal 500, is ranked in Chambers, and has been described by a leading pensions KC as having “an extensive knowledge of pensions law and practice and very sound legal judgement”.

Swynnerton is also a legal adviser to the Pension Scams Industry Group (PSIG), and a member of its technical committee.

Commenting on the appointment, Swynnerton said: “I'm truly honoured to take on the role of chair of my professional body, the APL. Having been actively involved in the APL as a committee member for nearly my entire career, the APL's unique collaborative and inclusive spirit is very much part of my DNA.

"We are anticipating major legislative change during my term of office with the Pension Schemes Bill and the Finance Bill due to be enacted, and I will look to ensure that the APL’s voice is strongly represented.”

The APL is an association of more than a thousand lawyers who practise pensions law in the UK, which engages with the government on various initiatives, providing practical experience and technical input on legislation and regulatory guidance.

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