Pensions and employee benefits

Arthur Cox

The pensions team at Arthur Cox boasts expertise in advising comprehensively on pension scheme design, setup, administration, mergers, and wind-ups. Department head Philip Smith routinely advises trustees and employers, in both the public and private sectors, on benefit pension scheme arrangements. Sarah McCague is singled out for being ‘exceptional’, and is well-positioned to assist with the new ESG requirements being introduced to Irish pensions law. Another key member of the team is Deirdre Cummins, who advises on all aspects of occupational pension arrangements.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘The individuals are complete experts in their chosen areas. They are also able to distil complex issues into language understandable for clients and deliver clear recommendations on the issues at hand.’
‘Compared with some other firms, Arthur Cox has a relatively large team of professionals working exclusively on pension matters. As a result, knowledgeable backup is available should the main contact be unavailable. A key strength of the Arthur Cox team is that their extensive pensions client base means that they will have seen most issues before and enables them to provide practical solutions to issues as they arise.’
‘Philip Smith and Sarah McCague are exceptional, experienced pension law professionals who listen to their clients, are easy to deal with, prompt in returning calls, have a practical mindset in providing advice and highly knowledgeable on pension matters. Clients are assured that the advice provided has been properly thought through and all angles covered.’
‘They develop a full understanding of the broader context and work with clients to find practical solutions.'
‘The team is highly accessible, they care about my issues and they deliver high quality work in line with my requirements.'
‘Sarah McCague is very approachable, friendly and always giving of her time. She adopts a pragmatic and sensible approach when faced with complex questions. She effectively uses her team to research the relevant issues and provide high-quality, focused advice in a cost effective manner.'
‘Philip Smith - Phil is a brilliant lawyer. He is very knowledgeable and delightfully considered and calm. He always sets clients at ease.'
‘I think the calibre of their people and their pensions knowledge is at the very highest level in the market.'

Key clients

CRH plc
Ulster Bank Ireland DAC
Flutter Entertainment plc
Vodafone
Alkermes plc
Grafton Group plc
Trustees of a commercial semi-State client’s AVC Scheme
Coillte
Trustees of the Gas Networks Ireland DB and DC pension schemes
CRH plc

Work highlights

Advised Vodafone on commercial court pensions litigation.
Advised CRH plc on pensions aspects of the disposal of Clogrennane Lime Limited.
Advised Grafton Group plc on pensioner buy-in exercise.

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