The pensions disputes practice at Herbert Smith Freehills LLP's workload includes matters ranging from advising clients in their responses to the gilt crisis, assisting in professional negligence cases, and advising on claims for investment losses incurred by trustees. Samantha Brown and William Glassey dually lead the ‘fantastic team of really classy litigators'; Brown is well-equipped to handle declaratory proceedings and Glassey is particularly experienced in professional negligence cases against solicitors, barristers, and pensions actuaries. Senior associate Dan Saunders, described as ’responsive and a pleasure to deal with', is a key contact for work wherein sponsoring employers are navigating issues in scheme documentation. Antonia Pegden and Philip Lis are also recommended for their ‘fantastic' work.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Samantha Brown is an all-round legal star who is technically brilliant and possesses supreme commercial judgement. Sam goes the extra mile for her clients and is also a pleasure to work with.
- ‘The team have been very responsive and supportive with our issue and in helping us resolve the dispute for the benefit of our employees.’
- ‘A very personable team who are also technically excellent. A fantastic team of really classy litigators.’
- ‘Samantha Brown and Antonia Pegden are outstanding. Clever, pragmatic and commercial. Dan Saunders is always responsive and a pleasure to deal with.’
- ‘Strong combination of litigators and specialist pensions lawyers.’
- ‘The HSF pensions disputes team is formidable - packed with hugely able lawyers who combine technical expertise with commercial acumen and an unparalleled dedication to their client's cause.’
- ‘Antonia Pegden is a fantastic litigator who is completely unflappable and can be guaranteed to make the right decision no matter the heat of the situation.’
- ‘Philip Lis has been particularly supportive of our issue with a pension provider and excels at identifying the key points in a plethora of detail. His guidance has been helpful and is moving us towards resolution of this long-standing dispute.’
Key clients
- The Board of the Pension Protection Fund
- Mercer
- JLT Wealth Management
- Willis Towers Watson
Work highlights
- Advised the Trustees of a confidential pension scheme on a complex matter of scheme construction and an associated potential professional negligence claim.
- Advised the Board of the Pension Protection Fund on a range of matters.
- Advised a multinational financial services firm to defend a complex claim for investment losses suffered by the trustee of a large pension scheme.
Lawyers
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Samantha Brown, William Glassey