The ‘very capable, first-class quality team’ at Linklaters LLP has experience ranging from advising on ESG and fiduciary management issues to liability management work, alongside handling funding agreements and fund consolidations, including transfers to master trusts. Commended as a ’trusted adviser’ and ‘the best in the business’, Claire Petheram spearheads the team, while Philip Goss has experience in de-risking buy-in and buy-out transactions, funding negotiations, and funding arrangements. Rosalind Knowles has experience across pensions law, assisting on trust law and regulatory issues. Sarah Parkin and John Sheppard also handle a wide variety of pensions work for both trustees and employers, and counsel Alasdair Smith is also of note.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'The firm (through the individuals, and collectively) keep up-to-date with regulation and legislation that is relevant to our Scheme, and are able to provide prompt and informative advice and guidance, in a timely and clear, understandable fashion. They also pre-empt our requirements by bringing matters to our attention before we know we need it!’
‘Claire Petheram is the best in the business. Succinct, clear, thoughtful, timely, bespoke advice. A true trusted partner and well respected, not just by Trustees, but also Corporates for her open, constructive approach.’
‘Knowledgeable, personable and can discuss areas at different levels, based on the knowledge of the person they are dealing with.’
‘Great service, friendly, knowledgeable and experienced people willing to give their opinions. Linklaters are easy to work with.’
‘Roz Knowles as lead partner is friendly, helpful and has a great understanding of the current issues in the pensions market. She is readily available when necessary and has a “makes things simple” style which is very much appreciated.'
‘The pensions team works collaboratively with other Linklaters specialist teams, such as employment, to deliver a comprehensive service delivery to clients. The pensions team problem solve, their advice is practical, they communicate effectively, and are commercially aware.’
‘Sarah Parkin is extremely competent and straightforward to work with. Her experience and practical approach are stand out factors.'
‘Linklaters have a really strong pensions team. They can cater for all forms of pensions work, from individual queries to major projects. They have deep experience and expertise across the team and are always available to guide the Trustee when needed.’
Key clients
- CK Hutchison
- MMC UK Pension Fund Trustee Limited
- Trustee of the Water Companies Pension Scheme
- Trustee of the Royal Bank of Scotland International Pension Trust
Work highlights
- Advising a UK insurer on a framework covering four bulk annuity contracts in respect of a sectionalised multi-billion-pound scheme.
- Advising the Trustee of the MMC UK Pension Fund on a multi-billion-pound longevity swap covering pensioners, deferred pensioners and active deferred pensioners.
- Advising a multi-billion-pound scheme on its decision to move from buy-in to buy-out, issues associated with illiquid assets and innovative ways of resolving those issues and the management of residual risks via various approaches.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Claire Petheram