The ‘technically strong, pragmatic and efficient’ insurance practice at Slaughter and May is well regarded for its work advising clients in the pension de-risking market for insurers and associated reinsurance transactions. Jonathan Marks sits at the helm of the practice, which benefits from his significant knowledge of corporate and life and non-life insurance matters. Nick Bonsall has a keen eye for strategic advisory mandates stemming from the financial services sector. Nick Pacheco is frequently called upon by large insurers to assist with Part VII transfers. Its partner offering was also recently strengthened by the promotion of Thomas Peacock, who specialises in the risk transfer market, in May 2024.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘I have been working with Nick Bonsall and his team since 2018. I have been very happy with the work that Nick and has team have provided and they have become our number one global law firm. I find them technically strong, pragmatic and efficient. I really have nothing but positive things to say.’
‘Nick Bonsall is our standout person at Slaughter and the lead partner on all of our matters with Slaughter. He consistently brings a strong team to transactions. Nick is strong at negotiation, very perceptive about documents, very pragmatic and very efficient.’
‘The diverse and in-depth experience within the team is exceptional - meaning that as a client I am getting support from true subject matter experts irrespective of the query. In my experience this not only means that the team provide high-quality and commercially focussed legal advice, but that this is provided at comparable rates to some traditionally cheaper firms (i.e. the higher hourly rate nets off against the reduced time taken to support a matter). They are happy and able to provide 'value add services' - e.g. board training, which has always been well received.’
‘NickPacheco stands out as being an exceptional partner to work with due to his legal and sector knowledge being second to none. He is attentive and always makes time for the client (even on fairly small matters). He communicates regularly and flexibly and keeps the client informed of updates or issues in real time, and he is a trusted adviser in the widest sense, incorporating a deep understanding of the law, the market and the client's business.’
‘Jonathan Marks and his team are brilliant to work with. They offer very clear legal advice, have firm views on matters of very technical law, and are excellent drafters and transactional lawyers. They are able to tailor their style to suit the situation, with a variety of negotiation techniques and an extremely calm style in challenging situations.’
‘Jonathan Marks is hugely knowledgeable and very commercial. His availability and involvement in transactions is always reliably excellent. He also has a team of strong individuals, who he is able to rely on.'
'Thomas Peacock is an extremely intelligent and clear advisor. He is an excellent draftsman and a very technically adept lawyer.’
‘The team was collegial, diligent and commercially minded.’
Key clients
- Allianz
- Aviva
- Chesnara
- Direct Line
- Legal & General
- Lime Syndicate Management
- Markerstudy/Pollen Street
- M&G
- Prudential
- RiverStone
- RSA
- White Mountains
- Zurich
Work highlights
- Advised Legal & General on the insurance of £4.8bn of liabilities of Boots Pension Scheme, the UK’s largest single buy-in transaction by premium size.
- Advised Aviva on the acquisition of AIG Life Limited from Corebridge Financial, Inc.
- Advised the Markerstudy Group on its merger with the Atlanta Group, Ardonagh’s personal lines broking business, to create a major new player in the UK insurance market.
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.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Thomas Peacock
Slaughter and MayPractice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Jonathan Marks