Squire Patton Boggs fields a 'pragmatic and stable' team that is led by Matthew Giles . The large practice has a solid market reputation for its work in regulated utilities (especially water, nuclear and electricity sponsored schemes). Another key area of focus is in local government pension schemes and the not-for-profit sector. Philip Sutton has an excellent reputation for his transactional and insolvency related work. Victoria Jeacock has a wealth of experience in UK occupational pension schemes, private pension plans and public sector schemes. Kate-Emma Bailey is the relationship partner for numerous high-profile trustee clients. Glyn Ryland has retired.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘It's a pleasure working with the pension team at Squire Patton Boggs. They are always able to satisfy our requirements. They are as comfortable dealing with large complex issues as they are the small & relatively incidental ones'.
‘We've recently been faced with a complex legal matter and the need to complete matters according to very tight deadlines. The team worked whenever necessary to ensure the deadlines were met, and at all times delivered a very confident and competent performance'.
‘Matthew Giles - Partner. Always very clear and has an excellent understanding of our situation and history. Alexandra Heggie - Senior Associate. She is able to provide sound back up to Matthew'.
‘The SPB team is one of the strongest in the Midlands market. The lawyers are extremely impressive. They have worked hard on social media and communications and provide excellent content to clients and the wider market. The firm has immense expertise in pensions law'.
'The firm provides a complete pensions service as well as pensions training. Its collaborative style leads to a seamless service delivery. I truly believe that we receive a quality of advice comparable with any of the big London firms, at a considerably lower cost'.
‘The team is knowledgeable and led by an experienced partner. Matthew Giles – his knowledge of both our scheme and the wider pensions legislation and practical application has been incredibly helpful. He is also commercial and puts forward pragmatic solutions to complex situations'.
‘The team support your decisions with the provision of practical advice, highlighting potential risks and opportunities in a business language that is easier to understand. They really go above and beyond and frequently exceed my expectations rather than delivering the minimum’.
‘Matthew Giles is very calm and considered- good to have at your side in a crisis. Phil is a very strong performer on challenging cases and Victoria Jeacock has a great “bedside “ manner. Overall a very strong team'.

Key clients

Essentra Pension Plan
Cooper Tire & Rubber Company Europe Limited
DSV UK Group Pension Scheme
Sandvik Pension Plan 2001
Brush Group 2013 Pension Scheme
Omya UK Pension Scheme
Dollond & Aitchison Pension & Life Assurance Scheme
Birmingham University Pension and Assurance Scheme
Greencore UK Defined Benefits Scheme
Wyevale Garden Centres Limited 1993 Group Pension and Life Assurance Scheme
Bakkavor Pension Scheme
GXO Logistics Pension Scheme
IMS (UK) Pension Plan
W Grose Limited Limited Pension Scheme
Cambridgeshire County Council as administering authority to the Cambridgeshire Pension Fund / West Northamptonshire Council as administering authority to the Northamptonshire Pension Fund

Work highlights

Advised Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company on pension integration following its $2.8bn acquisition of Cooper Tire & Rubber Company Europe Limited.
Advised the trustee of the Birmingham University Pension and Assurance Scheme on a fundamental review of its governance arrangements.
Advised Ryder Pension Fund Limited on addressing the pension impact of the cessation of trading in the UK of its scheme sponsor.