‘A first class in-depth technical resource. With a feeling of personal service and attention at partner level. Knowing that if a matter arises which is complex, there is a firm-wide network which will assist to bring the best advice forward from specialists in other offices. Also the billing process is handled openly with advance warning of costs and the matters dealt with. Compares very favourable in relation to other large firms encountered in this speciality.’

‘Clear advice, a feeling of personal attention, and ready when asked.’

‘In the North West of England, Eversheds Sutherland’s practice stands above the rest. The partner-led service is backed up by talented support and juniors, and there’s a lot of value if you compare the team to regional or particularly London rivals.’

‘Ele Lovering’s level of oversight and involvement makes the whole advice piece hang together, balancing pragmatism and commerciality with not being afraid to give advice that needs to be given. For someone in her position, she stays very down to earth. On our files, she works closely with Lauren O’Connor. Lauren’s also always good to work with, and a very safe pair of hands.’

‘The whole team is good to work with. Always clear and thoughtful.’

‘Ele Lovering is the lead partner. She is sensible and thoughtful in her delivery.’

‘Charmian Johnson is always pragmatic.’

‘Always available and quick to respond. Have a deep understanding of the business and of the scheme.’

‘Very knowledgeable about the subject matter in the pensions sector.’

‘Clear advice offered, very pragmatic with few grey areas.’

‘Pragmatic advice with a strong technical team to support that look for solutions to issues arising.’

‘Barry Gibb is always looking to find solutions to issues arising and prepared to ‘come off the fence’ with his advice.’

‘The team has been excellent – technically very strong with a thorough understanding of our specific pension scheme rules. Technical competency is rarely a differentiator so I must commend them on the delivery of their advice – written and verbal communication has been exceptionally clear and concise (and where possible pragmatic) which is highly valued. Our lead advisor has made herself available for formal and informal discussion of key topics whenever required.’

‘Paula Warnock’s advice has been exceptional – both technically clear and concise and delivered with empathy and wherever possible pragmatism. It has been a relatively busy year with a number of legal challenges to overcome and in times like this you value the quality of your advisors.’

‘A genuinely pragmatic, commercially-minded approach.’

‘Sinead Sheehan is an exceptional black-letter lawyer with a real eye for detail. She has helped us arrive at commercially-focused solutions for our pension schemes.’

‘Sinead Sheehan is an excellent pensions lawyer with first class professional and commercial judgement.’

‘Fieldfisher’s pensions law capability is excellent. They are responsive, practical & pragmatic, understanding their client well & anticipating issues without being overly pushy.’

‘Jeremy Harris acts as lead partner & primary adviser – very knowledgeable – nothing escapes him.’

‘Fieldfisher acted as a trusted partner. We found the advice and support provided was exceptional.’

‘Diligent service provided by knowledgeable and experienced professionals.’

‘The individuals leading the practice are superb. Both Patrick Kennedy and Stuart Evans are at the top of their game.’

‘Patrick Kennedy and Stuart Evans are consummate professionals, technically gifted, but also commercial, pragmatic and so user-friendly.’

‘The Gateley pensions team is very good at seeing things through the eyes of trustees having a very successful independent professional trustee practice. This helps them communicate the trustee perspective to members and sponsors of scheme from the trustee perspective.’

‘The team is very personable and has realistic expectations of what can be achieved in relation to a scheme. Team members are able to identify when advice needs to be taken and guide clients in a a collaborative way to meet objectives. Stuart Evans is great to work with and clear in his preferred approach. Jess Pigg has a clear focus on client objectives in her advice delivery and Patrick Kennedy has a great strategic outlook and helps clients take long term view in reducing pension risks.’

‘Good clear advice – they cut through the jargon.’

‘Patrick Kennedy is excellent – knowledgeable, straight-talking, clear advice.’

‘Sensible, pragmatic, proportionate and cost-effective advice.’

‘David Griffiths is excellent at distilling complex legal matters and explaining them in terms that lay trustees can understand. He is a very reassuring presence when working through multi-faceted projects.’

‘David Griffiths: Very reliable, reasonable, practical. Helps us find reasonable outcomes. Solid advice.’

‘David Griffiths is very thoughtful in his approach, reasonable on guidance and fees.’

‘Good support across the team.’

‘David Griffiths is commercial and pragmatic. He responds promptly and is not afraid to come to a view.’

‘Weightmans very clearly have a deep understanding of the legal aspects of pension schemes and have provided us with advice that proved to be perfectly accurate and beneficial. The advice given was in respect of the closure of a DB scheme which was handled very professionally and without controversy. The approach recommended to us was novel which resulted in a quick and cost-effective closure process.’

‘The clarity of advice, both written and oral, was excellent. Legal mumbo-jumbo was avoided wherever possible and the supporting documentation well prepared. I take this public opportunity to thank Mark Poulston for his guidance and clear explanations.’

‘This team is very responsive and incredibly knowledgeable about a constantly changing, and complex, area of law. The advice received is always clear and sets out actionable pathways, or straightforward guidance, that can be implemented by in-house counsel, trustees and advisors alike.’

‘Paul Carney is fantastic to work with – beyond being knowledgeable and commercial, he has a great way of really focusing on the critical issues and presenting practical, commercial solutions and advice. Paul focuses on the client, understanding the full needs, the history, and the overall strategy, enabling him to be proactive in his advice/issue flagging, as well as ensuring that he’s ‘horizon-scanning’ in a sensible way. I really cannot recommend Paul enough!’

‘Paul Carney – deep experience in pensions law, and able to combine technical capability with sound judgement and practical advice. Nice manner.’

‘Great recommendation, we have subsequently recommended to other contacts. Good advice, well explained and supportive team.’

‘Paul Carney’s involvement with the pension has been exceptional. Items always explained in lay terms for non-legalese and proportionate to a scheme of our size.’

‘The team is very responsive to requests and proactive when necessary. They are very attuned to the way we work as an organisation and their competitive pricing and clearly laid out invoices make it is easy to control our legal budget. They have helped in the past with numerous projects and their unfussy, uncomplicated approach and clear advice is appreciated by the senior management team.’

‘Paul Carney has proved to be an excellent solicitor and offers key pension advice to our team as and when queries arise. Paul will clearly explain the advice given and builds a good rapport when working with colleagues outside of our legal team including HR and operational leads.’

‘Paul is very approachable. He will make himself available for meetings and will turn work around quickly when required. Paul has a wealth of experience and this enables him to provide practical advice. The work provided by Paul is detailed and it is clear that time is spent to ensure the advice given is accurate and relevant to our queries.’