Philip Smith heads Arthur Cox‘s pensions and employee benefits group which assists corporate, public sector and semi-state clients, as well as pension scheme trustees and scheme members, with all aspects of pension law. The team has specific experience advising on public sector pensions/semi-state superannuation arrangements, as well as auto-enrolment and deferred annuities/buy-in buy-out. Deirdre Cummins is a strong choice for pensions litigation and cross-border pension transfers, while Sarah McCague is particularly well-positioned to advise on ESG obligations under Irish pensions law. Promoted to partner in 2025, Daniel Watters is noted for his advice on scheme restructurings, litigation and regulatory compliance, and Michael Shovlin specialises in equity incentives work.
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Accolades
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Pensions is a specialist, technical area, and Arthur Cox has one of the strongest legal teams in this practice area in terms of knowledge, experience and depth of resources.’
- ‘Their knowledge and experience is excellent, they communicate legal issues clearly and they are practical in their recommended solutions. Philip Smith, Daniel Watters, Deirdre Cummins and Sarah McCague are all excellent legal advisers.’
- ‘Expertise is top class and delivered efficiently.'
- ‘Arthur Cox are consistently responsive and have a positive approach to client service. The advice is clear and timely and supports informed trustee decision making with confidence. The proactive communication and practical guidance has led to a trusted relationship.’
- ‘Sarah McCague is extremely well versed in industry issues, she adopts a practical and proportionate approach, she is aware of client issues and reflects this understanding in her work.’
- ‘The pensions practice team in Arthur Cox have a strong combination of technical excellence, responsiveness and a collaborative approach.'
Key clients
- Ulster Bank Ireland DAC
- Flutter Entertainment plc
- Vodafone
- CRH plc
- Commercial semi-State entity
- Regeneron
- Mallinckrodt plc
- Trustees of the NTMA Pension Scheme
- VIAVI Solutions
- Kerry Group plc
Work highlights
Advised VIAVI on restructuring its participation in the New Ireland Master Trust in preparation for the introduction of Ireland’s auto-enrolment regime.
Advised Mallinckrodt plc on all Irish pensions law and benefit aspects of the sale of the Therakos business to CVC Capital Partners.
Advised Vodafone in proceedings before the Commercial Court and the Court of Appeal regarding the interpretation of trust provisions of its defined benefit pension scheme.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
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Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Sarah McCague
Daniel Watters
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Philip Smith
Other key lawyers
Deirdre Cummins; Sarah McCague; Daniel Watters; Michael Shovlin