Linklaters LLP‘s pensions disputes team is a go-to firm for some of the most complex and high-value disputes before the Courts and the Pensions Regulator, working with major household name clients. Mark Blyth, an expert in advising employers, trustees, insurers, and professional services clients on scheme funding, restructuring, benefit design, rectification, and professional negligence matters, is the team head. Standout practitioner Sarah Opie is another key contact for contentious matters.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘The team demonstrates exceptional legal insight, consistently providing effective and practical solutions throughout the matter.’
‘Their professionalism and strategic thinking have been instrumental in achieving a successful outcome.'
‘Well rounded team with solid knowledge and experience. They have complementary skills that give rounded advice on complex matters, a mix of practical approach and detailed technical knowledge. Very good manner with clients.’
- 'Sarah Opie is very thorough and technical, but also gives practical advice. All matters are carefully considered, and instils confidence for the recipient.'
‘The team is just the best that there is. Efficient and down to business, but strategically and tactically astute too.’
‘They are an extremely clever and easy going practice that combines technical skill with being very pleasant to deal with.'
‘A strong team who combine legal know-how with a savvy and pragmatic approach to dispute resolution, working closely with legal teams in relevant specialist areas.’
‘Mark Blyth is very sharp, highly capable and pragmatic, works closely with Linklaters pensions legal team to provide a complete dispute resolution service.’
'For me, I think it is the depth of knowledge and experience of managing different pension disputes, and the ability to give practical advice in view of the nature and materiality of a dispute.'
'Knowledgeable and ‘user friendly’ team. Able to take complex issues and present them in a way that a lay person can understand.'
Key clients
- Verity Trustee Limited, the Trustee of The Pensions Trust
- Trustee of the BP Pension Fund
- ITV plc
- The BBC
- Trustees of the 3i Pension Plan
- Trustee of the Merchant Navy Ratings Pension Fund
Work highlights
Advised Verity Trustee Limited on the trial of one of the most important pensions cases for many years which is due to last over six weeks of court time.
Acted for ITV plc in its long-running ‘moral hazard’ case brought by the Pensions Regulator in relation to the Box Clever Pension Scheme.
Acted for the BBC in their well-publicised appeal of a High Court decision.
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.
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
Mark Blyth
Other key lawyers
Sarah Opie