Linklaters LLP

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

• The core team we work with is very personable. They make time to fully understand the schemes, the Trustees, and their key providers. They quickly became trusted and respected advisors. Linklaters provides high-quality, pragmatic, and thoughtful advice and solutions. We have been nothing but delighted by the energy and focus they have brought to the table.
• Will Rose always responds to Trustee requests with great speed and professionalism. He uses plain English, and all advice received is understandable. We are always fully appraised regarding progress and timescales. The professional rapport between Linklaters colleagues is very evident.
• Deep knowledge of pensions law and the industry. I value the ability to apply this deep knowledge in practice in a pragmatic and sensible way, i.e., take complex issues such as risk transfer, compliance, and advise on practical ways to implement.
• Standout partner in Sarah Parkin. She has a strong ability to manage multiple and different stakeholders and personalities.
• - Very strongly client-oriented. They have always shown themselves to be willing and able to progress large projects at short notice. - Work well with other (i.e., non-legal) advisors as part of our larger team. - Strength in depth - the internal communication within the team is very good, so that individuals are to some extent interchangeable - this is especially omnipresent when working on urgent projects at short notice. - Communication skills are strong throughout - this applies whether the client is technically strong or something of a layperson.
• Phil Goss is an excellent communicator with an easy manner. He interacts with us in precisely the right language for the group and demonstrates a sense of humor when appropriate. Alison Goudarzi and Nick Laird are knowledgeable and dependable backup.
• We are fortunate to have had several people advise us. Sarah Parkin and Philip Goss have been excellent, but a real standout is Alison Goudarzi in terms of being our trusted main contact who has been walking a tough project with us.
• Roz Knowles provides effective overall leadership of the relationship and is a reassuring presence for the trustee board, supporting confidence in the advice and its delivery. Sarah Parkin delivers responsive and pragmatic advice, with a strong client-facing approach. She demonstrates a good understanding of client requirements and adapts her approach accordingly to ensure advice is clear and accessible. Will Rose is a well-established member of the team and is trusted by colleagues at all levels within the business for the quality and consistency of his advice. Overall, the team demonstrates a steady, reliable approach, with a focus on providing clear and workable advice to support trustee decision-making. There is considerable strength in depth at associate level, with Joe Chambers, Oliver Hill, and Josh Pusey all providing reliable and strong support and building relationships directly with clients.
• Willingness to answer small ad-hoc queries without a huge fee attached each time.
• Client teams remain fairly static, but with gradual changes over time that ensure a consistent knowledge base. They appear committed to providing a good training experience for new solicitors, which ultimately benefits clients.

Key clients

• Trustee of the British Coal Staff Superannuation Scheme (Coal Staff Superannuation Scheme Trustees Ltd)
• Trustee of the MMC UK Pension Fund (MMC UK Pension Fund Trustee Ltd)
• Trustee of the British Coal Staff Superannuation Scheme (Coal Staff Superannuation Scheme Trustees Ltd)
• Trustee of the MMC UK Pension Fund (MMC UK Pension Fund Trustee Ltd)

Work highlights

Lawyers

Leading associates

Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.

Lorna Mitchinson