Linklaters LLP has a full-service pensions team that works on some of the most complex and market-leading matters. The team is experienced on all aspects of pensions for the fund’s trustees, corporates, insurance companies, and consolidation vehicles in liability management, funding, end-game planning, investment, corporate reorganisations, transactions, and insolvency, and DC schemes and fund consolidations. Led by ‘one of the best pensions lawyers’, Claire Petheram is experienced in advising trustees, corporates, and financial institutions in liability management, transferring DC assets, funding DB schemes, investment issues, takeovers, and more. Rosalind Knowles, a specialist in benefit change programmes, valuation negotiations, and funding, buyouts, and governance issues, and Sarah Parkin, an expert in de-risking, are highly-regarded members of the team. Lorna Mitchinson is a rising figure with experience in M&A, funding negotiations, de-risking, and investigations concerning the Pensions Regulator.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Technical knowledge and people. Claire Petheram is the best in the business.’
‘Linklaters has been excellent over a number of years. High-quality advice, prompt responses, and great people.’
‘Lorna Mitchinson is excellent. High quality, thoughtful advice, and she is always available and responsive to any requests.'
‘Authoritative, calm, and sensible - exactly what one wants from a Legal Adviser. Linklaters have helped us as a pension trustee board work through some bold decisions to improve the outcomes for our members.’
‘Exceptional knowledge and understanding of trust deed and rules and legislation, coupled with a pragmatic, intelligent approach to advice.’
‘Claire Petheram - one of the best pensions lawyers of her generation; knows the scheme rules backwards, and can always provide pragmatic, sensible advice.’
‘Deep expertise of the team and dedication to providing us with tailored advice. Very strong knowledge in the DB de-risking space around buy-ins, buy-outs, and longevity hedging - excellent ability to help in this area.’
‘They are always prepared to make sure they deliver what is required and go the extra mile. The overall impression is one of organisation and knowledge.’
'Subject matter experts and are proactive, pragmatic and responsive. Work collaboratively with my team and have many specialties which can be drawn on if required.'
'Alasdair Smith is our main contact. He has over many years built an excellent relationship with me and the broader team. With his pragmatic approach we work very much together to find the best solution to issues. Brings an industry and commercial perspective.'
Key clients
- Trustee of the Merchant Navy Ratings Pension Fund
- The Trustee of the Mineworkers’ Pension Scheme
Work highlights
Advised the Trustee of the Merchant Navy Ratings Pension Fund on a longevity transaction with Metropolitan Life Insurance Company to manage longevity risk for around £450 million of pensioner/dependant liabilities.
Advised the Trustee on the negotiation with the Government, which resulted in £1.4bn within the Scheme being used to provide further benefits to members.
Advise a major utility in relation to its substantial defined benefit pension schemes; the effect of various commercial outcomes on those schemes; and liaising effectively with the Pensions Regulator.
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.
Lorna Mitchinson
Practice head
Claire Petheram
Other key lawyers
Claire Petheram; Phillip Goss; Rosalind Knowles; Sarah Parkin; Alasdair Smith