Utilising their regional expertise and network, Osborne Clarke LLP‘s pensions practice is experienced in a host of pensions issues, from buy-ins and buy-outs and DB superfunds to advising the PPF and working on DC rationalisation projects. With a strong restructuring and insolvency capability, the team is regularly involved in some of the biggest scheme wind-ups, in addition to having a public sector focus and ability in advising the Local Government Pension Scheme. Jonathan Hazlett, the practice co-head, leads the Bristol operations. In London, Chris Netiatis, a specialist in advisory work for trustees in large schemes, is at the helm. The team is supported by leading practitioners Lee Colgate and Jo Taylor.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Very personable, knowledgeable and professional. I take great comfort in knowing they are my legal advisors for our pension buyout.’
‘Chris Netiatis and Lee Colgate are both very down-to-earth and approachable. They use clear language and I feel comfortable asking them to explain points further where necessary.'
- 'All the team seem to have the same level of integrity and honesty in terms of doing the right thing pragmatically and legally for the client, whilst showing strong commercial awareness.’
‘Chris Netiatis is always available for quick advice at the end of a phone, but also proactive in monitoring for actions we need to take before issues arise.'
'Despite usually being challenging circumstances which bring us into contact, Chris and the individuals in the team are always a pleasure to work with.'
'Commercial and hardworking.'
'The team takes time to understand you as a client, building a relationship and trust.'
'Approachable and responsive. Pragmatic in their approach to problems, finding solutions rather that just highlighting issues.'
'Broad and in-depth knowledge, the team supports one another and is efficient and effective in having the right level of individual for the task in hand.'
'Good depth in the team. We have a core adviser but a partner assists when needed and to cover holidays, and maintains a good knowledge of our pension scheme to enable him to do this.'
Key clients
- Grant Thornton Pension Fund
- Air Canada
- Sharp Electronics UK Limited Pension Scheme
- BDO LLP
- Community Staff Pension Fund
- High Commission of Canada in the United Kingdom Locally Engaged Staff Pension Scheme
- Pension Plan of Savills
Work highlights
Advise the trustees of the c. £400m Grant Thornton Pension Fund on the processes required to secure all members' benefits with an insurance company.
Advise Air Canada on the buy-in to buy-out and wind-up processes in relation to their c. £400m DB pension scheme.
Advise the trustees of the Sharp Electronics UK Limited Pension Scheme on all issues of pensions law and practice.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Jonathan Hazlett
Practice head
Jonathan Hazlett; Chris Netiatis
Other key lawyers
Lee Colgate; Jo Taylor