James Keith and Martyn Shaw jointly lead the pensions team at Morton Fraser MacRoberts, which is noted by clients for providing ‘exceptional service’. The practice regularly advises clients on risk management, scheme liabilities and the bulk transfer of assets. Keith has an ’excellent working knowledge’ of schemes in the private, public and third sectors. Shaw offers clients ‘strong, positive’ advice and is well-known for his work on asset-backed funding arrangements and the division of pension proceeds post-divorce.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘James Keith puts in the best expert opinions I have seen in the 35 years of practicing law.'
- ‘I work with both pension partners, Martyn Shaw and James Keith, both are excellent.'
- ‘Martyn Shaw gives exactly what we as clients want - good, strong, positive advice, all at a tight timescale.’
- ‘Both James Keith and Martyn Shaw are very approachable, technical and work really well with other advisers.’
- '‘Exceptional service from very clever people.’
- 'If only others had a fraction of James Keith's wisdom the world of pensions, and the world at large, would be a better, finer place.’
'James Keith's expert opinion shone a light on the otherwise impenetrable darkness of pensions law.'
'We deal primarily with James Keith. James has advised us for many years now and has excellent working knowledge of the scheme which is relied on by trustees and other advisers.'
'Pragmatic advice and prompt service.'
'Approachable and good clear legal advice that can be delivered to both lay and professional trustees.'
Key clients
- The Chivas Brothers Pensions Scheme
- The Edinburgh Airport Pension Plan
- The Trustees of the Malcolm Group Pension Scheme (1989)
- The Trustees of Scobie and Junor (Holdings) Limited Group Pensions Scheme
- The Ayrshire Metal Products Group Senior Officials' Pension Scheme
- The Hunt Brothers and Company Limited Pension Fund
- Gleaner Limited
- The Arriva London North and Arriva London South Pension Scheme
- The Go-Ahead Group
- AOC Holdings Limited
Work highlights
Advised the trustees of the Edinburgh Airport Pension Plan in connection with the acquisition by a third party of a majority ownership interest of the sponsoring employer, including advising on and adjusting the associated £2 billion intercreditor agreement - with global firms acting for the other parties.
Advised a Scottish independent school on proposed changes to future pension provision for its teaching staff.
Provided an expert opinion to the Court of Session in relation to a leading charity's pension scheme and in support of a scheme documentation rectification process.
Lawyers
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
James Keith; Martyn Shaw