Brodies LLP is highly esteemed for its ‘extensive knowledge of pensions and pensions law’, making it a popular choice among pension scheme trustees. The team is also well-versed in advising public sector pension funds, US law firms, and institutional pension providers. Practice head Juliet Bayne advises on all types of pension schemes for public and private sector clients, while senior associate Jennifer Crawford supports sponsoring employers and trustee boards. The arrival of Alistair Hill in November 2023 from CMS added ’strength and depth to an already strong team’.
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0131 656 0049
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Profile

Profile

Work Department

Commercial services.

Position

Juliet is head of our pensions law practice area. Her hallmark is building strong, mutual and sustainable client relationships through clear and personable communication, coupled with practical and pragmatic advice.

Juliet's knowledge is wide-ranging and relates to defined benefit and money purchase arrangements, acting for both trustees and employers in the private and public sectors. Her experience includes advising on the pensions aspects of corporate transactions/restructuring, advising on the Employer Debt legislation, scheme mergers and wind ups, transfers to master trusts, advising on liability reduction/risk management projects, compliance with the Automatic Enrolment regulations and advising on Pension Protection Fund matters and litigation cases. Juliet also has considerable experience in negotiating with, and reporting to, the Pensions Regulator.

Career

Trained Maclay Murray & Spens LLP, qualified 2003; assistant solicitor, pensions unit; associate 2007; partner Brodies LLP 2011; regular provider of bespoke pension trustee training; speaker at seminars.

Memberships

Association of Pension Lawyers.

Education

Hillhead High School, Glasgow; University of Edinburgh (MA Hons 1997); BPP Law School, London (LLB 2000); Diploma in Legal Practice (2001); Qualified Lawyers’ Transfer Test (2004).

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Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘The growing team at Brodies is extremely professional. They are also extremely pragmatic and diligent. Their advice is always clear, concise and efficient.’

  • ‘Juliet Bayne is extremely insightful. Always pragmatic and clear in terms of her directions to her clients, no sitting on the fence in terms of her advice. The addition of Alistair Hill to their team will also add strength and depth to an already strong team.’

  • ‘They are responsive, focused and wise. They are a cut above the other legal advisors.’

  • ‘Juliet Bayne and Jennifer Crawford are a great double act. They provide a first-class service and smart solutions delivered in a calm, professional and friendly manner.’

  • ‘Personable and straightforward.’

  • ‘Maureen Burns is a good person to have on your side. Professional but pragmatic when the circumstances require it.’

  • ‘The team was very professional and had a good understanding of the requirements. Their communications were timeously provided, informative and easily understood.’

  • ‘Jennifer Crawford was helpful in supporting us and was extremely responsive to our requests. She provided clear instructions and thought of issues that may arise that we were not aware of and how to mitigate these.’

Work highlights

Acted for North East Scotland Pension Fund in relation to an admission of a charitable body to the LGPS and subsequent novation of admission agreement.
Advised Bristow Helicopters Limited on group-wide pensions restructuring project.
Provided advice on numerous technical matters to the Trustee of the Menzies (Aviation) Pension Fund, including in respect of GMP rectification and equalisation exercises.
L500 | Brodies LLP > Pensions > Scotland | Legal 500 law firm profiles