Freeths LLP‘s pension team advises a diverse client base, from employers and trustees to local authorities on a wide spectrum of pensions matters, ranging from complex benefit issues to surplus return and the de‑risking of defined benefit pension arrangements. Recently appointed as practice head, James Dean manages high-profile public sector matters.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- Sean McNulty stands out for his exceptional experience and deep expertise in pensions law and scheme rules. He has a strong grasp of complex technical issues and is able to distill them into clear, practical advice that is easy to act on. What differentiates him from competitors is his combination of technical excellence with a highly commercial and pragmatic approach. He is responsive, reliable, and brings real confidence to complex and sensitive matters. He is also a pleasure to work with—approachable, straightforward, and genuinely focused on achieving the best outcome for his clients. He is someone we trust implicitly and would consider a leading individual in this space.
- This practice stands out for its combination of deep technical pensions expertise and a highly pragmatic, commercial approach. The team consistently delivers clear, actionable advice on complex issues, making them particularly valuable to in-house clients. They have strong capabilities across the full range of pensions work, from advisory matters to large-scale projects, and are responsive, collaborative, and easy to work with. Compared to other firms, the quality and consistency of their advice, alongside strong partner involvement, really sets them apart. They also take a modern, client-focused approach—being flexible on billing, making effective use of technology, and proactively sharing insights. Overall, they are among the most reliable and commercially minded pensions teams we work with.
Key clients
- Doosan Babcock Trustees
- Daimler Truck UK Ltd
Work highlights
Acting for the Doosan Babcock trustees of a £450 million scheme.
Instructed by Daimler on pensions issues arising from its separation from the Mercedes‑Benz Group, including legacy benefits, funding negotiations, regulatory developments and the effect of the Virgin Media v NTL decision.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
James Dean
Other key lawyers
Sean McNulty