Osborne Clarke LLP‘s team has extensive expertise handling PPFs and transactions, including buy-ins and buy-outs, in addition to pensions disputes. The team also has a sizeable presence in public sector pensions, where the team advises a number of LGPS funds. Spending his time between Bristol and London, practice head Jonathan Hazlett has experience acting for employers and trustees across all aspects of pensions law including insolvencies and restructurings, securing members’ benefits, and alternative risk transfer mandates. Paul Matthews specialises in handling pensions advisory work for large schemes, and Brent Wright is recommended for the pensions aspects of corporate transactions. For employment-related pension matters, Claire Rankin is a key name, while Tobias Hole advises on risk transfer projects.
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Availability, thoroughness, commercial approach.'
‘Excellent practical help, proactive and cover the ground efficiently.’
‘Claire Rankin, doesn't let go and with complex issues that is a great approach, no stone left unturned.'
- 'The team - good solutions without fuss, very user friendly.’
‘Joe Webster is the perfect in-house lawyer to be found in private practice. He is technically excellent, extremely responsive, explains things clearly, understands my business and resourcing, and is just a joy to deal with. It feels like he is a member of our in-house team. Problems are easily resolvable when shared with Joe.’
Key clients
- Thomas Cook Pension Plan
- Pension Protection Fund
- T&N Retirement Benefits Scheme (1989)
- Leonardo UK Limited
- Hammerson Group Management Limited Pension and Life Assurance Scheme
- Royal Society of Chemistry
- Baptist Union of Great Britain
- British Red Cross Society
- YMCA Pension and Assurance Plan
- Cross Manufacturing Pension Scheme
Work highlights
- Acted as trustee adviser in relation to the Thomas Cook Pension Plan and three associated schemes, on PPF assessment period processes and PPF+ buy-ins, buy-outs and wind-ups.
- Advising Leonardo in relation to: (i) the closure of its two (£1bn+) DB pension schemes to the future accrual of benefits; and (ii) the adoption of a single trustee board across its two DB pension schemes and its DC pension scheme.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next generation partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Jonathan Hazlett
Other key lawyers
Paul Matthews; Brent Wright; Claire Rankin; Tobias Hole; Joe Webster; Daragh McGinty