With ‘excellent industry knowledge’, Osborne Clarke LLP stands out for its expertise in the full gamut of pensions matters, most notably DB superfunds, buy-ins and buy-outs. Operating across the Bristol and London offices, team lead Jonathan Hazlett is an expert in PPF issues arising from restructurings and corporate insolvencies. In Bristol, Paul Matthews specialises in advisory work for both trustees and employers of high-value pensions schemes, while Brent Wright handles public sector matters for LGPS funds, as well as advising on ESG obligations. Claire Rankin offers ’pragmatic solutions’ to a wide range of employment-related pensions issues and Tobias Hole is an expert in buy-in and buy-out transactions. Directors Daragh McGinty and Joe Webster are key contacts.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Very thorough in their knowledge and quick in turnaround time to queries.'
- 'Excellent industry knowledge and have built up substantial client experience and relationships.'
- 'Tobias Hole is very friendly and approachable and is able to pitch his support at the correct level.'
- 'We find Osborne Clarke to be pragmatic in finding solutions to complex issues without compromising on legal rigour. They also understand our clients and the commercial, general market background.'
- 'The individuals we work with have been involved in some very high-profile leading edge cases and bring this experience to our much more routine mutual clients. All of our clients feel valued by all individuals at the firm.'
- 'Brent Wright has been available at short notice, responsive and has provided real insight on topical matters. His advice is well-thought through and accessible to a non-technical audience.'
- 'An ability to quickly grasp the key issues makes Claire Rankin a joy to work with. Pragmatic solutions are often suggested and discussed openly, fostering an in-depth understanding.'
- 'Down-to-earth, pragmatic and professional advice. Develops a deep-understanding of the client's requirements which enables well-informed decisions to be made.'
- 'The team are responsive and commercially aware.'
- 'The team combines being pragmatic, flexible, accessible, knowledgeable and personable.'
Key clients
- Clara-Pensions Limited
- Pension Protection Fund
- Debenhams Retirement Scheme
- Various LGPS funds (including the Environment Agency Pension Fund)
- British Heart Foundation Pension Scheme
- Twyford Bathrooms Pension Scheme
- Thomas Cook Pension Plan
- Royal Society of Chemistry
- British Red Cross Society
- YMCA Pension and Assurance Plan
Work highlights
Advised on two of the first three DB superfund transactions with Clara, including the first to follow a PPF assessment period and the first with a solvent ongoing employer. The client was the trustees of the Debenhams Retirement Scheme and Clara-Pensions Limited respectively.
Advising 30+ trustee boards and employers on the legal processes required to secure members' benefits in full by purchasing a buy-in policy, as part of the streamlined 'Destination' pensions risk transfer services tailored for small to medium-sized DB schemes.
Appointed as one of six firms providing specialist and expert full legal services directly to the PPF (Lot 1). Appointed as one of three firms to advise the PPF and trustees of pension schemes in a PPF assessment period (Lot 2).
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.
Joe Webster
Practice head
Jonathan Hazlett
Other key lawyers
Paul Matthews; Brent Wright; Tobias Hole; Claire Rankin; Daragh McGinty; Joe Webster