Squire Patton Boggs remains a significant name in the Leeds pensions market, with a practice that is particularly well known for public sector pensions, regulated utilities, and large defined benefit schemes. The team also has clear strength in DC, CDC, and master trust work and continues to be active on de-risking, governance, and investment-related mandates. Catherine McKenna remains a senior figure in the practice, while the arrival of Gemma Hanley is a notable development for the Leeds team. Jane Briggs and Anna Tomlinson add experienced support across trustee and sponsor-side advisory work.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- I worked with Catherine McKenna and Anna Tomlinson. Both provide balanced, sensible advice and seek to find solutions to problems rather than just confirming the position. They are able to tailor their advice quickly to the clients' specific needs and constraints where appropriate. They are a patient sounding board for client ideas and challenges. They are very effective supporters for employers and scheme trustees.
- Good support is offered in addition to the standard legal advice. Examples include tools to support Pension Trustees with appropriate governance tools.
- The team has been flexible, helpful, and pragmatic in dealing with a small but complex pension scheme.
- Each member of the team is knowledgeable and supportive of the overall delivery, with more interaction across the team than many competitors.
- The team is collaborative and works across levels to ensure work is delivered in a timely and cost-effective manner. They are keen to work collaboratively and manage timescales and deadlines well. There is a deep understanding of requirements.
- I deal primarily with a small team within SPB. Wendy Hunter (partner) is a very strong leader who, while giving clear direction and support, allows her team the latitude to excel in their own right. Jane Briggs (associate) is outstanding in offering solutions and dealing with challenging third parties. Wendy, Jane, and the other team members are a pleasure to deal with.
Key clients
- Kelda Group Pension Plan (Yorkshire Water)
- Northern Powergrid Group of the Electricity Supply Pension Scheme
- Lucite International (UK) Pension Fund
- Fenner Pension Scheme
- Huntsman Pension Scheme
- Standard Life Master Trust
- ACCESS Pool of the Local Government Pension Scheme
- Intelek Pension Scheme
- SPX Pension Scheme
- Sappi Group Pension Scheme (2 schemes)
Work highlights
Advising the trustee of the Kelda Group Pension Plan on all pensions matters for this £1+ billion pension plan.
Preparing Fenner Pension Scheme for buy-out of all of the scheme's liabilities, including advising on data cleansing; cash flow management of illiquid assets; governance (including The Pensions Regulator's General Code of Practice compliance); and risk and data protection compliance.
Advising £1+ billion scheme on all aspects of governance, compliance, investment and benefit provision for the Northern Powergrid Group of the Electricity Supply Pension Scheme.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Gemma Hanley
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Anna Tomlinson
Practice head
Catherine McKenna
Other key lawyers
Gemma Hanley; Jane Briggs; Anna Tomlinson