CMS Cameron McKenna, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, Linklaters, Mayer Brown International and Sacker & Partners all have top-tier pensions law practices, according to analysis by the Legal 500 directory.
The rankings reflect the strength of a practice’s standalone advisory work for employers and trustees, although some consideration is given to corporate support work. They also reflect the effectiveness of pensions teams to collaborate with general litigation colleagues to handle disputes.
CMS Cameron Mckenna was recognised for the “directness” and “good commercial sense” of partners Mark Atkinson, Mark Grant and Neil Smith.
Freshfields Bruckhaus Der-inger partners David Pollard and Ken Dierden are considered “go-to” lawyers for “complex and strategically crucial” pensions matters, who also show “considerable skills” in understanding the needs of specific pension schemes.
Clients praised the level of service offered by Ruth Goldman’s department at Linklaters, while Mark Blyth had a “friendly, intelligent and straightforward” approach to disputes, combined with “good strategic sense”.
The directory highlighted Mayer Brown International partners Anna Rogers and Philippa James for bringing “professionalism and commercial sense” to high-profile and complex pensions matters. The traditionally trustee-focused practice now includes significant corporate clients.
At boutique firm Sacker & Partners, Ian Pittaway, Fiona Franklin, Jonathan Seres and Edward Hayes are “calm, professional and responsive”,
giving advice that “does more than outline the legal options”. Mark Greenlees is “pragmatic” and was singled out for his ability to “convey the proportionality of the risks” clients face.
Latham & Watkins enters the ranking this year on the strength of Catherine Patterson’s “helpful professionalism” on substantial corporate transactions, while McDermott Will & Emery’s appointment of the “impressive” Nicholas Donnithorne signals the firm’s commitment to rebuild its pensions practice.
Linklaters, Lovells, and Sacker & Partners have top ranked pensions dispute resolution practices, according to the directory.
Tom Willetts
