I am head of the firm’s finance and investment group. I have very wide experience of advising schemes about the legal aspects of their investment arrangements. My approach is to provide clear, practical advice and work on negotiations in a way that helps clients understand and manage risks and achieve their objectives.

My practice covers the full range of legal advice on investment for defined benefits and defined contributions, and de-risking, including buy-ins, buy-outs and longevity swaps; liability/cash flow driven investment, including bespoke arrangements making use of derivatives; custodian arrangements and securities lending; due diligence on investment in alternative assets; and sales and purchases of holdings in alternative assets.

On the DC side, I have been closely involved in advice on platforms, the evolution of fund structures and the use of illiquid assets. I have helped to develop bespoke funds for larger schemes and provide support on understanding issues relating to security of assets.

Recent experience

• advised scheme trustees on two substantial longevity swaps using a UK insurer as intermediary on a pass through basis
• supported a large scheme buy-out in particular in relation to the transition of assets and derivatives
• supported a number of schemes on developments in Liability Driven Investment resulting from the gilts crisis
• a major project to restructure a group of schemes’ holdings of assets.

Qualified: 1991, England and Wales

Joined Sackers: 1991

Joined partnership/LLP: 1998