Pensions & Benefits 2022 – Legal Marketplace Analysis

This chapter highlights 332 top-tier practitioners working in pensions and benefits law. They come highly recommended by peers and clients alike for their superb handling of a broad spectrum of matters, ranging from pension scheme design and implementation to class actions.

Methodology

The Global Elite Thought Leaders are those individuals who received the highest number of nominations from peers, corporate counsel and other market sources this year. Our research has identified them as truly outstanding practitioners and the very best in their field.

Who’s Who Legal does not list law firms, only individual lawyers. The leading firms are those in each region whose listed practitioners received the most total nominations in our research.

EMEA

Global Elite Thought Leaders

• Jorge Aranaz – Cuatrecasas, Madrid
• Samantha Brown – Herbert Smith Freehills, London
• Samantha Davidson – Shepstone & Wylie, Durban
• Martin Diller – Gleiss Lutz, Stuttgart
• René Döring – Linklaters LLP, Frankfurt
• Peter Fahy – Eversheds Sutherland, Dublin
• Fermín Guardiola – Baker McKenzie Madrid, Madrid
• Nataša Randlová – Randl Partners, Prague
• Hywel Robinson – Clifford Chance LLP, London
• Philip Smith – Arthur Cox, Dublin

Leading firms
Allen & Overy

Silvia Bauzá Hernández is a leading employment lawyer with unmatched expertise in complex corporate restructurings and collective negotiations.
Andrew Cork is highlighted for the breadth of his employment and pensions experience, which encompasses strategic advice on pensions law and regulatory compliance.

Long-standing employment specialist Hans-Peter Loew continues to impress sources, thanks to his first-rate track record in conflict resolution.

Baker McKenzie

David Díaz stands out for his deep expertise in employment and benefits matters arising from the sports industry. Peers herald him as “an excellent lawyer and very good colleague”.

The “excellent” Fermín Guardiola ranks highly among peers and is widely endorsed for his skilful handling of collective negotiations involving the restructuring of employees’ benefits.

Christian Reichel receives glowing praise for his excellent track record advising companies in complex contentious and non-contentious pensions matters.

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer

Boris Dzida is widely considered a top employment and benefits practitioner, with broad experience in cross-border data protection and privacy law, as well as trade-union relations.

Klaus-Stefan Hohenstatt is highly esteemed among market commentators, thanks to his adept handling of sensitive employment, pensions and benefits matters.

Pensions specialist Charles Magoffin comes highly recommended for his top-tier experience providing invaluable advice on all aspects pertaining to the set-up, roll-out and administration of pension schemes.

Outer Temple Chambers

Saul Margo is renowned in the pensions and employment field thanks to his brilliantly regarded work handling pensions litigation, as well as advisory cases.

Andrew Spink QC continues to impress peers and market sources alike with his impeccable work handling pensions matters arising from insolvency procedures.

Nicolas Stallworthy QC is a go-to name for regulatory cases and is celebrated for his highly sophisticated professional negligence practice.

Travers Smith

Susie Daykin holds a strong track record in the broad spectrum of pensions matters and possesses deep knowledge of risk management and risk de-escalation.

Pension schemes specialist Daniel Gerring is a standout figure in the field, thanks to his outstanding work providing strategic advice to employers and other interested parties about all aspects of pensions activities and regulation.

The “excellent” David James earns glowing praise from market sources, who describe him as “authoritative, knowledgeable and confident”.

Cuatrecasas

Jorge Aranaz is regarded as a top expert in labour law with a holistic practice that enables him to advise clients in all aspects of employment law.

Juan Bonilla is “an excellent lawyer for individual and collective matters” and is praised for being “extraordinary, fast and always to the point”.

Salvador del Rey is a highly respected and long-standing figure in the labour and employment field thanks to his encyclopaedical knowledge of the regulation.

Other leading individuals

Austria

Schima Mayer Starlinger’s Georg Schima is hailed as a highly respected practitioner in the Austrian market with encyclopaedic knowledge of employment and corporate law.

Belgium

Tilia Law’s Lut Sommerijns enjoys a sterling reputation among peers, who describe her as “an experienced pensions lawyer with in-depth knowledge of discrimination issues”.

At Lydian, Alexander Vandenbergen is highly regarded for his work in pensions-related matters arising from restructurings and the winding down of pension schemes, as well as pension fund contracts.

Czech Republic

Dominik Brůha at JUDr Dominik Brůha advokatni kancelar is a prominent name in the Czech market thanks to his impressive work in litigious matters.

PRK Partners’ “excellent” Tereza Erenyi is highly praised for her “no nonsense approach” and her “ability to provide practical advice”.

Nataša Randlová with Randl Partners is widely endorsed by market commentators as “one of the best” practitioners in the field.

Denmark

At Kromann Reumert, Marianne Granhøj is a top-tier employment practitioner with an outstanding track record advising clients on a variety of matters including collective agreements, contracts and incentive structures.

The “highly recommended” Jens Lund Mosbek receives substantial praise and is hailed as “an excellent litigator” by peers and market sources.

Independent practitioner Helene Amsinck continues to impress market commentators and possesses a sterling reputation thanks to her dedicated employment and benefits practice.

Yvonne Frederiksen at Norrbom Vinding is hailed as a top specialist in employment law with deep expertise in discrimination claims.

England

At Hogan Lovells, Katie Banks excels at advising companies and trustees on their day-to-day pensions matters and is highly regarded for her impressive roster of clients.

Duncan Buchanan is a first-rate pensions specialist with three decades of experience providing top-tier advice on a wide range of matters, including occupational pension schemes.

At Linklaters, Mark Blyth continues to be a leading figure in the market thanks to his extensive experience in the pension disputes sphere.

Herbert Smith Freehills’ Samantha Brown is a renowned pensions specialist whose practice encompasses a wide variety of pension-related matters, including strategic design and litigation.

Paul Hodges with Clyde & Co is praised for his responsiveness and is described by market commentators as “conscientious and commercially minded”.

Burges Salmon’s Richard Knight is held in high esteem as an accomplished expert in pensions and incentives issues.

Hywel Robinson at Clifford Chance is commended by sources for his dedicated and all-encompassing pensions practice.

Finland

Dittmar & Indrenius’ Seppo Havia is a leading figure in the Finnish market, thanks to his deep understanding of employment and pensions law and his experience handling issues arising from restructurings and M&A transactions.

Petteri Uoti is an experienced practitioner with extensive expertise in M&A and corporate restructuring employment matters.

Tomi Kemppainen with Castrén & Snellman enjoys a sterling reputation in the market thanks to his excellent understanding of employment benefits.

Roschier’s Anu Waaralinna is a go-to name in the Finnish market thanks to her versatility and superb understanding of employment benefits matters.

Germany

At Gleiss Lutz, Martin Diller is heralded for his sophisticated employment practice, which has a particular focus on company pensions.

René Döring with Linklaters is a standout pensions specialist with significant expertise in M&A and restructuring transactions.

At CMS, Björn Gaul is “a legend in Germany” and garners plaudits for his invaluable strategic advice on corporate restructurings, collective bargaining agreements and other employment and pensions matters.

KLIEMT.HR Lawyers’ Michael Kliemt is widely endorsed for his international employment practice, which encompasses strategic design and negotiation processes pertaining to all aspects of employment law.

Mark Lembke at Greenfort Rechtsanwälte is a highly respected labour law specialist who comes recommended for his encyclopaedic knowledge and strong negotiation skills.

Tim Wißmann with Küttner Rechtsanwälte enjoys a sterling reputation thanks to his deep understanding of collective bargaining law and company pension plans.

Ireland

Peter Fahy with Eversheds Sutherlands is widely endorsed by market sources as “a particularly strong pensions practitioner”.

Philip Smith at Arthur Cox continues to collect endorsements from much impressed market commentators, who highlight his pragmatic approach to complex pension issues.

Deirdre Cummins with Matheson is a well-regarded pensions and benefits lawyer with substantial experience in matters ranging from establishment to winding down.

William Fry’s Ian Devlin earns commendations as a pension scheme specialist who advises on all areas of pensions law.

Italy

Antonella Negri with Bonelli Erede is a highly respected employment practitioner with a wealth of experience assisting companies in the management of collective redundancies, trade union relationships and other matters arising from industrial relations.

The “excellent” Franco Toffoletto at Toffoletto De Luca Tamajo e Soci receives glowing praise from peers, who recognise him as “the guru of Italian employment law”.

Zambelli & Partners’ Angelo Zambelli continues to impress peers and is praised for his “creativity and authoritativeness”.

Luxembourg

Louis Berns with Arendt & Medernach is a long-standing figure in the employment law, pensions and benefits market thanks to his vast litigation experience.

Norway

The “fantastic” Pål Kvernaas at Haavind earns glowing praise from peer, who commend his vast expertise in pension and employment law and his experience establishing pension schemes.

BAHR’s Tarjei Thorkildsen is widely praised for his all-encompassing employment practice, which spans the gamut of domestic and international labour law matters.

Portugal

Tiago Cortes with PLMJ is an outstanding employment practitioner, with three decades of experience handling the full scope of employment matters.

Morais Leitão’s Luis Miguel Monteiro is a top-tier practitioner in Portugal who stands out for his significant experience in collective dismissal proceedings and corporate restructuring matters.

South Africa

Nigel Carman with FASKEN is a top-of-the-league employment and pensions specialist with deep expertise in pension funds and compliance matters.

Rosemary Hunter collects widespread plaudits and excels at delivering first-rate advice to key players in the pensions and employee benefits field.

Bowman’s Graham Damant enjoys a stellar reputation thanks to his outstanding track record in the field of employee benefits, incentive schemes and pension funds.

Chris Todd is a go-to practitioner who regularly advises clients on alternative dispute resolution procedures.

Shepstone & Wylie’s Samantha Davidson is an exceptional pensions practitioner who enjoys widespread recognition as a leader in the field.

Johan Esterhuizen comes highly recommended by peers thanks to his impeccable work in the occupational retirement arena.

Jonathan Mort Inc.’s Jonathan Mort sits among South Africa’s most distinguished pensions practitioners thanks to his deep knowledge of pension funds.

Spain

Román Gil with Sagardoy Abogados is “an excellent practitioner for collective bargaining” and is highly praised for his sophisticated employment practice.

Sweden

Fredrik Dahl at Vinge is “very skilled and knowledgeable” and is heralded for swiftly providing “solid, hands-on advice” to his clients.

Henric Diefke with Mannheimer Swartling earns recognition as a practitioner who stands among Sweden’s pre-eminent employment and pensions specialists.

Forssander Sonander’s Charlotte Forssander is a top performer in all aspects of employment law and is highly esteemed for her ability to provide practical solutions to highly complex problems.

Roschier’s Jenny Welander Wadström is a cornerstone in Swedish employment and pensions law and regularly advises clients in matters pertaining to M&A and corporate restructurings.

The Americas

Global Elite Thought Leaders

• Elizabeth M Brown – Brown Mills Klinck Prezioso LLP, Toronto
• Juan Carlos de la Vega G – Santamarina y Steta SC, Monterrey
• Steven J Friedman – Littler Mendelson PC, New York
• Andrew Harrison – Borden Ladner Gervais LLP, Toronto
• Caroline L Helbronner – Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP, Toronto
• Eric W Hilfers – Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP, New York
• Paul Litner – Osler Hoskin & Harcourt LLP, Toronto
• Luis Parada – DLA Piper, Santiago

Leading firms
Morgan Lewis & Bockius

Jeremy Blumenfeld is a well-established name in the market, with outstanding expertise in employee benefits litigation.

Gregory Braden is a leading name in the field thanks to a lengthy track record of ERISA-related litigation work.

Thomas Hurka collects widespread plaudits for his “innovative approach to legal problems” and “excellent communication with clients”.

Charles Jackson is an impressive practitioner who comes highly recommended by peers for his outstanding litigation work in complex benefits cases, as well as class actions.

Daniel Kleinman earns praise for his deep understanding of and ability to provide strategic advice on ERISA-related issues.

Brian Ortelere is highlighted for his superb work in complex employee benefits litigation and is widely recognised as an authority in the field.

Littler Mendelson

The “knowledgeable, practical and responsive” Caroline Helbronner is celebrated for “providing practical, timely solutions to legal challenges”, according to much impressed market sources.

Steven Friedman is a top-tier employment and benefits practitioner who excels in employee benefits tax compliance and ERISA matters.

Stefan Marculewicz is a standout player with vast experience in international labour and employment law.

Juan Carlos Varela garners recognition for his brilliant international employment practice and comes highly recommended as a specialist in the Caribbean and Latin American regions.

Blake, Cassels & Graydon

Elizabeth Boyd is “one of the top practitioners for not only understanding the relevant legislations, but also explaining how the rules are applied in practice”.

Kathryn Bush possesses over three decades of experience assisting in the design and implementation of benefits, pensions and compensation plans.

Other leading individuals

Argentina

Enrique Betemps with Pérez Alati Grondona Benites & Arntsen is “a key lawyer in the field” and is further highlighted for his exceptional work advising employers in labour and social security regulations.

Marval O’Farrell Mairal’s Enrique Stile possesses “great knowledge and expertise” in employment law and regularly advises employers in matters involving top executives.

Canada

Mitch Frazer with Torys has “excellent client relationship skills” and is “a highly regarded practitioner in all areas of pension law”.

Susan Nickerson has “extensive experience in pension plan administration and governance”, with one source adding, “She has made considerable contributions in the area of government advocacy and reform relating to pension regulation in Canada.”

Brown Mills Klinck Prezioso’s Elizabeth Brown is “a widely respected practitioner in Ontario for pensions law”, who also “has significant expertise in public sector and quasi-public sector plans”.

Andrew Harrison with Borden Ladner Gervais is widely recognised for his deep expertise in pensions investments and management.

The “highly knowledgeable” Paul Litner at Osler Hoskin & Harcourt earns recognition for his superb understanding of pension investment regulatory issues.

At Dentons, Mary Picard is hailed by peers as “a widely respected pensions practitioner and pension governance expert”.

Chile

Luis Parada at DLA Piper receives a plethora of recommendations from sources impressed with his incisive approach to compensation and benefits matters.

Oscar Aitken with Carey is widely endorsed as one of Chile’s leading figures in employment law, where he has vast experience in the spectrum of related issues.

At Cariola Díez Pérez-Cotapos, Ricardo Tisi is hailed for his dedicated labour, social security and immigration practice. His areas of experience span from executive compensation structures to collective bargaining matters.

Mexico

Basham Ringe y Correa’s Jorge De Presno-Arizpe is recognised as “a top-drawer specialist” who is “always ready to help and be flexible when providing advice”.

David Eugenio Puente Tostado earns praise for his work advising clients in the automotive and electrical energy industries in collective matters, with sources adding, “He’s great to work with.”

The “excellent” Juan Carlos de la Vega G with Santamarina y Steta is a long-standing leading figure in the Mexican market and is highly sought-after by multinational companies for his valuable insight into employment regulatory matters.

De la Vega & Martínez Rojas’ Oscar De la Vega Gomez is “very well-known and respected”, according to market sources who also hail him as “the high priest of Mexican employment law”.

Peru

At Philippi Prietocarrizosa Ferrero DU & Uria, the “excellent” César Gonzales Hunt continues to impress sources thanks to his impeccable labour and employment advice.

Mario Pasco Lizárraga with Rodrigo Elías & Medrano Abogados is widely considered a leader in the Peruvian market, thanks to his encyclopaedic knowledge and outstanding track record in the labour and employment law field.

USA

Groom Law Group’s William Delany is a top-tier employment practitioner who expertly handles complex ERISA-related class actions and discrimination claims.

Tiffany Downs with Ford Harrison collects widespread plaudits for being a thorough and highly reliable employee benefits specialist.

Cravath, Swaine & Moore’s Eric Hilfers is highlighted for his dedicated employee benefits and executive compensation practice, which sees him regularly advising clients on issues resulting from M&A transactions.

Susan Katz Hoffman at Justican Mediation is a highly experienced mediator with noteworthy experience in major benefits litigation disputes, such as ERISA class actions.

Asia-Pacific

Global Elite Thought Leaders

• Duncan AW Abate – Mayer Brown LLP, Hong Kong
  Cynthia Chung – Deacons, Hong Kong
  Vikram Shroff – Nishith Desai Associates, Mumbai

Leading individuals

Hong Kong

Duncan Abate with Mayer Brown is an employee benefits and pensions expert who enjoys a sterling reputation among peers thanks to his holistic practice.

At Deacons, Cynthia Chung garners recognition for her technical expertise and superb handling of a wide range of employment matters, including retirement schemes and provident funds.

India

Vikram Shroff at Nishith Desai Associates is praised as “an extremely thorough and detailed” practitioner who is “highly responsive” and has “a great commercial mind”.

At Bhasin & Company, Lalit Bhasin is “a senior lawyer recognised for his labour and employment work” and is a legal authority in India.

Korea

Kim & Chang’s Jung Taek Park is “a highly trustworthy employment lawyer” who impresses international companies operating in Korea with his “prolific experience and strong work ethic”.