Tom is a Principal Associate on our Pensions Team. He advises on all aspects of pensions law and has experience acting regarding a wide range of scheme types.
Tom regularly acts on matters regarding DB and DC schemes. His DB experience includes working for both trustees and employers on benefit design change exercises and advising on a wide range of scheme-related issues. In contrast, his DC experience includes advising trustees on their roles and obligations under pension flexibilities and auto-enrollment, including rule reviews and amendments, benefit classification, and disclosure obligations.
Tom is a member of our International Pensions Group and has advised corporate clients regarding a number of cross-border issues, including auto-enrolment obligations, scheme domicile and restructuring issues, and the implications of overseas transfers.
He also regularly acts on the pensions aspects of a range of corporate transactions, advising on several deals containing complex Fair Deal and Beckmann issues, and also advises trustees concerning investment and insurance matters.
Tom is a regular speaker at seminars and events for the Birmingham pensions community.
Examples include:
- advising both DB and DC trustees regarding scheme change projects, including mergers and terminations, rule consolidations, pension increase exchange exercises, changes to (or cessation of) future accrual
- advising regarding GMP equalization and GMP conversion, including consideration of tax issues arising from employer proposals to convert deferred members
- providing advice in relation to ad-hoc queries, including interpretation of rules, member queries and complaints (including matters taken before the Pensions Ombudsman)
- providing training on various topics, including the Pension Regulator’s Single Code of Practice, trustee effectiveness workshops, conflicts of interest
- advising on the implications of employer reorganizations and transactions on scheme covenant and negotiation of appropriate mitigation, taking into account the potential consequences under the Pension Schemes Act 2021
- reviewing and negotiating investment management agreements, fund documents and providing advice on the risks of the investment
- Member, Association of Pension Lawyers
- University of Birmingham, Ancient History (First Class)
- College of Law, LLP (2:1)
- College of Law, PgDip in Legal Practice (Distinction)