Pensions expert joins Watson Burton

Jun 6 2007 By The Journal

Pensions specialist Robert O'Donovan is joining Watson Burton from London lawyers Radcliffes le Brasseur after 20 years with the City firm.

The Newcastle firm's newest partner brings extensive experience in pensions and share schemes to Watson Burton, significantly strengthening the firm's expertise in pensions issues relating to employment, corporate and private client work.

He has advised on the pensions aspects of major flotations such as CMG UK plc on the London Stock Exchange and on share benefits for other flotations such as Avalon Oil on AIM.

He will be a partner in Watson Burton's Employment Group, working with employers and employee clients on the pensions aspects of employment law including TUPE, redundancy, termination, employment contracts and senior management issues.

Head of the employment group Dr John McMullen said: "Robert is a strong addition to our group. He has a national reputation for the quality of his advice and has a track record of successful completions of major projects."

Mr O'Donovan decided to move from the London-based law firm because of the established and growing reputation of Watson Burton in employment and corporate sectors.

He said: "I am delighted to be working with experts such as John McMullen in employment and Gillian Hall in corporate law, both of whom are highly praised by clients and their peers. It is a major move for me, and the prospect of working at a firm which has direction, momentum and inspires loyalty from staff and clients is an exciting prospect."

A member of the Association of Pension Lawyers, he advises in connection with occupational pension schemes, including defined benefit and defined contribution schemes, and self-administered and insured schemes.

He also advises on share-related employee benefits, for senior executives. Robert has acted for clients on pensions aspects of business transfers and outsourcing contracts.