Francesca Parnell

Francesca Parnell

Senior Associate

Francesca advises employer and trustee clients on all aspects of pensions law, including scheme funding, trustee/employer responsibilities, scheme mergers and member complaints. 
As well as handling day-to-day queries, Francesca assists with pensions law issues on large corporate transactions and group reorganisations. Her recent projects include the negotiation and preparation of a flexible apportionment arrangement for a large financial institution client and advising trustees on a complex employer group reorganisation with simultaneous scheme merger.

Experience

Representative matters

A global financial institution on the establishment of a £300m contingent funding arrangement for their UK pension scheme.

Two financial institutions and the trustee of a financial institution pension scheme on the design and implementation of proposals to comply with pensions aspects of UK bank ring-fencing legislation. 

The trustee of a pension scheme in the pharmaceuticals sector on the buy-in of the scheme.

A defence sector client on the closure of their defined benefit pension scheme, including implementation of a pensionable pay cap and work with the Ministry of Defence in relation to the changes.

Several large schemes (employer and trustees) on establishing and revising contingent asset arrangements which provide security for pension liabilities.

Speaking Engagements

Speaker, Association of Pension Lawyers Conference, 2021

Qualifications

Admissions

Admitted as solicitor, England and Wales, 2012

Academic

LLB Law, Collage of Law, 2009
 
MA Modern Languages, Oxford University, 2007

Disclaimer
A&O Shearman was formed on May 1, 2024 by the combination of Shearman & Sterling LLP and Allen & Overy LLP and their respective affiliates (the legacy firms). Any matters referred to above may include matters undertaken by one or more of the legacy firms rather than A&O Shearman.