ByrneWallace has named Liam Connellan a new partner and head of pensions.

Connellan has extensive experience advising on all aspects of pension law for both the private and public sector.

He has particular expertise in defined-benefit-scheme restructuring, and pensions disputes and litigation.

Managing partner Feargal Brennan said: “During recent years, demand for pensions law advice from both employers and scheme trustees has grown significantly, and it has increasingly become an essential part of nearly every transaction we advise upon – from advising on employment contracts and pension schemes, to advising on organisation restructurings, M&A transactions, and litigation and dispute resolution.

Roadmap for Pensions Reform

“Similarly, developments such as the implementation of the Government's Roadmap for Pensions Reform 2018-2023, the introduction of auto-enrolment and master trusts, and funding challenges for defined-benefit schemes have all driven an increase in demand for pensions law advice.

“We also envisage further challenges for scheme trustees and sponsoring employers with the impending transposition of the IORP II Directive into Irish law, and the possible introduction of debt on the employer legislation later in 2019,” he continued.

 ByrneWallace acted in landmark cases, including one concerning the Waterford Crystal pension scheme.