Michaela Berry

Michaela has many years’ experience of a wide range of pensions issues. This has included scheme set-up and wind-up, mergers and advice to clients on the pension aspects of corporate acquisitions and disposals. She provides guidance to trustees and employers on compliance with legislation.

Michaela heads the firm’s Public Sector team where she advises both local authorities and private employers in relation to public sector outsourcing, including establishing passport schemes and providing advice on admission to the LGPS. Michaela also has experience in advising in relation to the new Fair Deal.

Michaela is a member of our international pensions team and has experience advising a multinational employer considering setting up a new trust based international pension scheme.  Michaela represents the firm at Ius Laboris events and conferences.

Michaela’s recent work has involved advising clients facing significant change in their pension fund arrangements. This advice includes merging schemes, introducing CARE arrangements, raising member contributions and altering future service accrual and analysing the employer’s contribution covenant.

Michaela’s work highlights include:

– Advising schemes in relation to PPF entry

– Advising the trustees of the EMI Pension fund in its £1.4bn buy-out in July 2013

– Acting for the Trustee of Thorn Pension Fund on its £1.1bn buy-out in December 2008

– Advising L&G the employer in connection with a review of its own pension arrangements during 2008, including advising the trustees on a GMP conversion as part of the process.

Memberships and Qualifications

Membership of professional bodies:

Association of Pension Lawyers (Full Member)

Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association (North London Group Committee Member)

Career history

Qualified: 1991, England & Wales

Pensions experience since: 1991

Joined Sackers: 1991, Associate: 1996

Joined partnership/LLP: 1998

Employers: Rowe & Maw (1989-1991)

Academic history

University/College:

Bristol University (1985-1988)

Degree: LLB (Hons.)