Freeths bolsters pensions team with key partner hire

Leading national law firm Freeths has appointed Partner James Dean in Bristol to lead the growth and development of the national pensions practice. He joins from Simmons and Simmons.

With more than 20 years’ experience as a senior pensions lawyer, James has worked across a number of City and national firms advising on all aspects of pensions law. His particular specialisms include pension scheme restructuring, pension change projects, as well as M&A, regulatory and central government pensions work.

He has led on a number of high-profile projects recently including advising in relation to the circa £300 million allocation of surplus in a multi-employer pension scheme, the implementation of a Crown guarantee for a circa £1.5 billion pension scheme and advising several government departments on managing multi-billion-pound pension liabilities. James is ranked as a leading partner in the Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners legal directories.

This is a strategic hire for Freeths as the firm goes from strength to strength with it recently being named winner of Law Firm of the Year at the iconic City AM Awards 2025. Its Employment, Pensions and Immigration team has also continued to bolster its national presence in the last 12 months with a number of key appointments, contributing to a growth of 43% for the service line in the last four years.

Commenting on his appointment, Partner and National Head of Employment, Pensions and Immigration, Rena Magdani said: “We are delighted to welcome James to the firm. He is a highly regarded pensions lawyer with a wealth of experience. His extensive expertise in pensions law and impressive track record will be an invaluable asset to our team and clients, perfectly complementing our commitment to providing outstanding legal services. We look forward to the valuable contributions he will make as we continue to enhance and grow our practice.” 

James Dean added: “Joining Freeths at such an exciting stage in the firm’s ongoing upwards trajectory, I am delighted to be spearheading the firm’s national pension offering as well as working with existing colleagues to expand the firm’s already excellent capabilities. With many challenges facing the industry as we continue to go through a period of great change in UK pensions, I look forward to helping clients navigate this as well as continuing to build the Freeths’ team.”