Andy has an easy-going, straightforward manner which is loved by clients. He delivers regular trustee and industry training and workshops. Recent training topics include the effect of EU law on UK pension schemes, the obligations on employers to communicate with pension scheme members and modern governance for trustees. Andy sits on the legislative committee of the Society of Pension Professionals. He supervises A&O Shearman's work with the Afghan Pro Bono Initiative.
Andy Cork is noted for his ability to "get across complex legal issues in a readily and easily digestible form," and sources add: "He has a good combination of sound technical knowledge and the ability to convey that to a lay audience." His practice includes advising clients on complex pensions issues and providing extensive workshops and training to trustees on their role. Chambers UK 2019.
"Andy Cork is authoritative and very commercial, good at explaining complex aspects of pensions law." Legal 500 UK 2021.
Other noteworthy experience includes advising:
• advising on a range of market-leading derisking projects, helping trustees and companies secure benefits for members
• employers on how to manage their pension scheme liabilities, including closure to accrual, changes to benefits and other liability management.
• deep experience of the new defined benefit superfund market.
Over the last decade, Andy has advised the trustees of some of the largest UK pension funds on strategic and technical matters including risk reduction, scheme funding and regulatory compliance. He is highly valued for his ability to translate technical pensions law into practical strategic advice for trustees and companies.
Expertise
Experience
Representative matters
The ICI Pension Fund on 14 tranches of “buy-in” insurance covering over GBP9bn of liabilities.
Cable & Wireless on the first GBP1bn “buy-in” insurance contract in the market.
One of quickest “all-risks” buy-out transfers: Advising Emap on one of the quickest “all-risks” buy-out transfers achieved in the pensions market.
A number of the largest pension schemes in the UK on the full range of their technical and strategic issues.
Speaking Engagements
Speaker on EU law at the Association of Pension Lawyers' Introductory Course
Recognition
“Andy regularly advises the trustees of large and well-known pension schemes. One impressed client says: "He is very knowledgeable about our plan, and really able to explain things in an easily understandable way."”
Chambers UK 2018
Qualifications
Admissions
Admitted as solicitor, England and Wales, 2007
Academic
BA (Hons), Law, Emmanuel College, Cambridge University, 2003
Languages
English
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.