What the team is known for
Leading pensions practice in the Midlands noted for overseeing a wide array of complex risk management exercises. Offers a tailored service to clients through its various sub-teams, namely public sector pensions, human resources and dispute resolution. Retained by an array of entities, including sponsors, trustees and insurance companies. Sector expertise covers education, healthcare and retail.
Strengths
A client notes: "Gowling have strength in depth and offer practical and client-focused advice."
Another says: "They are strategically strong."
Work highlights
Advised the Trustee of the G4S Pension Scheme on the implications of the hostile takeover bid by Garda World Security Corporation, and also the G4S board-recommended rival bid by Allied Universal Security Services.
Notable practitioners
Christopher Stiles advises both trustees and sponsors on a range of issues, with a particular focus on GMP equalisation matters.
"He has remarkable clarity, explaining complex issues well." Elizabeth Gane advises trustees and sponsors on matters including buy-ins, benefit changes and complex funding issues.
"Excellent - pragmatic, sensible and good at working with trustees." Joanne Tibbott advises both sponsors and trustees on matters involving defined contribution schemes, such as governance issues, scheme design and buy-ins.
Paul Carberry acts on various issues such as scheme design, transfer of benefits and demergers. He also advises on investment matters.
"A very user-friendly lawyer who speaks in layman's terms, erring on the side of simplicity if he can." Richard Black advises trustees on issues including GMP equalisation, closures to future accrual, and buy-ins and buyouts. He also assists with funding matters.
Richard Lee advises trustees on a range of pensions matters including scheme amendments and closures to future accrual.
