Jason Coates
Gowling WLGBirmingham-based Elizabeth Gane leads the non-contentious pensions practice at Gowling WLG, supported by the ‘patient yet determined’ Jason Coates, who has particular experience in scheme governance issues and complex funding negotiations. The ‘very commercial’ Paul Feathers excels in the pensions risk transfer market, advising on a number of high-value matters. Maddy Frost is a noted contact for trustee clients, and Sara Chambers and Suzanne Mortimer are key names are both notably experienced in risk transfer work.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Strong team with access to other specialties within the firm. Pragmatic solutions to tricky issues.’
‘Jason Coates - solid individual who has depth and breadth in pensions law. Patient yet determined with a practical edge that cuts through to the nub of the issue.’
‘Strength in depth - many say that but Gowlings deliver on it. Willing to provide an early view.’
‘Paul Feathers - always available, very commercial.'
'Sarah Tate - very knowledgeable and approachable.'
‘The Gowling team always adds value to decision making. Their support is proactive and wide ranging in researching matters for the Board's attention. The team provides clear recommendations and they are pragmatic and flexible in responding to the needs of Directors. Gowling provide high-quality support in dealing with Regulators and other third-parties. ’
‘Jason Coates - pragmatic, flexible, credible, provides balanced and thoughtful advice.'
'Maddy Frost - enthusiastic and provides excellent support.'
Key clients
- Thales UK Pension Scheme (TUPS)
- Legal & General Group UK Pension and Assurance Fund
- Legal & General Group UK Senior Pension Scheme
- Trustee of the Unisys Payment Services Limited Pension Scheme (UPSLPS)
- Trustee of the Unisys Public Sector Pension Scheme (UPSPS)
- Trafalgar House Pension Trust
- ICL Group Pension Plan
- Rothesay
- Pension Protection Fund
- Employment Conditions Abroad Retirement Benefit Scheme
- Medical Protection Society Pension Scheme
- Pitney Bowes Pension Fund
- TM Group Pension Plan
- TM Group Pension Scheme
- Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS)
Work highlights
- Advised Rothesay on a £4bn pension risk transfer deal with Co-op Pension Scheme (PACE).
- Advised Thales UK Pension Scheme on its £2.7bn buy-in deal with Rothesay.
- Advised Trustee of Thomas Cook Pension Plan on its £900m PPF+ insurer transaction.
Lawyers
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Practice head
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Elizabeth Gane