Elizabeth Gane spearheads a ‘commercially aware’ team at Gowling WLG. Gane is highly regarded for her work on an array of complex funding issues, mergers, restructurings and benefit changes. Joanne Tibbott is recommended for her work across a wide range of sectors, while Christopher Stiles has particular expertise in risk transfer transactions. Paul Carberry receives plaudits for his work with a broad mix of trustees and employers. Richard Black is another notable member of the department who frequently advises trustees of some of the largest schemes in the UK. Other recent highlights included Ben Goldby’s promotion to the partnership in May 2023.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Christopher Stiles – exceptionally hardworking and flexible. Engagement is with generosity of spirit and empathetic. Rigorous and decisive. Tactful and respectful. Utterly dependable. Enthusiastic, principled.’
‘Ben Goldby is a great communicator especially of difficult topics, and very aware of how the firm comes across. Keen to make sure that information is received well and seeks feedback often. The team takes time to take a personal interest in what is going on.'
‘Liz Gane is personable and always well prepared for client meetings.'
'Ben Goldby is excellent – if only more pensions lawyers could be like him! He is commercial, intelligent and a pleasure to deal with. His advice is sound and always delivered within promised deadlines. He gets to the root of the issue and delivers it effectively.'
‘Team has a very high level of knowledge across the team and a low level of turnover at the higher level. They are able to pull in specialist knowledge and experience from the wider team as and when required.’
‘Sound, clear advice given to trustees in a way that ensures that all the trustees get a good understanding of the issue, options and recommendation.’
‘Straightforward expert advice at a reasonable cost in a language trustees understand. Richard Black has never failed to steer us in the right direction without unnecessary advice and cost. Very well liked and respected by the trustees.'
‘The team are approachable and deliver clear advice. Always available to chat things through. Jo Tibbott is able to clearly articulate an issue and give practical steps to resolve it.’
Key clients
- Pirelli Schemes
- Government of the Isle of Man
- The Weetabix Pension Schemes
- PGL Scheme
- Marstons Plc Pension and Life Assurance Scheme
Lawyers
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Practice head
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Elizabeth Gane