Gowling WLG‘s ’top level’ team represents a diverse range of employers, trustees, local and national governments throughout the pensions space. The firm is well-known for handling high-profile high court and court of appeal cases, in addition to mandates concerning scheme surpluses and occupational scheme-related cases. The ‘exceptionally strong’ team is led by highly regarded pensions expert Ian Gordon who has vast expertise spanning from rectifications to professional negligence claims, in addition to acting as chair of the Association of Pension Lawyers Litigation sub-committee. Gordon is supported by Aaron Dunning-Foreman who is praised by clients for ’energetic, hard-working, good at seeing alternative angles and thinking outside the box’, often advising on LDI claims. Nicky Yarwood who specialises in Part 8 claims is another key contact, as is Josh Sheppard.
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The strength-in-depth of Gowling's team stands them out amongst their peers.’
‘Aaron Dunning-Foreman was excellent in dealing with complex and time-sensitive member complaints. His communications were clear, thorough and offered pragmatic solutions which ensured a timely resolution to the issues.’
‘The team provide pragmatic and efficient advice in an easily digestible format. The advice is always presented in layman's terms but this in no way effects the quality of the advice received. The advice presented considers all angles including the impact on commercial relationships.'
‘Gowling's pensions disputes team has a standout reputation. They have acted on a number of the biggest cases in recent years and are very active in the association of pensions lawyers. They are pragmatic in their approach to litigation, meaning swift and sensible resolutions are achieved.’
‘A comparatively small team that punches well above its weight. Regularly involved in some of the biggest pension's cases, particularly in relation to occupational schemes. Quality practitioners from top to bottom. And very enjoyable to work with.’
‘Ian Gordon - gives every case 110%, really gets stuck in, exceptionally responsive. Aaron Dunning-Foreman - energetic, hard-working, good at seeing alternative angles and thinking outside the box. Josh Sheppard - enthusiastic, diligent and switched on.'
‘An exceptionally strong pensions litigation team: specialist pensions lawyers and specialist litigators which proves an excellent combination.’
‘They are top level pensions litigation firm who act for employers, trustees and representative beneficiaries and are capable of handling the largest cases.’
‘Ian Gordon is very able and has an excellent understanding of technical pensions law as well a lot of litigation experience.’
Key clients
- Mitchells & Butlers Pensions Limited
- Britvic Pensions Limited
- CGI IT UK Limited
- The Trustees of the Thales UK Pension Scheme
- The Trustee of KPMG Staff Pension Fund
- Croydon Borough Council
- Virgin Media Limited
- Government of Canada
- The Trustees of the Debenhams Retirement Benefit Scheme
- The Trustees of the National Farmers Union Mutual Insurance Society Limited Retirement Benefits Scheme
Work highlights
- Act on behalf of Virgin Media Limited and will be representing our client at the Court of Appeal hearing in June 2024. This is the section 37 case first heard by the High Court in 2023.
- Advising on and handling a number of potential negligence claims against fund managers and fiduciary managers in a cutting-edge area of law; namely, involving failed or mismanaged LDI strategies that led pension schemes to suffer a loss in the aftermath of the September 2022 mini budget.
Lawyers
Hall of fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Ian Gordon
Other key lawyers
Aaron Dunning-Foreman; Nicky Yarwood; Josh Sheppard