Kate is a senior associate in the Pensions Practice Group with a wealth of experience gained at both Squire Sanders and in her former roles.  Kate joined Squire Sanders in 2003 as a legal assistant and began her training contract with the firm in 2004.  Kate qualified in early 2006.

Kate has a considerable amount of in-house technical experience.  Prior to joining Squire Sanders, she worked for more than three years at TRW Benefit Administration (UK) in the technical section. During this time she was involved in the merger of the TRW UK pension arrangements with the Lucas Pension Scheme, following the acquisition of LucasVarity by TRW in 1999.  Kate also oversaw the establishment of the TRW Pension Scheme website detailing members' benefits and assisted with the pensions aspects of the sale of TRW Aeronautical Systems Limited to the Goodrich Corporation and the establishment by Goodrich of a mirror pension scheme.  Immediately prior to this, Kate worked as an administrator and later a team leader at TI & Dowty Pensions Ltd, now part of the Smiths Group, gaining a valuable understanding of the practical aspects of pension administration and the issues involved.

Kate advises both corporate sponsors and trustee boards on all aspects of pensions law in the UK.  Such advice covers areas as diverse as pension plan funding, pension plan reconstructions, member queries, pension plan amendments and equalisation of retirement ages.

Representative Experience

• Advising on several pension plan closure exercises.
• Advising on the failure by the corporate sponsor to engage in the scheme valuation process and the setting of an appropriate schedule of contributions/recovery plan.
• Advising on several investment management agreements including obtaining a reduction in management fees.