Jason Coates

I'm a partner in the firm's Pensions team and advise trustees, corporates and industry bodies on all aspects of pensions law. I sit on the Legislative Parliamentary sub-committee of the Association of Pension Lawyers which reviews all new pension-related legislation.

Tel: +44 (0)20 7664 0316

Email: jason_coates@wragge.com

Best brains in...

Giving strategic advice to corporate and trustee clients in relation to significant events for their pension schemes such as corporate restructuring, scheme mergers and buy out transactions. Providing advice that requires technical excellence combined with tactical awareness.

Highlight of your career so far?

Every time we win! Winning a new client appointment or retaining an existing client when re-tendering is a new highlight every time, especially when we are up against our major City rivals! One example is our appointment as legal advisers to the trustees of the Group 4 Pension Scheme. Most challenging job you've ever done?

Leading an eight-lawyer team on the largest project that the Pensions team has ever done. We have been advising a major French listed company on a strategic project to change the benefits for its UK workforce, merge its UK pension schemes and manage its billion pound pension liabilities. This job is immensely challenging technically, logistically and tactically. It has been a real roller coaster experience for everyone involved and I am really proud of our contribution.

What about outside the UK?

Acting for a US law firm to provide it and its German client with pension law advice on a cross-border European deal. In addition to advising on the UK pension law aspects, we were asked to review and assimilate the advice given by local lawyers in other European jurisdictions. There was also the job where we had to set up a 'provident fund' in Cyprus, which was different!

Dedication to client care? Prove it!

I was appointed as legal adviser to the trustees of two pension schemes operated by a large convenience store operator in relation to a 'clearance application' to the Pensions Regulator, when a magic circle firm pulled out due to a conflict. Our client service and approach was described as 'a breath of fresh air' compared to the previous advisers. The trustees particularly liked our straightforward communication of a complex subject and being prepared to help them make difficult decisions. In fact, they were so impressed that they suggested that the company should consider Wragge & Co for other services.

Best example of a creative legal solution?

I advised the trustees of a hundred million pound pension scheme last year on an innovative agreement with the sponsor. It was the first (and possibly we think still the only) solution of its type following the introduction of the Pensions Protection Fund. It was difficult technically and the phrase 'we are in uncharted territory' became banned on the project after a while because it was becoming used too often!

How do you get under the skin of a client's business?

We have two ears and one mouth and we should try to use them in that proportion! It is very important to understand our client's perspective. It sets the scene for the legal advice and spending time with a client to understand the wider context is always helpful.

What's your single greatest contribution to Wragge & Co's corporate responsibility?

Running the Cardiff half-marathon to raise money for Barnados. I managed to raise quite a bit, which was great. Everyone in the firm was very generous and I managed to get a bit fitter in the process!

What's been written or said about you that you're most proud of?

'One of the thrusting partners of the future'! - Chambers UK.

But, I am most proud of the common theme of the client feedback I received for my leadership course at Ashridge Business School, which was 'trust'.