Charlotte Scholes
Charlotte specialises in pensions disputes, acting for a variety of clients across the pensions spectrum on the full range of disputes, including for trustees and employers in rectification and construction proceedings and in related professional negligence claims.
Before joining Gowling Charlotte spent a significant proportion of time defending professionals in negligence proceedings, so she has considerable experience and deep knowledge of the issues facing claimants and defendants alike in such litigation.
Charlotte is a member of the Association of Pensions Lawyers, the PMI and participates in industry fora involving the Pensions Ombudsman's office.
The Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners UK both recognise Charlotte. Over the years since 2014 Charlotte has been named as a Star Associate and as Associate to Watch by Chambers and Partners UK. She was also recognised in Legal 500 in 2018 and 2019.
Clients say that:
- "Charlotte has amazing attention to detail while also seeing the bigger picture. A real joy for both clients and those working with her"
- "She provides clear, no-nonsense advice and her drafting skills are first rate,"
- "She handles a wide range of contentious matters, including Ombudsman complaints, rectification actions and negligence suits."
Experience
Charlotte has many years' experience advising on proceedings seeking rectification or declaratory relief on the meaning and effect of scheme rules and relevant legislation, whether on behalf of trustee or scheme members.
She also has considerable experience in acting for parties to professional negligence claims and moral hazard proceedings brought by the Pensions Regulator. She has also advised schemes in the PPF assessment period.
Charlotte is well-versed in advising Trustees on complaints brought against them under the scheme's internal dispute resolution process as well as to the Pensions Ombudsman.
Charlotte is member of the team acting for the Trustee of the Mitchells & Butlers Pension Plan seeking declaratory relief and rectification in respect of the power to change the rate at which pensions are increased.
She is also a member of the team acting for a major IT and business outsourcing company in proceedings concerning the rules of its defined benefit pension scheme.