Helen Rowan
Senior counselAbout
Helen advises trustees, employers and parties to corporate transactions on all aspects of pensions law and practice.
She has particular experience in working alongside trustees and employers in scheme funding and covenant negotiations; advising on benefit change projects; and supporting occupational pension scheme trustees in their day-to-day business. As well as working with ongoing schemes and businesses, she is experienced in advising in the context of corporate change and distress scenarios.
Helen has worked with clients in many different sectors including aviation, consumer goods, financial services, hospitality, manufacturing and media as well as with clients in previously nationalised industries and not-for-profit organisations.
Recent experience includes:
- advising the trustee of a large hybrid pension scheme on implementing a major new flexible benefit structure
- advising the trustee of a defined benefit pension scheme in connection with the closure of that scheme to future accrual
- advising a private equity firm on designing and communicating improvements to its defined contribution pension offering including salary sacrifice and cash in lieu of pension options
- advising the trustee of a large defined benefit pension scheme on the negotiation and drafting of a Crown guarantee
- working with an employer in the hospitality industry to develop and put in place a package of support for its two defined benefit pension schemes
Memberships and Qualifications
Membership of professional bodies:
Association of Pension Lawyers (Full Member)
The Pension Regulator’s Diversity & Inclusion Working Group
Career history
Qualified: 2007, England & Wales
Pensions experience since: 2007
Joined Sackers: 2023
Employers:
Travers Smith LLP (2012-2023)
Nabarro LLP (2005-2012)
Academic history
University/College:
Trinity Hall, University of Cambridge (2000-2003)
Nottingham Law School (2003-2004)
Degree:
MA (Hons) Law
Diploma in Legal Practice
Further Information
Testimonials:
Helen provides “top quality, robust legal advice” (Legal 500, January 2020).
Extracurricular interests and activities:
Outside of work, Helen enjoys spending time with her family and singing with her local choral society.