Posted: 25/09/2012
Ground-breaking work and specialist knowledge have propelled Collas Crill's legal teams up the rankings in the latest analysis of Channel Islands law by one of the leading legal industry commentators, The Legal 500.
Three of Collas Crill's specialist teams have increased their rankings in The Legal 500's 2012 directory, launched on 19 September.
Collas Crill is the only law firm in Jersey to increase its rankings in Legal 500's tiers 1-3 in two categories this year. Just 18 months after the merger that created the new Channel Islands firm, named the fastest growing offshore law firm in 2012, Collas Crill's reputation in Jersey in Corporate and Commercial, and Trusts and Foundations, has led to their promotion to Tier 2.
Collas Crill's Dispute Resolution team's role in two of Guernsey's most significant pieces of litigation has also earned it increased recognition and ranking.
Legal 500 2012 reports that Guernsey's litigation practices have remained busy over the past year with asset tracing and enforcement, banking litigation, distressed funds, regulatory investigations, insolvency and trust litigation.
In its rankings The Legal 500 2012 expressly refers to two large-scale litigation matters currently exercising the Royal Court of Guernsey, and Collas Crill is representing clients in both proceedings.
The Legal 500 has increased the ranking of Collas Crill's team – led by partner Christian Hay, who it describes as 'exceptionally able' – to Tier 2, saying that the team's 'overall level of service is superb'.
Among the significant transactions of the past 12 months in Jersey noted by Legal 500, Collas Crill advised Royal Bank of Canada on Jersey's first-ever cross-border merger, and acted for Barclays Wealth in relation to Jersey's first-ever company limited by guarantee with share capital.
Within The Legal 500's section on Private Client, Trusts and Tax in Jersey, The Legal 500 says that Collas Crill is noted for its drafting and implementation of foundation structures, its assistance for high-net-worth clients with complex wealth planning, and its experienced trust disputes team.
Team members singled out for praised by The Legal 500 include Commercial team head Paul Wilson, who clients say ‘delivers on time', and David Dorgan who they say ‘provides guidance on a broad spectrum of fiduciary matters with a professional and pragmatic approach'.
Collas Crill managing partner Jason Romer said: "We are delighted to see Collas Crill's increasing recognition in both the Guernsey and Jersey legal markets. The Legal 500 undertakes rigorous market research and the endorsements of our service and our people come directly from clients, whom we value highly."