The Legal 500

Appleby provides 'exemplary service'. The team advised Barclays Capital Real Estate in relation to the sale of a commercial loan secured over the Grand Cayman's Marriott Hotel. It also acted for Dart Realty and Cayman Shores Development, advising on title structure and preparing all the legal documents for a new town centre in the Cayman Islands, the largest development in the Cayman Islands. Group head Norman Klein is 'knowledgeable and accessible'. Klein has particular expertise in the areas of hotel, condominium and commercial development, financing and restructuring. Sonia Starvis has broad real estate and secured lending experience.

The 'pragmatic and commercial' Maples and Calder advised Vista del Mar Development in relation to the formation of a legal structure for the various phases of a prestigious gated waterway community in Grand Cayman, including assisting in relation to the structure of restrictive covenants, marina berth agreements and navigational and vehicular rights of way. The practice also advised ABN AMRO Fund Services Bank (Cayman) in relation to the transfer of various Cayman Islands real estate assets. Real estate finance partner Alasdair Robertson, and strata title expert and senior associate George Loutas are recommended.

Bodden & Bodden has a well regarded real estate practice, which advises on conveyancing through corporate entities, property financing, the preparation of security documentation, the setting up of appropriate investment vehicles, landlord and tenant matters, planning issues and development projects. Sherri Bodden is a key contact.

'Providing extraordinary levels of information', Ritch & Conolly is widely recognised for its advice on complex high-value property transactions. The team assisted Dart in the largest ever multi-parcel land acquisition in the Cayman Islands in a single transaction. Senior partner David Ritch has 'industry knowledge and is efficient', and senior associate Angus Charlton 'has extensive knowledge of the local market, laws and procedures'.

Campbells handles the purchase, sale and development of real estate and related financing, both for individuals and corporations. The practice works with developers, financing institutions and commercial managers on the initial stages of purchasing land, the obtaining of planning permission and project financing, and the ultimate disposal of the property. Tony Pearson-Smith is a principal contact.

Conyers Dill & Pearman advises on purchasing, leasing, development and finance, but also handles all aspects of arbitration and litigation in connection with residential and commercial property. The practice advised a major financial institution in the financing of the largest tourism and resort facility located in the Cayman Islands. Richard Finlay is recommended.

Solomon Harris advised the US developer of a large development project within the Cayman Islands that is designed to attract inward investment. The practice also acted as Cayman counsel on the acquisition and development of a petrochemical facility in Egypt by a Cayman company. It also assisted in the acquisition of a major bank, which involved reviewing security documentation as well as reporting on the terms of commercial leases. Ian Jamieson is well regarded.