ISOLAS LLP > Gibraltar, Gibraltar > Firm Profile
ISOLAS LLP Offices
PORTLAND HOUSE, GLACIS ROAD
Gibraltar
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ISOLAS LLP > The Legal 500 Rankings
Gibraltar > Banking and finance Tier 1
ISOLAS LLP is instructed by a mix of European and North American banks, property developers, insurance companies and UK and Irish PLCs on M&A, venture capital and management buyouts, corporate and structured finance, regulatory issues and the enforcement of securities. Christian Hernandez is noted for leveraged transactions involving high-yield debt offerings and commitment financing processes. Christian Caetano is a key practitioner for insurance work and the re-domiciliation of financial services firms. James Montado heads the banking regulatory team.Practice head(s):
Christian Hernandez; Christian Caetano; James Montado
Testimonials
‘Christian Caetano is a fantastic lawyer.’
Key clients
Valaris PLC
Gibraltar > Fintech Tier 1
With a strong reputation in fintech, ISOLAS LLP continues to assist major European and British businesses on setting up operations in Gibraltar, DLT licences, blockchain matters and derivatives. Practice head Jonathan Garcia advised Germany-based liquidity provider SSW Group on the establishment of its private crypto-trading fund in Gibraltar. Joey Garcia is another significant practitioner in the crypto space.Practice head(s):
Jonathan Garcia
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Superstack PCC Limited
SSW Alpha Rock Fund PCC Limited
ZUBR
Meta Link PCC Limited
Huobi Technology (Gibraltar) Co. Ltd
BTSE Holdings Limited
Block.one
Bullish Global
EOS
Thalex Digital Exchange Limited
Systema Fund PCC Limited
Xapo
Work highlights
- Advising Superstack PCC on the creation and structing of a protected cell company cryptocurrency experienced investor fund in Gibraltar to invest in a wide range of crypto and blockchain-related assets.
- Advising Meta Link on the structing and setting up of a protected cell company cryptocurrency experienced investor fund in Gibraltar to invest in a variety of blockchain-related assets.
- Assisted Huobi Technology (Gibraltar) in obtaining a DLT licence.
Gibraltar > TMT Tier 1
ISOLAS LLP is instructed by a mix of local and international players in the fintech sector, private telecoms operators, gaming, e-sports and entertainment companies, as well as a number of international sports personalities. Peter Isola is one of Gibraltar’s top gaming experts, specialising in licensing and regulatory work. Steven Caetano also assists with regulatory and corporate work. Jonathan Garcia is another specialist in digital technology and fintech.Practice head(s):
Peter Isola; Steven Caetano; Jonathan Garcia
Testimonials
‘One of two firms in Gibraltar able to service a FTSE 100 company. Good at working with UK legal firms.’
Key clients
ZUBR
Superstack PCC Limited
SSW Alpha Rock Fund PCC Limited
Meta Link PCC Limited
Systema Fund PCC Limited
Work highlights
- Advising Superstack PCC on the structuring and setting up of a protected cell company cryptocurrency experienced investor fund in Gibraltar.
- Advising Systema Fund PCC on the structuring and setting up of a protected cell company cryptocurrency experienced investor fund in Gibraltar with three separate compartments (cells).
- Advising ZUBR on a range of corporate governance, licensing and regulatory issues.
Gibraltar > Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 2
The ‘well-resourced‘ corporate team at ISOLAS LLP is regularly sought for advice on cross-border mergers, company re-domiciliation and insurance portfolio transfers. Senior partner Peter Isola remains active in corporate governance and advisory activities for the Government of Gibraltar. In the gaming sectors, corporate and M&A specialist Steven Caetano is a key advisor. Jonathan Garcia is the lead fintech specialist.Practice head(s):
Peter Isola; Steven Caetano
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Isolas is well resourced, good value and able to work well with internal legal teams and other external lawyers in different jurisdictions on complicated issues and transactions.’
‘Steven Caetano is the principal reason for us working with Isolas. He knows the local market in depth, is pragmatic and well versed in dealing with local regulators.’
‘Peter Isola, the Managing Partner is client focused, hard working and easy to get hold of.’
Key clients
MH Bland Group of Companies – Cable Car
Superstack PCC Limited
SSW Alpha Rock Fund PCC Limited
Meta Link PCC Limited
Block.one / Bullish Global / EOS
Systema Fund PCC Limited
Work highlights
- Advised Superstack PCC on the structuring and setting up of a protected cell company cryptocurrency experienced investor fund in Gibraltar to invest in a wide range of crypto and blockchain related assets using a combination of non-automated strategies.
- Advised Meta Link PCC on the structuring and setting up of a protected cell company cryptocurrency experienced investor fund in Gibraltar to invest in a variety of blockchain related assets and projects.
Gibraltar > Dispute resolution Tier 2
ISOLAS LLP is known for its work representing the Government of Gibraltar, insurers in insurance insolvencies, and other clients in disputes involving gaming and cryptocurrency elements. The practice is led by Samantha Grimes and senior employment litigator Mark Isola KC, along with civil litigator James Montado and Neil Costa, who leads on insolvency, fraud and contentious trusts cases. Senior associate Danielle Victor heads the personal injury and clinical negligence practice, acting mainly for defendants.Practice head(s):
Samantha Grimes; Mark Isola KC; James Montado; Neil Costa
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘ISOLAS is one of the leading firms in Gibraltar and the calibre of its team is second to none. I have worked with Neil Costa in several cases and his professionalism, extensive knowledge, experience and calm approach has been a major factor in the success achieved.’
‘Neil Costa is a great defence counsel. His calm and empathetic demeanour offered emotional and professional support during a very difficult time for the business. He always keeps to deadlines and makes himself available all the time despite his very busy agenda. I am grateful for his service, and I hereby recommend Neil without reservation.’
Key clients
Her Majesty’s Government of Gibraltar – Director of Employment
Royal Gibraltar Police
Her Majesty’s Government of Gibraltar – the Chief Secretary of Gibraltar and the Human Resources Manager
Prometheus Insurance Company Limited
Kingstar UK Ltd
Work highlights
- Providing legal services to the Director of Employment and the Department of Employment, including an analysis of Gibraltar’s primary and secondary legislation.
- Instructed by The Royal Gibraltar Police to represent their interests in a Coroner’s inquest.
- Acting for a company in respect of a dishonest assistance claim against directors and trustees.
Gibraltar > Gambling law Tier 2
ISOLAS LLP advises an extensive roster of clients, ranging from start-ups through to remote gambling operations and other B2B entities. Among the best-known figures in the market, Peter Isola has vast knowledge of gaming legislation and regulations. Steven Caetano is another well-recognised lawyer for international licensing and contracts.Practice head(s):
Peter Isola; Steven Caetano
Testimonials
‘Good all round practice spanning gambling, NFTs and DLT issues and all aspects of gambling licensing.’
‘Gibraltar is one of the pioneering jurisdictions for online gambling and Isolas is one of the main firms in Gibraltar that specialise in this area.’
‘Peter Isola has many years of experience of the gambling sector, not just as a partner of a law firm specialising in the area, but also as a director of gambling operators. It’s a rare portfolio of knowledge and experience. He also understands how to navigate the local stakeholders and his wider experience beyond Gibraltar has been useful.’
‘Steve Caetano is my go to. Sound grasp of all things gambling, well connected, and always calm and considered.’
Gibraltar > Investment funds Tier 2
ISOLAS LLP continues to actively participate in developments in Gibraltar’s fund legislation, and has a wealth of experience and knowledge in the fund industry. The practice is led by Jonathan Garcia and Joey Garcia.Practice head(s):
Jonathan Garcia
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Superstack PCC Limited
SSW Alpha Rock Fund PCC Limited
Meta Link PCC Limited
Systema Fund PCC Limited
Work highlights
- Advising Superstack PCC on the structing and establishment of a protected cell company cryptocurrency experienced investor fund in Gibraltar to invest in a wide range of crypto and blockchain-related assets.
- Advised Meta Link PCC on the structing and setting up of a protected cell company cryptocurrency experienced investor fund in Gibraltar.
- Advising Systema Fund PCC on the structuring and setting up of a protected cell company cryptocurrency experienced investor fund in Gibraltar.
Gibraltar > Private client Tier 2
Led by Peter Isola, ISOLAS LLP, working alongside trust firm the Fiduciary Group, offers HNWIs and their families a full range of services, covering succession planning, wealth preservation, trusts, family office matters, relocation, property and philanthropy. Other key partners include Adrian Pilcher and Emma Lejeune, who is ‘extremely knowledgeable in the international private client field.’Practice head(s):
Peter Isola
Other key lawyers:
Emma Lejeune; Adrian Pilcher
Testimonials
‘Isolas provides a wide range of services and has a depth and breadth of knowledge that outstrips other firms.’
‘Peter Isola – longstanding commitment; pragmatic and commercial in his approach to problems.’
‘Adrian Pilcher -Dedicated, commercial, responsive and has shown good soft skills of empathy.’
‘I work with Emma Lejeune. She is extremely knowledgeable in the international private client field and she has an excellent manner with the clients themselves.’
‘Emma Lejeune is the epitome of a trusted adviser. Adept across a range of fields, she excels at finding bespoke solutions for the most complicated of situations. Clients clearly trust her.’
‘Isolas has great strength in depth and takes a cross-departmental, collaborative approach to finding solutions for clients. Their knowledge of Gibraltar law in theory and in practice is second to none.’
Key clients
Government of Gibraltar
Work highlights
- Engaged by Government of Gibraltar on the basis of private client and trust expertise to advise it regarding the implementation of FATF recommendations around trusts, beneficial ownership of trusts, and other matters.
Gibraltar > Real estate and construction Tier 2
ISOLAS LLP has standout expertise in commercial and residential landlord and tenant work, and is consistently instructed on large mixed-use development projects. Samantha Grimes acts for some of Gibraltar’s largest commercial landlords and developers, assisting them with in aspects of developments, including commercial leases and licenses, business tenancy terminations, landlord/tenant disputes, and a strong pipeline of construction and financing project work. Mark Isola KC also handles a significant amount of landlord and tenant and property management work, and Sarah Bray advises banks and investors on conveyancing and property development.Practice head(s):
Mark Isola KC; Samantha Grimes
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Samantha Grimes has been excellent, helping me with the legal “jargon”. My go-to real estate lawyer in Gibraltar.’
Gibraltar > Shipping Tier 2
Christian Hernandez is the lead shipping partner at ISOLAS LLP, where he is known for his wide client portfolio ranging from the International Transport Workers Federation and P&I Clubs through to banks and shipowners. Recently, Hernandez has been engaged in a significant number of ship arrest matters, and continues to maintain a steady vessel financing practice. Senior associate Michael Adamberry specialises in ship arrests, collisions and marine casualties, as well as non-contentious advisory work such as licensing applications.Practice head(s):
Christian Hernandez
Other key lawyers:
Gibraltar > Tax Tier 2
ISOLAS LLP's ‘excellent team‘ supports individual and corporate clients alike in relation to their tax matters, covering everything from international tax structuring, corporate transactions and restructuring through to personal taxation instructions. Senior partner Peter Isola is increasingly involved in corporate governance and advisory activities for the government, while Adrian Pilcher and Emma Lejeune lead the family and private tax offering. Its newest partner, Stuart Dalmedo counsels high-net-worth individuals on the establishment of tax efficient structures and cross-border planning.Practice head(s):
Peter Isola; Emma Lejeune; Adrian Pilcher; Stuart Dalmedo
Testimonials
‘Easy access to the team which is very good at coming up with innovative solutions to our problems.’
‘Our main contact is Stuart Dalmedo, who has an inquisitive mind and proactive attitude, as well as a very high level of technical expertise in various tax issues and how they relate to legal issues.’
‘Isolas have an excellent team handling corporate and personal taxation in Gibraltar. What makes them stand out is their professionalism, ease of contact and rapid response. They are able to anticipate potential issues and provide alternative options.’
‘Stuart Dalmedo is really knowledgeable, very efficient and very definitely client focused.’
‘Peter Isola: Informed, experienced, commercial and pragmatic. Adrian Pilcher: Similarly informed, commercial and pragmatic.’
ISOLAS LLP > Firm Profile
The firm: ISOLAS is a leading international law firm with its headquarters in Gibraltar. Established in 1892, it is Gibraltar’s oldest law firm. Truly independent, it offers clients the benefits of commitment, continuity and the close personal interest expected of a long-established firm. ISOLAS has a reputation for combining expert legal advice with commercial pragmatism. The firm is known to be practical and confident in the advice it gives. It is consistently ranked as one of the leading law firms in the jurisdiction by the major international legal directories. Isolas acts for international clients, including most of the major UK, European and US banks, as well as multinational insurers and reinsurers.
Areas of practice
International banking and finance: the firm is a leading player and has specialist lawyers who deal with all aspects of banking and finance. The firm’s specialist team is led by Christian Hernandez, who is acknowledged as one of the leaders in the jurisdiction.
Admiralty and shipping: whilst Gibraltar boasts a large number of law firms, there are very few that have a specialist, highly experienced Admiralty department. Credit to the firm’s experience and expertise in Admiralty matters is the fact that the firm is continuously involved in the majority of shipping disputes in Gibraltar, as well as receiving instructions from many London shipping law firms.
Commercial and litigation: ISOLAS has developed one of the leading and most successful commercial and trust litigation departments in Gibraltar. The firm’s expertise ranges from (general) commercial litigation, to established specialisation in telecommunications, insurance, banking and financial services, international trade, and private international and EU law. In addition, the firm has established expertise in a very wide range of personal and corporate insolvency issues, including receivership, administration, liquidation, arrangements with creditors and debt recovery in general. The civil aspects of commercial fraud (invariably in an insolvency or insurance context) are also an aspect of work undertaken by the firm, which includes tracing remedies, search and seize orders and freezing injunctions. ISOLAS is also widely regarded as having the best, most-experienced employment team in the jurisdiction.
ISOLAS has been at the forefront of developments in financial services and insurance having been instructed on both the first part VII transfer of insurance business out of Gibraltar and with the establishment of Gibraltar’s first insurance linked securities manager.
ISOLAS is a market leader in the fintech sector, having worked closely with the government of Gibraltar and the Gibraltar Financial Services Commission on various niche areas within this space. The firm has been instrumental, through its participation in government-established working groups, in shaping discussions and regulations in the context of DLT financial activity, maintaining its contribution to the further development of this space.
The firm recently acquired boutique family office firm Legacy Consulting Limited, bolstering its offering in the private client space with the addition of Emma Lejeune.
Gaming: ISOLAS has been at the forefront of developments in the local gaming industry which accounts for 12% of employment in Gibraltar. Steven Caetano is a regular advisor to Gibraltar licensed online gaming companies on all relevant areas of that practice.
Main Contacts
Department | Name | Telephone | |
---|---|---|---|
Banking litigation | Mark Isola KC | mark.isola@isolas.gi | +35020001892 |
Banking litigation | James Montado | james.montado@isolas.gi | +35020001892 |
Corporate and structured finance | Christian Hernandez | christian.hernandez@isolas.gi | +35020001892 |
Banking, financial services | Joey Garcia | joey.garcia@isolas.gi | +35020001892 |
Banking, financial services | Christian Hernandez | christian.hernandez@isolas.gi | +35020001892 |
Litigation | Mark Isola | mark.isola@isolas.gi | +35020001892 |
Litigation | James Montado | james.montado@isolas.gi | +35020001892 |
Tax and online gaming | Peter Isola | peter.isola@isolas.gi | +35020001892 |
Tax and online gaming | Steven Caetano | steven.caetano@isolas.gi | +35020001892 |
Private client | Peter Isola | peter.isola@isolas.gi | +35020001892 |
Private client | Adrian Pilcher | adrian.pilcher@isolas.gi | +35020001892 |
Telecommunications | Steven Caetano | steven.caetano@isolas.gi | +35020001892 |
Employment | Samantha Grimes | samantha.grimes@isolas.gi | +35020001892 |
Employment | Mark Isola KC | mark.isola@isolas.gi | +35020001892 |
Pensions and trusts | Emma Lejeune | emma.lejeune@isolas.gi | +35020001892 |
Pensions and trusts | Adrian Pilcher | adrian.pilcher@isolas.gi | +35020001892 |
Company management | Peter Isola | peter.isola@isolas.gi | +35020001892 |
Company management | Christian Caetano | christian.caetano@isolas.gi | +35020001892 |
Fintech | Joey Garcia | joey.garcia@isolas.gi | +35020001892 |
Fintech | Jonathan Garcia | jonathan.garcia@isolas.gi | +35020001892 |
Admiralty and maritime | Christian Hernandez | christian.hernandez@isolas.gi | +35020001892 |
Insurance | Christian Caetano | christian.caetano@isolas.gi | +35020001892 |
Insurance | Steven Caetano | steven.caetano@isolas.gi | +35020001892 |
Bankruptcy and insolvency | Mark Isola KC | mark.isola@isolas.gi | +35020001892 |
Bankruptcy and insolvency | James Montado | james.montado@isolas.gi | +35020001892 |
Property and real estate | Sarah Bray | sarah.bray@isolas.gi | +35020001892 |
Commercial | Peter Isola | peter.isola@isolas.gi | +35020001892 |
Commercial | Mark Isola KC | mark.isola@isolas.gi | +35020001892 |
Personal injury | Mark Isola KC | mark.isola@isolas.gi | +35020001892 |
Personal injury | Danielle Victor | danielle.victor@isolas.gi | +35020001892 |
Funds | Joey Garcia | joey.garcia@isolas.gi | +35020001892 |
Funds | Jonathan Garcia | jonathan.garcia@isolas.gi | +35020001892 |
Construction | Samantha Grimes | samantha.grimes@isolas.gi | +35020001892 |
Construction | Mark Isola KC | mark.isola@isolas.gi | +35020001892 |
Banking litigation | Mark Isola KC | mark.isola@isolas.gi | +35020001892 |
Banking litigation | James Montado | james.montado@isolas.gi | +35020001892 |
Private Client | Emma Lejeune | emma.lejeune@isolas.gi | +35020001892 |
Lawyer Profiles
Staff Figures
Number of lawyers : 28Languages
English French German Italian Portuguese SpanishMemberships
ADVOCOther
Contacts : Peter Isola (Senior Partner) Contacts : Christian Hernandez (Partner) Contacts : Mark Isola QC (Partner) Contacts : Steven Caetano (Partner) Contacts : Samantha Grimes (Partner) Contacts : Joey Garcia (Partner) Contacts : Adrian Pilcher (Partner) Contacts : Jonathan Garcia (Partner) Contacts : Emma Lejeune (Partner) Contacts : Christian Caetano (Partner)International Capabilities
ISOLAS LLP is an award-winning law firm, advising on the full range of legal solutions.
In addition to its headquarters in Gibraltar, the firm also has a presence in Spain, ISOLAS Abogados. There, the firm advises on all matters related to the sale and purchase of real property in Spain, whether by means of corporate structures or those involving individuals, as well as acting as an intermediary in the arrangement of financing.
The office is headed by Carmen Menjibar, whose expertise in commercial matters spans the establishment of companies in Spain which are either used for trading or property holding as part of tax planning structure, and all associated administrative requirements.
We are also experienced in the preparation of Spanish Wills and Inheritance Tax for non-nationals, and can advise on all relevant issues as well as the obtaining of visas and residency numbers for non-Schengen country originating individuals.
Interviews
Christian Hernandez, Partner
What do you see as the main points that differentiate Isolas from your competitors?
An unwavering commitment to provide the best legal services whilst remaining pragmatic in order to secure the best possible outcome. At ISOLAS we ensure that all matters are partner led and that clients always have immediate access to all team members to assist them with any queries.
Which practices do you see growing in the next 12 months? What are the drivers behind that?
Refinancings to take into account the changing financial landscape resulting from increasing interest rates.
What’s the main change you’ve made in the firm that will benefit clients?
We have full remote working capability across all lawyers to ensure that clients are always able to access our full range of legal services whatever the circumstances.
Is technology changing the way you interact with your clients, and the services you can provide them?
Yes. We have full remote working capability across all lawyers to ensure that clients ae always able to access our full range of legal services whatever the circumstances.
Can you give us a practical example of how you have helped a client to add value to their business?
Regularly advice banks and lending institutions on latest developments in the law and market practice to ensure that the lending and documentation follows best practices so as to strengthen their security from borrowers and guarantors.
Are clients looking for stability and strategic direction from their law firms – where do you see the firm in three years’ time?
Yes. As the oldest law firm in Gibraltar but at the same time the most innovative and forward thinking, we offer clients the stability that comes from having been in business for 131 years with the direction and guidance required in today’s fast paced and changing business space.
Comparative Guides
-
Gibraltar: Alternative Investment Funds
Published: September 2023
Authors: Jonathan GarciaStuart DalmedoKieron Martinez
This country-specific Q&A provides an overview of Alternative Investment Funds laws and regulations applicable in Gibraltar.
-
Gibraltar: Tax
Published: October 2023
Authors: Emma LejeuneStuart DalmedoLouise Anne Turnock
This country-specific Q&A provides an overview of Tax laws and regulations applicable in Gibraltar.
- Banking and finance
- Fintech
- TMT