The Legal 500

Within Banking and finance, Hassans is a first tier firm,

Hassans’ five-partner banking team has ‘exceptional’ strength in depth. James Lasry, who leads the firm’s well-regarded funds practice, is ‘patient, client oriented and knowledgeable’. Yvonne Chu-Feetham is also active within the funds practice, while Nigel Feetham is recommended for his expertise in insurance and protected cell companies – both are ‘unreservedly excellent’. Valerie Holliday is recommended for her excellent client relation skills as well as her banking and investment management ability.

Within Corporate and M&A , Hassans is a first tier firm,

Hassans’ ‘knowledge and legal ability is unrivalled’ in the corporate sphere, and its business acumen ‘unsurpassed’. The team has advised on a number of big-ticket transactions recently, including the merger between Norwegian oil services company Acergy and Subsea 7, and continues to advise clients such as the Heinz Group and International Power on corporate structuring issues and general corporate matters. Gaming law experts Vikram Nagrani and Peter Montegriffo recently advised on the cross-border merger of PartyGaming and bwin Interactive Entertainment. James Levy QC and Ian Felice are ‘outstanding’, and are recommended along with Michael Castiel and Nyreen Llamas, who has ‘excellent commercial awareness and people skills’.

Within Dispute resolution , Hassans is a first tier firm,

Hassans’ dispute resolution practice is ‘excellent on all levels’. The five-partner team has broad-ranging expertise and regularly handles cases with an international element, including continuing to act in litigation pursuant to the Madoff fraud and also the collapse of Marrache & Co. Practice head Lewis Baglietto is highly recommended for commercial litigation and judicial review. Gillian Guzman represents clients in employment and personal injury cases, and has ‘excellent customer service’ skills. David Dumas QC handles insolvency and criminal matters, and recently represented an international sports person. John Restano is noted for his human rights work.

Within Legal market overview,

Hassans remains the market’s heavyweight, both in terms of overall size and specialist expertise. Triay & Triay is the second-largest firm in the territory and advises an impressive list of client lists in various practice areas. Isolas follows closely behind in terms of size and commands widespread respect in the market, and Triay Stagnetto Neish and Attias & Levy are also recommended. Cruz & Co has a small but growing team that is increasingly prominent. Verralls Barristers and Solicitors and Stephen Bullock & Company, while relatively small firms, are both recognised market players.

Within Private client , Hassans is a first tier firm,

Hassans is ‘the market leader in Gibraltar’. Primarily advising ‘Category 2’ individuals, members of The Times’ ‘Rich List’, and prominent international families, the team regularly assists high-net-worth individuals with wealth management issues such as restructuring and disclosure advice. It also handles work arising from corporate mandates, such as advising chief executives and beneficial owners.

Within Real estate and construction, Hassans is a first tier firm,

A ‘strong presence’, Hassans’ real estate practice is ‘creative’, and has ‘in-depth knowledge’. The team – led by Dick Azopardi and also including Colleene Wink and associate Ian Farrell – is ‘excellent’ for advice on major construction projects and property financing across the residential and commercial sectors.

Within Shipping, Hassans is a second tier firm,

At Hassans, John Restano is the key figure for contentious shipping matters, and acts for international shipping banks and companies. Lewis Baglietto leads the admiralty practice, and Yvonne Chu-Feetham acts on shipping financing matters.

Within TMT , Hassans is a first tier firm,

Hassans’ TMT practice had a busy year, handling matters including the cross-border merger between PartyGaming and bwin Entertainment. The firm has an impressive client following in the gaming industry, where clients also include Bet365, Tombola and Gamesys. In telecoms, it advises longstanding client Gibtelecom on day-to-day matters. Gaming expert and practice head Peter Montegriffo has ‘extensive industry knowledge and familiarity with Gibraltar’s government and regulatory bodies, and their processes’. Vikram Nagrani is also recommended.

Within Tax, Hassans is a first tier firm,

Hassans’ tax practice is valued for its ‘first-class knowledge of Gibraltar law’, ‘good response times’ and ‘excellent value for money’. Led by ex-Inland Revenue Chris White and ex-KMPG worker Albert Mena, the team has a wealth of experience and was retained to draft Gibraltar’s new Income Tax Act. White is ‘very knowledgeable’, and provides general tax advice to blue-chip companies and property owners.