Keystone Law > Douglas, Isle Of Man > Firm Profile
Keystone Law Offices
THE OLD COURTHOUSE
ATHOL STREET
DOUGLAS
IM1 1JD
Isle Of Man
Keystone Law > The Legal 500 Rankings
Isle of Man > Commercial property Tier 1
With a particular expertise in real estate finance, Keystone Law regularly advise banks, lenders and borrowers on a variety of matters, including the preparation and review of loan, security and hedging documentation. The team is particularly strong in the retail sector, as well as on the occupational tenant and developer side. Sally Cranshaw specialises in UK commercial real estate financing through Isle of Man vehicles. Geoff Kermeen supports blue-chip clients in matters relating to prime assets in the UK and Europe. Vicci Laslett is another key name, advising on all aspects of commercial and residential property law with a specialism in conveyancing law.Other key lawyers:
Sally Cranshaw; Geoff Kermeen; Vicci Laslett
Testimonials
‘Vicci Laslett has been just great, very supportive and knowledgable, very flexible and easy to work with, responsive and thoughtful, most recently regarding the sale of a commercial property of mine, to be frank she’s just been a star!’
‘Found their service to be be helpful and advice clear and timely’
‘Vicci is always happy to discuss issues before providing clear and succinct advice’
‘The Team from Keystone are consistent and importantly there is continuity.’
‘Vicci Laslett expertly and diligently assisted us with our lease renewal.’
Key clients
Santander UK PLC
ING Bank, N.V. London Branch
Crystal Care Limited
Sefton Group Plc
Work highlights
- Advised Santander in respect of several real estate finance transactions totalling £21m.
- Advised ING Bank in respect of several real estate finance transactions.
Isle of Man > Banking, finance and capital markets Tier 2
The ‘seasoned professionals’ at Keystone Law are particularly experienced in handling real estate finance matter son behalf of leading international financial institutions. The team also supports clients in providing bridge and mezzanine financing. Managing director Geoff Kermeen has considerable experience advising lenders, investors and developers in the UK and European real estate sector. Sally Cranshaw focuses her practice on supporting UK companies on commercial real estate matters being financed through Isle of Man vehicles. Stephen Rodd, William Margot and Hazel Dawson are other key names on the team.Practice head(s):
Sally Cranshaw; Geoff Kermeen
Other key lawyers:
Stephen Rodd; William Margot; Hazel Dawson
Testimonials
‘The Team is user friendly and easy to work with.’
‘Sally Cranshaw is practical, knowledgeable, easy to contact and works well with counsel to achieve client deadlines.’
‘We use Keystone for their Isle of Man services. They have always provided reasonably priced, efficient and quality work for us.’
‘Sally Cranshaw – fantastic attention to detail, proactive and always helpful to meet tight timeframes’
‘The team are seasoned professionals and offer a personal and efficient service.’
‘Sally Cranshaw provides excellent client service and is extremely pro-active in managing the transaction at hand. A pleasure to work with.’
Key clients
Abu Dhabi Al Islami UK
Fiduciam Nominees Limited
Doncaster Glassworks Property Limited
Drakar Limited
HCI Crow Investors Holdings Limited
Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c.
ING Bank, N.V. London Branch
Santander UK PLC
BentallGreenOak
Isle of Man > Corporate and commercial Tier 2
Keystone Law regularly handles handles complex and high value M&A in the Isle of Man, with a particular level of expertise in regard to corporate real estate M&A. Managing director Geoff Kermeen has particular experience in advising lenders and developers in the UK and European commercial real estate sector. Sally Cranshaw focuses on UK commercial real estate financing conducted through Isle of Man bodies. William Margot is experienced in cross border M&A, while Stephen Rodd advises private equity funds on tax-efficient offshore structures. Hazel Dawson is another key name, advising clients in relation to IPOs, reverse takeovers, restructuring and rights issues.Other key lawyers:
Stephen Rodd; Geoff Kermeen; William Margot; Sally Cranshaw; Hazel Dawson; Vicci Laslett
Testimonials
‘Stable team comprised of experienced lawyers, that is always responsive and thorough.’
‘Sally Cranshaw has consistently performed and is well liked and highly regarded by us.’
Key clients
Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c.
Santander UK PLC
BentallGreenOak
Work highlights
- Advising BentallGreenOak in relation to the IoM elements of the financing arrangements pertaining to the provision by BGO of a £74M secured term facility to a Luxembourg borrower for the purpose of the corporate acquisition of a Guernsey-incorporated SPV and an IoM incorporated SPV.
- Advising Allied Irish Banks in respect of the Isle of Man law elements of two loan facilities made available to the Ergo Group.
- Advising Santander in respect of several real estate finance transactions.
Isle of Man > Dispute resolution Tier 2
Keystone Law‘s ‘commercial, accessible and practical’ dispute resolution handles a wide range of disputes with a particular focus on representing clients in complex commercial disputes, trust litigation, professional negligence and contentious employment matters. Gillian Christian is ‘highly skilled’ in trust litigation, especially on equitable relief and rectification cases. Andrew Marshall is ‘a true lawyer’s lawyer’ who regularly handles complex commercial disputes and shareholder disputes, while Rachel Berry handles a broad range of commercial litigation as well as contentious employment matters.Practice head(s):
Gillian Christian
Other key lawyers:
Andrew Marshall; Rachel Berry
Testimonials
‘Andrew Marshall is absolutely first class. I have worked with him particularly on corporate matters relating to shareholder disputes. There are 3 particular strengths that stand out: (1) Overarching common sense and commercial nous; (2) Absolute mastery of the law; and (3) 100% commitment to achieving the result that the client needs. The combination of these strengths brings about a clear and effective results-driven approach.’
‘Andrew Marshall is a true lawyer’s lawyer. We retained him for a complex administrative law matter, in which he excelled in detailed analysis and astute advice. His command of the finer points of Manx law is equal to that of the finest minds on the bench. Despite all the complexity, he managed to deliver sound, sensible, practical advice and eventually led us to a powerful victory over a recalcitrant government.’
‘Keystone Law’s biggest strengths are their team of people. They are the best firm on the Isle of Man! It is their people, strategies and collaboration with their clients which make them the best in their field.’
‘Incredibly commercial, accessible and practical. The working model makes them very flexible’
‘Gillian Christian is always on hand to assist matters, very fair with bills and very firm and knowledgeable with her advice’
‘A matter is never to complex or difficult and if Gillian Christian doesn’t have the answer herself she will always find the answer in other ways’
‘This practice is unique in that they work in collaboration with their clients. They are solutions driven and are honest in their assessment of a matter. No false promises’
‘Gillian Christian is not only highly skilled but shows caring and empathy to her clients. Her clear integrity leads one to have confidence in her advice and work. An absolute pleasure to work with.’
Key clients
Crowell & Moring LLP
Receivers of the Axiom Legal Financing Fund
Corporate Options Limited
Oak (Isle of Man) Limited
Divyesh Mittal and Associated Entities
Beneficiaries of The Erlich Settlement
D4 Doors Limited
Work highlights
- Acting for various creditors in the ongoing liquidation of Global Steel Holdings Limited.
- Acts for the Receivers of the Axiom Legal financing fund in proceedings brought against RBSI for breach of duty that have just been to appeal at the Privy Council.
- Advised Corporate Options Limited (“COL”) in relation to an investigation and enforcement action brought by the Isle of Man Financial Services Authority (“FSA”)
Isle of Man > Employment Tier 2
Keystone Law features a full service employment practice that handles a wide range of employment, pensions and incentives matters, including disciplinary procedures, tribunals, redundancy and restrictive covenants. Team head Gillian Christian handles a variety of domestic and international employment matters, while Andrew Marshall focuses on contentious employment matters, including those involving sex discrimination and unfair pay. Rachel Berry is another important member of the team.Other key lawyers:
Gillian Christian; Andrew Marshall; Rachel Berry
Testimonials
‘Rachel Berry provided excellent advice on employment matters relating to acquisitions, was very pragmatic and her speed of response was greatly appreciated.’
Key clients
D4 Doors Limited
Work highlights
- Representing D4 Doors Limited in a claim against its former director as a result of them acting in breach of her fiduciary duties by misappropriating and/or damaging the company’s assets and dismissing the company’s employees
Isle of Man > Insurance and pensions Tier 2
With support from the firm’s litigators and employment lawyers, Keystone Law are able to provide a full-service offering across insurance, pensions and incentives domestically and internationally. Ben Hughes
is a ‘technically without challenge’ pensions specialist with extensive experience in occupational and personal pension schemes while also providing legal counsel on major corporate transactions concerning pensions schemes. He is supported by William Margot, who handles various regulatory matters on the Isle of Man and beyond.
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Ben Hughes is technically without challenge on Manx pension law and regulations.’
‘Ben Hughes was pragmatic in the advice provided and in his communications. He always set out clearly the decisions that needed to be taken and the risk of a particular decision.’
Key clients
Bank of Ireland
Trustees of the Steam Packet Company Limited Staff Pension Fund
BRAL Trustees (IOM) Limited
Boal & Co (Pensions) Limited
Work highlights
- Advising the trustee of the British Regional Airlines Group Pension Scheme on all aspects of the winding up and insured buy-out of the scheme following the collapse of Flybe Limited.
- Acts as general Isle of Man legal counsel to the trustees of the Steam Packet Company Limited Staff Pension Fund.
- Advised the trustee in respect of the negotiation and completion of a complex winding up and insured buy-out of the Bank’s Isle of Man occupational pension scheme.
Isle of Man > Gambling Tier 3
Keystone Law‘s gambling team regularly acts on high profile and complex licensing review applications, as well as on corporate transactions and acquisitions for both online and land-based companies. The firm also provides niche gambling and liquor advice, while also offering specialist knowledge of cryptocurrency in relation to investments in gambling operators. Stephen Rodd leads the team, supporting IT, telecoms and e-gaming companies on technology-based commercial agreements.Practice head(s):
Stephen Rodd
Keystone Law > Firm Profile
Keystone Law was established in 2002 by a group of forward-thinking lawyers who were determined to build a law firm that would serve the needs of its clients more effectively than the conventional alternatives. Now a full-service AIM listed firm with over 400 lawyers, Keystone is widely recognised as an award-winning legal pioneer, notably being crowned Law Firm of the Year at The Lawyer Awards 2020.
By investing heavily in technology and embracing modern working practices from the start, the firm has significantly changed the way highly experienced lawyers provide dedicated legal services to clients. Keystone’s innovative structure enhances relationships between lawyers and clients by increasing interaction whilst also improving many legal processes. The firm only recruits senior partner-level lawyers from the UK’s best law firms which ensures clients benefit from direct access to lawyers of the highest calibre. With most Keystone lawyers having more than 20+ years’ experience, matters can be resolved quickly and efficiently, considerably increasing the value to clients.
Types of work undertaken: Keystone Law is a full-service corporate law firm offering a complete range of business legal services and additionally providing private client advice to senior executives. The firm operates across a range of industry sectors and boasts a number of former in-house counsel from leading companies who work closely with the rest of the team to ensure they are fully aware of industry insight and issues. The firm also has a range of expert lawyers who specialise and work full time in niche legal areas and are routinely instructed by other law firms to plug any gaps in expertise or capacity and thus to offer a fuller service to their own clients. These niche areas include tax, construction, share schemes, regulatory and pensions in addition to the wider services offered by the firm.
Other offices: Bristol, Douglas (Isle of Man), London, St Peter Port (Guernsey), Melbourne and Sydney
Main Contacts
| Department | Name | Telephone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Managing director | James Knight | ||
| Operations director | William Robins |
Lawyer Profiles
| Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Rachel Berry | Rachel is an advocate in the Isle of Man team with specialist… | View Profile |
|
Sally Cranshaw | Sally is a Manx Advocate whose practice includes a broad variety of… | View Profile |
|
Hazel Dawson | Hazel is a corporate and commercial lawyer who advises Isle of Man… | View Profile |
|
Ben Hughes | Ben has advised on pensions and employee benefits for fifteen years. He… | View Profile |
|
Geoff Kermeen | Geoff is a Manx Advocate with a practice that includes a wide… | View Profile |
|
Andrew Langan-Newton | Andrew is an Isle of Man advocate who specialises in resolving commercial disputes on… | View Profile |
|
William Margot | William is both a Manx Advocate and qualified Solicitor in England and… | View Profile |
|
John Melia | John is an experienced corporate and commercial lawyer with significant experience in finance, mergers and acquisitions,… | View Profile |
|
Stephen Rodd | Stephen is an experienced corporate and commercial lawyer with a wide range… | View Profile |
Staff Figures
Number of UK partners : 250Legal Briefings
-
Concerned about your PEP in market uncertainty?
The last two years have seen enormous growth in the legal market. With reports of record profits for many firms, particularly in the top 100, equity partners have enjoyed a considerable boost to their earnings. However, the need to resource this surge in demand for legal services has created a battle for talent and a …
- Commercial property