Hall Of Fame

Dispute resolution in Gibraltar

Hassans

Known for its 'breadth of experience and specialities', Hassans acts for both claimants and defendants in commercial litigation. It also displays strengths representing liquidators and receivers in high-value and complex liquidations, and in professional negligence claims, acting for insurance companies and underwriters, where Daniel Feetham KC takes the lead. Lewis Baglietto KC maintains his reputation among the market's leading counsel in international commercial disputes, maritime law and administrative law. Gillian Guzman KC specialises in employment, equality, clinical negligence and childcare cases. Darren Martinez and Moshe Levy are noted for cryptocurrency, commercial and trusts disputes.

Practice head(s):

Lewis Baglietto


Other key lawyers:

Gillian Guzman; Daniel Feetham; Darren Martinez; Moshe Levy


Testimonials

‘Breadth of experience and specialities. ’

‘Daniel Feetham KC – Adopts a commercial approach. His advice is pragmatic and sensible, his advocacy style is measured and his ability to argue a case with such determination and eloquence makes him one of the best barristers in Gibraltar.’

‘Darren Martinez – focused, organised and practical. Always on hand, flexible with his time and his approach inspires client confidence. ’

‘The Hassans team provide strategic legal advice that is always commercial too.’

‘Moshe Levy is a great partner that provides commercial legal advice.’

‘Dynamic, nimble and showing excellent judgement, the team is very well placed to help clients with complex disputes. They combine intellectual rigour with a pragmatic and commercial approach.’

‘Moshe Levy is a power-house with great experience and excellent instincts.’

Key clients

Republic of Kazakhstan


The Swedish Club


Caterpillar Finance Services UK Ltd


The Minister for Justice


Newline Underwriting


Gefion Insurance


Motor Insurance Bureau


Gibraltar Financial Services Commission


Gibtelecom Ltd


Entain Plc


WHG International


Work highlights


  • Acted in a case in which the Supreme Court of Gibraltar confirmed that judgments of the English and Welsh High Court continue to be enforceable as of right in Gibraltar under Council Regulation (EU) No 1215/2012, which Gibraltar has retained post-Brexit.
  • Succeeded before the Court of Justice of the European Union in the high-profile case of Fossil (Gibraltar) Limited v The Commissioner of Income Tax Case C-705/20.
  • Acting for Miracle World Ventures, Joint Liquidators of a BVI company, in the first case in Gibraltar where the court granted an injunction in respect of crypto assets.

ISOLAS LLP

‘A beacon of excellence and innovation’, ISOLAS LLP works extensively for His Majesty’s Government of Gibraltar and other government bodies. The practice is highly respected for its work in employment and insolvency disputes and representing international cryptocurrency clients in contentious matters. Samantha Grimes acts for government authorities in litigation, disciplinary matters and employee relations issues and in Employment Tribunal claims. Mark Isola KC is another employment law expert in the department. Neil F Costastands out amongst his peers’ in commercial, constitutional and administrative cases and employment law, particularly in matters relating to non-discrimination, protected disclosures and equal opportunities. James Montado‘s practice focuses on civil litigation, contentious trusts and fraud, while Danielle Victor is the lead for clinical negligence cases.

Practice head(s):

Samantha Grimes; Mark Isola KC; James Montado; The Hon Neil Costa


Other key lawyers:

Danielle Victor


Testimonials

‘The team is dynamic and efficient which is crucial when requiring advice on dispute management and resolution. The deep knowledge of local legislation and quick turn around is impressive.’

‘Neil Costa has certainly proved invaluable. He is so thorough in his advice and is able to explain his advice verbally in such a way that is easy to understand. He is always able to respond to correspondence immediately, whether with a holding reply for a formal response later in the day or a full on response within the hour.’

‘The personal service at the point of need makes the practice unique; deadlines are always met and the advice and guidance is apposite devoid of “law speak” and to the point. You get a sense of organisational culture firmly grounded on teamwork. ’

‘Neil Costa stands out amongst his peers: loyalty, academic and emotional intelligence, and an inordinate capacity for hard work and resilience.’

‘I am thoroughly impressed with their professional approach, extensive knowledge, and unwavering commitment to their clients. From the outset, their lawyers showcased an unparalleled understanding of the complexities of the law, ensuring that every detail was meticulously addressed. Their expertise, coupled with their proactive communication style, ensured I was informed at every juncture. ’

‘Neil Costa consistently stands out due to this meticulous attention to detail, unparalleled understanding of the law, and unwavering commitment to representing my interests. Their proactive communication ensures I’m informed at every step, and his innate ability to simplify complex legal jargon, making the process more understandable. Neil’s dedication, combined with a genuine passion for the law, truly sets him apart.’

‘It is my personal experience of working with Neil that he is in asset to Isolas LLP and I have no hesitation whatsoever in recommending Neil to anyone who may require his services, and the extensive experience, knowledge, understanding and excellent professional and interpersonal skills he brings in abundance.’

‘ISOLAS LLP is a beacon of excellence and innovation. They consistently deliver outstanding results, and their commitment to staying ahead of the curve and embracing new advancements sets them apart, making them my go to choice.’

Key clients

Prometheus Insurance Company Limited


Kingstar UK Ltd


Mansion (Gibraltar) Ltd


Samir Investments Limited


Royal Gibraltar Police


His Majesty’s Government of Gibraltar Chief Secretary of Gibraltar and the Human Resources Manager


His Majesty’s Government of Gibraltar Director of Social Security


Work highlights


  • Advising Prometheus Insurance Company in various insolvency claims.
  • Instructed by Mansion (Gibraltar) to advise and act for it in proceedings commenced against its former director and CEO in late 2022.
  • Providing legal services to the Department of Social Security, including advising in respect of reforms to existing benefits and in respect of the legal merits of various claims.

Triay Lawyers Ltd

Fielding a team of 'tactical thinkers with excellent technical skills', Triay Lawyers Ltd is highly recommended for commercial litigation. The department is led by Charles Simpson and covers a broad scope. Insolvency, banking, and landlord and tenant work is a specialism of Freddie Vasquez KC, who is supported by senior associates Dhiraj Nagrani and Sebastian Triay. For negligence claims, Simon Triay acts on behalf of insurers in relation to the defence of high-value claims, including road traffic accidents, accidents at work, employer’s liability cases and clinical negligence. Raymond A Triay is the lead for admiralty matters.

Practice head(s):

Charles Simpson; Freddie Vazquez KC; Simon Triay; Raymond A Triay


Other key lawyers:

Dhiraj Nagrani; Sebastian Triay


Testimonials

‘Tactical thinkers with excellent technical skills.’

‘Freddie Vasquez KC: A tactical thinker with excellent technical skills and a huge standing in the jurisdiction.’

‘Dhiraj Nagrani is a talented junior with excellent case management and client skills.’

Key clients

Grant Thornton Gibraltar (Freddie White)


Grant Thornton UK


PWC


IBEX Insurance


The Hideaways Club Limited


Barclays Bank


CHUBB


Argus Insurance


Masbro Insurance Services


Terra Raf Trans Traiding Limited


International Franchises Limited


QBE Insurance Group Ltd (t/a British Marine)


Administrators of Elite Insurance


Work highlights


  • Acting for Freddie White in his capacity as liquidator of Enterprise insurance Company (EIC).
  • Acting as lead solicitor to the inquiry commissioned to investigate the reasons and circumstances leading to Mr Ian McGrail ceasing to be commissioner of police in June 2020 by taking early retirement.
  • Acts on behalf of Terra Raf in relation to substantial commercial disputes.

Signature Litigation LLP

Signature Litigation LLP has 'an expert blend of international litigation and Gibraltar Court experience'. It excels in large-scale commercial litigation, advising on cases with novel legal issues or first-of-their-kind matters, demonstrated through its representation of Gibfibre in the market-first litigation under new competition legislation against Gibtelecom and Rockolo. Elliott Phillips 'is able to handle a wide range of commercial and private client disputes', namely civil fraud, asset tracing, insolvency and shareholder disputes. Qualified in four jurisdictions, Lucy Keane is the lead international arbitration expert and is experienced in international trade, construction and insolvency matters. Paul Grant is active in construction, insurance, landlord and tenant, and clinical negligence disputes. 'Future star' Colin Grech stands out for his knowledge of maritime and admiralty law.

Practice head(s):

Elliott Phillips


Other key lawyers:

Lucy Keane; Paul Grant; Colin Grech


Testimonials

‘The Signature team is strong and has always provided us with strategic and well considered litigation advice.’

‘I work primarily with Elliot Phillips who instinctively understands what his client’s needs are and is careful to test and probe advice to ensure that it is properly focussed on his clients’ objectives. He is supported by a hard working and efficient team of junior lawyers. ’

‘Elliott Phillips and Paul Grant are always very responsive, efficient and pragmatic. They clearly know the Gibraltar legal system inside out.’

‘Elliott Philips is an extremely intelligent and commercially-minded lawyer. His advice is rightly trusted by his clients.’

‘The team have an expert blend of international litigation and Gibraltar Court experience. ’

‘Elliott Phillips is a sophisticated and strategic litigator with excellent commercial awareness. Lucy Keane is diligent and highly competent. ’

‘Colin Grech is a future star – very smart and easy to work with’

‘Signature’s Gibraltar team handles a wide range of disputes and are very comfortable dealing with matters that involve several different jurisdictions. I have worked with them for several years and they have handled the matter extremely well. ’

Key clients

The Liquidator of the Inspirato Fund No 2 PCC Limited


Entain Holdings (Gibraltar) Limited


Trafalgar Multi Asset Holding Company Limited (In Liquidation)


John Sherwood


Discovery Global LLC


J.D. Sellier & Co. Attorneys-at-Law


Dunn Cox, Attorneys-at-Law


Gibfibre Limited


Work highlights


  • Representing the Liquidator of the Inspirato Fund No 2 PCC in an application to the Supreme Court of Gibraltar for the appointment of Joint Administrators to Castle Trust and Management Services.
  • Representing Discovery Global in ICSID investor-state arbitration against the Republic of Slovakia.
  • Represented Trafalgar Multi Asset Holding (In Liquidation) in a Gibraltar action.