Dispute resolution in Guernsey

Carey Olsen

Carey Olsen‘s all-encompassing dispute resolution practice represents clients engaged in commercial, trust, fraud and asset tracing, and data protection disputes. The firm also has a dedicated restructuring and insolvency team, led by David Jones. Elaine Gray heads up the wider disputes team, handing a broad range of contentious matters, including breaches of trust and professional negligence. Tim Corfield has built up a strong corporate disputes practice, while Mark Dunster handles regulatory and criminal matters. Trust litigation is consultant John Greenfield and senior associate Julia Schaefer‘s primary area of expertise, while senior associate Robin Gist acts on regulatory matters, with a specialisation in sanctions.

Practice head(s):

Elaine Gray


Other key lawyers:

Tim Corfield; Mark Dunster; David Jones; Karen Le Cras; John Greenfield; Tim Bamford; Robin Gist; Julia Schaefer; Simon Florance


Testimonials

‘Very good ability to handle multi-jurisdictional disputes, co-ordinating input from local teams where necessary.’

‘Elaine Gray is a stand-out partner who takes strategic control of a case and navigates it to the best outcome for the clients.’

‘Robin Gist and Mark Dunster – very responsive and alert to issues and with deep connections to industry and government. We know they are always a step ahead and can bring wide experience into play. Robin also turned around some urgent advice and documentation same day/next day for us which was hugely appreciated with some challenging situations and deadlines.’

‘David Jones is the standout restructuring partner at Carey Olson – as well as in the Channel Islands. His ability to see the bigger picture in contentious matters makes him the go-to lawyer for complex cases. David also has the ability to select his team from a broad bench to ensure that specific points of law are dealt with by team members with relevant experience enabling him to provide timely, accurate and commercial advice.’

‘Carey Olsen’s litigation team is widely regarded as THE Guernsey contentious practice – their key capability is the consistent quality across the whole of their team.’

‘Tim Corfield rightly receives plaudits as one of the top litigators in the jurisdiction. Tim is unstinting in his work ethic, super sharp in his commercial understanding of the cases he deals with, thorough in his forensic analysis, elegant in his drafting, and persuasive in his advocacy.’

‘City-standard advice, excellent advocacy and a team that works together very cohesively and effectively.’

‘Elaine Gray is a standout advocate – certainly the pick of the advocates I’ve seen in action.’

Key clients

Alvarez & Marsal (Europe) LLP


Begbies Traynor


EY


Grant Thornton


Highland Capital Management


Intertrust


KPMG


Krys Global


Leonard Curtis


Medical Specialist Group


PwC


Saudi Sakab Holding Company


Stobart Group


Sure (Guernsey) Limited


Work highlights


  • Advised the joint liquidators of Joannou & Paraskevaides (Overseas) on the company’s $1bn liquidation.
  • Acted for Sure in relation to an investigation and enforcement action by the Guernsey Competition and Regulatory Authority and a judicial review and breach of confidence claim by Sure arising out of its operation of the telecoms system on the islands of St Helena and Ascension.
  • Advised NYSCO Management Corp, in its capacity as parent company of BSG Resources, which is currently in administration, on the opposition of a winding up application issued by the majority creditor, Vale.

Mourant

Mourant‘s dispute resolution team covers the full spectrum of mandates, including corporate and funds, trusts, insolvency and regulatory cases in Guernsey and across the firm’s international network. Abel Lyall heads up the group, regularly appearing before the Guernsey courts in matters concerning both trusts and commercial disputes. Jeremy Wessels is an experienced trusts litigator, while Christopher Edwards advises clients at the intersection of contentious trusts, tax and money laundering proceedings. Gordon Dawes is noted for his work on regulatory issues, including advising the GCRA. Sandra Duerden, who was promoted to partner in February 2023, specialises in cross-border trust disputes. Counsel Chantal Barrett is also recommended.

Practice head(s):

Abel Lyall


Other key lawyers:

Jeremy Wessels; Christopher Edwards; Gordon Dawes; Sandra Duerden; Chantal Barrett


Testimonials

‘Gordon Dawes – really interested in and knowledgeable about the workings of regulatory and public law.’

‘The team are extremely experienced, responsive and have strong communication skills.’

‘Jeremy Wessels and Sandra Duerden both stand out as exceptional individuals, due to their experience, strong communication skills and responsiveness.’

Key clients

ITG Limited & Bayeux Limited (Tchenguiz’s)


Oak Group


Saffery Champness


Artex


EFG Private Bank


Credit Suisse Group


Investec Bank Plc


Lloyds Bank


Kleinwort Hambros


Butterfield Bank and Trust


IQ-EQ


PraxisIFM Group and Nerine Group


Grant Thornton


GFSC


Asta Managing Agency Limited


Trident Trust


Sequent Guernsey Limited


Insurance Corporation of the Channel Islands


Ocorian


Apex


Intertrust


GCRA


Teneo


Work highlights


  • Acted for Investec, as former trustees of the Tchenguiz Discretionary Trust, in a long-running trust dispute.
  • Acted for the Joint Liquidators of JJW in the cross-border insolvency of a group which owns and operates hotels.
  • Acting for the Guernsey Competition and Regulatory Authority in an investigation into alleged anti-competitive conduct by telecoms firms JT and Sure.

Ogier

Working closely with the firm’s corporate, funds and private client teams, Ogier‘s dispute resolution department represents clients in trusts and insolvency cases, with further expertise in regulatory and proceeds of crime work. Leading the team are Mathew Newman and Simon Davies, who focus on contentious restructuring and insolvency, and trusts and commercial disputes, respectively. Newman also heads up the firm’s global restructuring and insolvency practice. Bryan De Verneuil-Smith has a broad practice, handling trust and fund disputes in addition to commercial and shareholder disputes. Sandie Lyne handles both contentious trust and restructuring and insolvency matters, while Alex Horsbrugh-Porter works on insolvency proceedings and shareholder applications.

Practice head(s):

Mathew Newman; Simon Davies


Other key lawyers:

Bryan De Verneuil-Smith; Sandie Lyne; Alex Horsbrugh-Porter


Testimonials

‘Bryan De Verneuil-Smith: exceptionally easy to work with, receptive to all the issues, concerns, and client demands, in addition to an in-depth understanding of the law and sound judgment as to the arguments that could be made and how to present them.’

‘Ogier has one of the largest litigation teams in Guernsey and across the Channel Islands. This allows it to take on larger, cross-border litigation projects and ensure that client deliverables are met.’

‘Mathew Newman is a very well respected and seasoned advocate who leads the Guernsey team. He has an excellent record in the Guernsey courts and has a stellar knowledge of the law.’

‘Mathew Newman – excellent leader of the team, very commercially astute and guides clients through the various stages of litigation in a reassuring and calm manner. Sandie Lyne – very strong practitioner in the team, technically very knowledgeable and a confident presence when dealing with stressful matters.’

‘The Ogier dispute resolution team is a real class act – always on the ball, handling difficult technical legal questions and commercial issues with the same ease. An excellent team to have on your side when you need first-rate advice.’

‘Sandie Lyne is excellent. She has all the usual qualities that make a lawyer first-rate: legal ability, commercial awareness and a great client manner. What makes her different from her competitors is her ability to work out the best way to win a case and persuade a court – even in difficult circumstances – to grant the remedy sought.’

‘Ogier’s Guernsey dispute resolution team is a market leader in quality and commerciality of advice, with very reasonable charge-out rates by contrast to competitors.’

‘Bryan De Verneuil-Smith is a delight to work with. Hardworking, thoughtful, with attention to detail and a strong awareness of the arguments which are likely to find favour with a judge. Mathew Newman is a savvy commercial litigator with good strategic awareness.’

Key clients

BDO LLP


Nina Naustdal


Begbies Traynor


Capman Funds


Krys Global


EEA Life Settlements PCC Limited


The Public Trustee of Guernsey


Suntera Private Wealth


Alvarez & Marsal


HSBC Bank (CI and UK)


Praxis


Teneo Restructuring


Leonard Curtis


RG Growth


Barratt Hodgson


Work highlights


  • Acted for Teneo, the joint administration manager of Providence Investment Funds and Providence Management International, two vehicles used as part of a large Ponzi scheme.
  • Acted for fashion designer Nina Naustdal, who brought claims against the former trustee of a trust which owns her London property for breach of trust, dishonest assistance and knowing receipt, and conspiracy.
  • Acting for the settlor of a New Zealand law trust in a case where the Guernsey-based trustee has made a suspicious activity report to the Guernsey authorities.

Walkers

Contentious and semi-contentious fiduciary and insolvency disputes form the bedrock of Walkers‘ dispute resolution offering, covering regulatory and trust cases, and working with the firm’s international network to handle cross-border matters. Qualified mediator Alison Ozanne leads the team, primarily focusing on contentious trust proceedings, but also advising on banking, insolvency and insurance litigation. Sarah Brehaut represents clients in contentious insolvency and regulatory cases, while Adam Cole also focuses on trust disputes, in addition to these areas. Helena Lavin and Laurent Thibeault, both promoted to senior counsel in 2022, are also recommended.

Practice head(s):

Alison Ozanne


Other key lawyers:

Sarah Brehaut; Adam Cole; Jamie Bookless; Helena Lavin; Laurent Thibeault


Testimonials

‘Walkers in Guernsey is very much a people firm, and probably has the most diversity of any firm in Guernsey.’

‘Sarah Brehaut is energetic, highly professional and proficient, and yet puts the client at their ease immediately. She has a facility for cutting through complexity with Occam’s Razor, so good decisions are made very efficiently.’

‘They are approachable on all areas of law. Very proactive, they consider every aspect of each point and offer clear guidance and advice.’

‘Alison Ozanne offers robust, clear advice and covers every angle; a pleasure to work with. Laurent Thibeault is very able and offers clear and timely guidance.’

‘Adam Cole and Laurent Thibeault are a really strong duo – they combine brains and brawn; doing the heavy lifting on the court papers and then crafting pertinent and persuasive submissions. Adam is a really compelling oral advocate. He and Laurent have huge dollops of likeability.’

‘The team has grown considerably over the past few years and it now has a very substantial offering in Guernsey, along with some great talent.’

‘Adam Cole – excellent advocacy skills, professional and respectful at all times and genuinely cares about outcomes for his clients.’

‘We have worked with Walkers for many years now and they have always provided sound and pragmatic advice on regulatory matters. We know and trust Walkers to help us navigate through complex challenges.’

Key clients

Martyn Dorey, Robert Dorey and Jane Mclelland


Leonard Curtis


Swedish Sea Rescue Society


Sovereign Trust (Guernsey) Limited


KRyS Global


Michael Trask


Grant Thornton Limited


The Bangkok Commerce Public Company Limited


States of Guernsey


Dr Ali Shokouh-Amiri


Work highlights


  • Acted for the States of Guernsey in proceedings concerning states pension schemes and The Industrial Disputes and Conditions of Employment (Guernsey) Law 1993, as well as acting for the client in a judicial review pertaining to reforms to the Public Servants Pension Scheme.
  • Advised Thai National Bank on judgments worth £80m relating to the repatriation of monies to Thailand.
  • Acted for the Swedish Sea Rescue Society in cross-border proceedings involving trust assets.

Babbé LLP

Specialising in representing clients from the financial services sector, the team at Babbé LLP handles commercial and insolvency disputes, as well as acting on contentious trusts matters. Overseeing the practice is Todd McGuffin, who specialises in trust, banking, funds and regulatory disputes, often with a cross-border aspect. Managing partner Nicholas Robison‘s practice covers both corporate and trust disputes, while senior associate David Doutney handles insolvency and shareholder claims.

Practice head(s):

Todd McGuffin


Other key lawyers:

Nicholas Robison; David Doutney; Vicky Olivier; Ruairi Pollins


Testimonials

‘The team is commercial and responsive, with excellent knowledge of cross-jurisdictional matters.’

‘A consistently exceptional team, both in terms of quality of lawyers and excellent service. I have come to know a culture of integrity, expertise and professionalism that is woven through the team.’

‘I have been impressed by the team’s acute awareness to ensure time is spent to the best value of the client. Advice is delivered quickly and efficiently, and all contacts have been very responsive. They are always on hand when you need them, they are endlessly supportive. An excellent, seamless legal service for clients.’

‘Excellent strength. Very easy to work with.’

‘Todd McGuffin is always available and realistic about viable strategies. He is not afraid to tell clients what they don’t want to hear if it will further their case. A ferocious worker.’

‘Todd McGuffin has a detailed knowledge of dispute resolution in this sector and is always well prepared and thoughtful in assisting his clients in their negotiations. He is a good lawyer but also very commercial. He has a good manner with his clients.’

‘Nick Robison gives practical, pragmatic advice tailored to client needs. His collaborative approach is inclusive, and welcoming to both clients and other advisers.’

As you would expect of an advocate of Nick Robison’s standing, his reputation on the island speaks for itself – his knowledge, experience and expertise in trust law and regulatory matters is phenomenal. Remarkably, he can absorb and retain huge amounts of detail, with a grip on the bigger picture. He has excellent instinct. Nick cuts through the legal jargon, and quickly provides concise advice. He is a swift and very responsive. He has a strategic mind and a great presence… he is everything you would want in an advocate of his high calibre.’

Key clients

Fort Trustees Limited


PricewaterhouseCoopers


Saffery Champness


Intertrust


Robert Tchenguiz


Work highlights


  • Acting for Fort Trustees and Balchan Management, the Guernsey-based trustees of the Jersey-based Tchenguiz Discretionary Trust, the assets of which are the subject of ongoing claims in excess of £230m.
  • Acting for PricewaterhouseCoopers in a dispute arising from the failure of the Providence investment fund.
  • Acted for a HNWI who was the subject of a £5.5m tax assessment by HMRC.

Bedell Cristin

Bedell Cristin‘s dispute resolution team runs the gamut of cases, including those relating to contentious trusts; commercial and insolvency matters; and regulatory and fraud proceedings. Practice head Alasdair Davidson is admitted in the BVI in addition to Guernsey, and handles corporate, fiduciary and insolvency matters. Jon Barclay focuses on financial services disputes, including civil fraud claims and regulatory enforcements. Associate Abigail Houghton joined the firm in May 2022 from Slater and Gordon, and handles both trust and commercial disputes. Cassie Wade acts on trust matters and is a key liaison for the team’s work in London.

Practice head(s):

Alasdair Davidson


Other key lawyers:

Jon Barclay; Abigail Houghton; Cassie Wade


Testimonials

‘The consistency and quality of the advice and assistance provided is striking. They combine strong, niche practices with broader commercial strengths. They are very responsive.’

‘Alasdair Davidson is an excellent, straight-talking strategist, and great fun to work with.’

‘Bedell Cristin have a strong pan-offshore practice with a number of seasoned and knowledgable professionals.’

‘Alasdair Davidson is a stand-out partner with a wide breadth of knowledge in the restructuring space. He’s able to grasp contentious matters extremely quickly and provides sensible, commercial advice.’

‘Jon Barclay is really easy to use and understands the wider picture. He will provide his honest opinion and fight to the death if necessary. A great mind and practitioner. Alasdair Davidson is very approachable and user-friendly.’

‘Alastair Davidson is one of the best in his field. He has excellent problem-solving skills and is able to work on the most complex of matters. He puts the time into cases and goes above and beyond to get results for his clients. Bedell Cristin as a firm work as a collaborative team and have an excellent reputation.’

‘Alasdair Davidson is an experienced, robust and unflappable advocate. He is calm under fire.’

‘Good personal interaction. I always had the feeling that there was a real interest in solving our problem and that we weren’t just another fee paying client.’

Key clients

Pilatus PTC


Cherry Godfrey


Saffery Champness (Rysaffe Trustees)


Grant Thornton


Kingsley Napley


JT Group


Guernsey Home Loans (One Savings Bank)


E&Y


Imperium


Macfarlanes


Trustee of the Madoff Estate


Azets


Adil Popat


Teneo


Sarnia Home Loans


Stewarts Law LLP


Work highlights


  • Defended Costas Kyriakides, former CFO of Joannou & Paraskevaides (Overseas), against claims brought by liquidators with sums sought in excess of $1bn.
  • Acted for JT Group in an appeal against a regulatory finding that the two dominant telecoms providers in Guernsey conspired to rig the roll-out of 5G technology.

Collas Crill

Trust disputes and both plaintiff and defendant-side director litigation form the bedrock of Collas Crill‘s dispute resolution practice, which also represents clients in broader corporate and insolvency matters. Practice head and managing partner Christian Hay handles complex cross-border trusts disputes, in addition to being a qualified mediator and arbitrator. Gareth Bell acts on a wide variety of cases, including those relating to directors' duties, professional negligence and other commercial disputes, while Michael Adkins covers regulatory, public law and insolvency issues. David O’Hanlon and Ben Havard both handle contentious and semi-contentious trust disputes. Nin Ritchie and James Tee, recently promoted to group partner and partner, respectively, advise financial institutions on a range of issues, including regulatory and insolvency matters.

Practice head(s):

Christian Hay


Other key lawyers:

Gareth Bell; Michael Adkins; David O’Hanlon; Ben Havard; James Tee; Nin Ritchie


Testimonials

‘Proactive and very much integrated as part of a wider team. Very much more than a postbox and involved in all strategic decisions in a significant case. Reliable and available.’

‘In my opinion, the expertise of Gareth Bell in dispute resolution is excellent. The team also provide excellent back-up in any periods of his absence.’

‘Collas Crill is an excellent Guernsey law firm who, with their collaborative approach, are easy and a pleasure to work with. They seem to have good knowledge and coverage in specialist areas. In my case, a dispute with very difficult and well known devious characters, they have quickly understood all the complex issues.’

‘Christian Hay very quickly understood the issues that I had been dealing with in Switzerland, the UK and elsewhere, including West Africa. He grasped how difficult life had been dealing with corrupt individuals who could hire the most expensive lawyers in any jurisdictions. He has been incredibly supportive and a pleasure to deal with on all fronts.’

‘My experience with law firms (other than Collas Crill) is that they operate on “auto-pliot” and do not think through the issues with vigour. Quite often, my experience with other law firms is that they forget details and sometimes miss big issues. Collas Crill diligently and thoroughly think about the issues concerning what is best for the client and then create a strategy to execute. They put the client first rather than themselves, in my opinion.’

‘David O’Hanlon – commercially minded, talented lawyer with sound judgement and good strategic insight.’

‘The breadth and depth of this team is quite astonishing. They have an excellent knowledge base, superb client management skills and are my go-to for offshore sanctions-related work.’

‘Nin Ritchie is an incredible lawyer. Her insight, commerciality and legal acumen mean that she is a trusted pair of hands for sanctions and regulatory litigation work. I am always incredibly impressed whenever we get the chance to work together.’

Key clients

Grant Thornton Channel Islands


Maurizio Totta


Guernsey Housing Association


White & Case


Payne Hicks Beach


Withers


Kingsley Napley


Keystone Law


CMS Cameron McKenna Nabarro Olswang


Wedlake Bell


Mishcon de Reya


Zhong Lun


Geneva Trust Company (formerly Rawlinson & Hunter S.A.)


Caldwell Associates


Artemis Trustees Limited


Bank Julius Baer & Co


Investec Bank Channel Islands


Work highlights


  • Defended two former directors of an insolvent construction company against a claim in excess of $1.5bn, brought by the current liquidators alleging breach of their common law duties as directors, fraudulent and wrongful trading, and breach of their fiduciary duties.
  • Acted on behalf of newly appointed trustees in an ongoing dispute between the beneficiaries and outgoing trustees in relation to the restructuring of a £100m trust.
  • Representing Kroll, as the liquidators of Moro Sphinx, in claims against former directors and a related company, NDF Investments.

AFR Advocates

Banking, corporate and trust disputes form the basis of AFR Advocates‘ disputes practice, which also counts probate, insurance and professional negligence issues among its areas of expertise. Jointly leading the team are Paul Richardson, who focuses on professional negligence claims against clients in the financial services sector; trusts and probate specialist Mark Ferbrache; and trusts and insolvency expert Robin Cowling. Consultant Tim Richards typically represents clients engaged in cross-border commercial disputes.

Practice head(s):

Paul Richardson; Mark Ferbrache; Robin Cowling


Other key lawyers:

Tim Richards


Appleby

Appleby‘s dispute resolution team typically represents financial services clients in regulatory, contentious insolvency, financial crime and data protection matters, with further expertise in trusts. Anthony Williams heads up the practice, with a commercial disputes practice which covers investment funds, regulatory enforcement and insolvency. Richard Field is a regulatory specialist, handling anti-money laundering and data protection issues, while Richard Sheldon is responsible for contentious employment matters. Senior associate Alex Thornton de Mauroy has expertise in corporate disputes. James Gallimore joined the firm in January 2023 from Simmons & Simmons, and has a focus on employment disputes.

Practice head(s):

Anthony Williams


Other key lawyers:

Richard Field; Richard Sheldon; Alex Thornton de Mauroy; James Gallimore


Testimonials

‘Ability to come up with solutions that address the client’s legal needs in a complex litigation.’

‘Alex Thornton de Mauroy – exceptional attention to detail.’

‘High levels of service, quick turnarounds, very easy to work with.’

‘Richard Field – he is excellent on data protection and cyber matters. His extensive experience is incredibly useful. He is responsive and excellent with clients.’

‘Richard Field ensured he and his team clearly understood the mandate and applied his knowledge, skills and expertise to find solutions to a highly complex situation.’

‘Richard Field is the go-to lawyer for all data protection matters. Very switched on to developments in the law and understands the needs of our business.’

‘Richard Field is very personable and dependable and I would have no issue in recommending Appleby. He is up-to-date on what is happening in the market and has experience with the regulator, which is reassuring.’

‘We work with Richard Field. He brings experience, professionalism and integrity to all the work he does. The whole team at our office enjoy working with him – he is very personable and easy to communicate with, even when matters are complex he has a way of ensuring clarity and focus.’

Key clients

Aareal Bank AG


CBW


CRGF GP Ltd


Deloitte LLP


EPEA Fund Services


Grant Thornton


HSBC Group


Northern Trust


Oak Group


Peters & Peters


PraxisIFM Group


Snapper Investments Inc


Standard Chartered Trust


Standard Bank Group


Standard Chartered Bank


Teneo Financial Advisory Limited


Utmost Worldwide


Work highlights


  • Defended EPEA Fund Services (Guernsey) against claims by the liquidators of Lavaux Capital in connection with failed fund investments.

Ferbrache & Farrell LLP

Ferbrache & Farrell LLP‘s dispute resolution team predominantly focuses on commercial litigation, assisting with trust, insolvency, investment and professional negligence disputes, as well as acting for clients in regulatory proceedings. Martin Jones leads the practice, representing clients in a wide variety of cross-border issues including trust, regulatory and fraud claims. Robert Breckon handles trust and professional negligence cases, while Alison Antill, senior associate as of June 2022, handles trust matters and a range of commercial disputes. Sean Donaldson joined the firm from Norton Rose Fulbright‘s Sandton office in November 2022.

Practice head(s):

Martin Jones


Other key lawyers:

Robert Breckon; Alison Antill; Sean Donaldson


Testimonials

‘Excellent all-round service with prompt responses at all times.’

‘Robert Breckon is a phenomenal lawyer. He’s a good communicator, efficient, shows attention to detail, and gives frank commercial advice where necessary. I am always particularly impressed with his ability to turn advice round at short notice. He is very familiar with the Guernsey judiciary and increasingly has the ‘ear of the court’. In short, when I am working with Robert, I know his clients will always be in safe hands.’

‘Of the all practices I have dealt with both in Guernsey and the UK, a stand-out element with F&F is that all team members are always available, responsive and helpful. My primary point of contact is Martin Jones, who is consistently helpful, supportive and reassuring in dealing with what is a complex matter.’

‘Martin Jones is an experienced and knowledgeable litigator who has an excellent grasp of the details and key aspects of the matter, as well as law and the court processes. He is a very good communicator, ensuring that his clients are kept updated on developments and progress.’

‘Alison Antill – extremely professional, always available and quick responses to emails, even is minor queries but very important when needing reassurance. Martin Jones – really professional advice, always supportive and with outstanding attitude towards us as clients. Transmits confidence and provides options to present solutions in a clear manner.’

‘Robert Breckon and Alison Antill at Ferbrache & Farrell in the dispute resolution team are world class. Their rates are very fair and they are commercial about when they charge and what they charge. The partner leads the case at all times. I have worked with a number of offshore firms and also have extensive experience working with leading London firms. I would rate Ferbrache as exceptional by comparison not only to offshore but also to City firms.’

‘Robert Breckon is my main point of contact. He is an excellent advocate by any standard. He is extremely responsive, seemingly available at all waking hours, as well as being commercial, thorough and pragmatic. I’ve worked with a large number of City and offshore lawyers in my career and I would rate him as one of the best lawyers I’ve ever worked with.’

‘Alison Antill – she is a senior associate but the quality of her advice is at partner level. She is considered, careful and diligent. She understood exactly the nature of the dilemma and ensured her advice struck at the heart of the issues, which meant it could then easily be adopted for the purpose of advising a lay client.’