Banking and finance Tier 1

ISOLAS LLP is frequently consulted by large, London-based corporate firms to assist with M&A, management buyouts and financing for clients with ties to Gibraltar. The firm is also notable for its strong capital markets offering; Christian Hernandez focuses on leveraged transactions involving high-yield debt offerings. Christian Caetano is a 'go to person' for insurance matters, having secured Supreme Court approval for the first long-term insurance portfolio transfer by a Gibraltar life insurance protected cell company. James Montado is recommended for regulatory work, which includes GDPR issues.

Fintech Tier 1

ISOLAS LLP has deep knowledge of the fintech environment', and has seen a surge in work over the last couple of years following the introduction of DLT licences in 2018; the group assists with most applications for such licences by international clients. Joey Garcia has played a key role in the development of the law in this area, having co-chaired the  Gibraltar government’s working group on blockchain, and advises clients in the sector on licence applications, strategic investments and compliance audits. Jonathan Garcia handles licensing and regulatory matters for e-money institutions and blockchain start-ups.

Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 2

ISOLAS LLP's corporate work spans a number of areas, but it is predominantly known for its work in the insurance and gaming industries. Peter Isola, who sits on the board of many private and public bodies, operates an expansive gaming practice which includes advising clients from the industry on the drafting of agreements and obtaining licences. Steven Caetano, who is also active in the gaming sector, advises on M&A transactions. The group's insurance work is handled by Christian Caetano, who also assists with portfolio transfers.

Dispute resolution Tier 2

ISOLAS LLP advises on the full range on disputes, though the team is held in particularly high regard for employment and insolvency disputes and cases relating to the cryptocurrency sector. Mark Isola QC leads the practice and is recommended for property disputes involving landlord and tenants, while James Montado 'just gets everything right' in contentious trusts and insolvency matters. The firm strengthened further in 2020 with the arrival of Neil Costa, who has returned to legal practice after serving as Minister for Health, Care and Justice.

Gambling law Tier 2

ISOLAS LLP advises clients from all areas of the gambling sector, including start-ups, remote gambling operators, content suppliers and land-based casinos on all aspects of their business in the region. Peter Isola sits on the board of numerous large companies, and provides strategic advice and expertise of licence application processes. Steven Caetano, who leads the team alongside Isola, works with the corporate and commercial team to advise on the regulatory aspects of M&A transactions.

Investment funds Tier 2

Private client Tier 2

ISOLAS LLP's private client group, led by Peter Isola, handles succession planning, trusts, wealth preservation and philanthropic endeavours for wealthy individuals and their families. One of the key team members is Adrian Pilcher, widely considered 'one of the best trust lawyers in Gibraltar', who specialises in family planning; he assists with intergenerational transfers of assets and business ownership, and is appointed trustee of a number of family trusts. Emma Lejeune assists with establishing wealth management structures, having previously led a family law boutique.

Real estate and construction Tier 2

ISOLAS LLP is frequently instructed by developers and construction companies to assist with all aspects of both residential and commercial construction projects including office blocks and hotels. The firm is equipped to deal with all stages of the construction process, from financing and drafting initial agreements through to disputes. Commercial leases are also a specialism; Samantha Grimes advises on drafting agreements and business tenancy termination, while Mark Isola QC, who jointly heads the team alongside Grimes, represents property management groups and management companies in landlord and tenant disputes.

Shipping Tier 2

ISOLAS LLP's key contact for admiralty and shipping law is Christian Hernandez, who advises a diverse range of clients including the International Transport Workers Federation, P&I Clubs, banks and shipowners. Typical work includes handling ship arrests for credit institutions in relation to defaults; in recent work, Hernandez represented Credit Europe Bank in obtaining a judgment against four shipping companies compelling them to sell their vessels via judicial sale.

Tax Tier 2

ISOLAS LLP's tax practice primarily serves high-net-worth individuals and families, advising them on all aspects of wealth management. Name partner Peter Isola is a tax expert; he was part of a government committee that revised tax legislation culminating in the Gibraltar Income Tax Act. Emma Lejenue, having previously run her own boutique family law office, focuses on implementing family governance frameworks and relocation issues. At associate level, Stuart Dalmedo is recommended for his work regarding the establishment of tax-efficient structures.

TMT Tier 2

ISOLAS LLP is a well-known name for gaming companies on the island; the firm advises on matters including e-commerce/site content, intellectual property and regulatory compliance. Steven Caetano, Joey Garcia  and name partner Peter Isola are the key team members.