Mourant > St Peter Port, Guernsey > Firm Profile
Mourant Offices

ROYAL CHAMBERS
ST JULIAN'S AVENUE
ST PETER PORT
GY1 4HP
Guernsey
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Mourant > The Legal 500 Rankings
Guernsey > Banking and finance Tier 1
Mourant is retained by the lion’s share of multinational financial lenders, including household-name banks and alternative sponsors. Led by Helen Wyatt, it handles high-value mandates across the spectrum of banking and finance. John Rochester leads the aircraft financing offering, which has seen an increase in credit restructurings and facility renegotiations, while Wyatt and Frances Watson have facilitated a noticeable uptick in fund financing instructions from lenders and borrowers alike. John Lewis and senior associate Pui Yee Lai regularly handle corporate finance and asset finance transactions. Darren Bacon and counsel Alana Gillies are the key names for advice on infrastructure and real estate fund finance matters.
Practice head(s):
Helen Wyatt
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Responsive and prepared to think laterally when solving problems.’
‘A high-calibre outfit who have a thorough and detailed understanding of all legal issues, and who take the time and the trouble to really understand the needs and specific requirements of their client so as to ensure that their advice is properly tailored and considered, rather than off-the-shelf advice which sits on the fence and doesn’t offer a view.’
‘John Rochester and his team are always very responsive and flexible in terms of timing requirements.’
‘Responsive and friendly team providing good support on banking matters.’
‘They were very dedicated and cared about our transaction.’
‘Responsive team, looks for solutions and advises on risks. Commercial view on client relationships and fees.’
‘Strong client service and in-depth knowledge of the law.’
Key clients
Allied Irish Banks
Al Rayan Bank
Alcentra
Ancala
Bank Julius Baer
Bank of America Merrill Lynch
Bank of Scotland
Barclays
BNP Paribas
Brockton Capital
Brookfield
British Arab Commercial Bank plc
CITI
Deutsche Bank
Deutsche Pfanddbriefbank
DRC UK Whole Loan Fund
EFG Private Bank
European Bank for Reconstruction and Development
FirstRand Bank Limited
Goldman Sachs
Greystar
HSBC Bank plc
ICICI
ICBC
Infrared
Investec Bank plc
SG Kleinwort Hambros
Lloyds Bank plc
Morgan Stanley
Nationwide Building Society
NatWest
Natixis
NewRiver Retail
Rabobank
Resource Capital Fund
Rothschild Bank International Limited
RBS
Work highlights
- Advised from a Guernsey law and regulatory perspective on the successful raising of the fifth iCON Infrastructure fund, iCON Infrastructure Partners V LP.
Guernsey > Capital markets Tier 1
Mourant takes the lead on a high volume of TISE listings, with it recently acting for issuers in the telecoms, transport and infrastructure sectors. Darren Bacon advised numerous SPACs on the TISE issuances of fixed-rate unsecured loan notes. Frances Watson is noted for assisting FTSE-listed debt funds clients with high-value share issuances and scrip dividend programmes. Senior associate Pui Yee Lai applies her expertise across a wide ambit of capital markets mandates.
Practice head(s):
Helen Wyatt
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
3i Infrastructure plc
Baker Steel Resources Trust Limited
Big deal music
BMO Property Growth & Income Feeder Fund Limited
CD&R Arawak X Luxco S.à. r.l.
Chenavari Capital Solutions Limited
Chenavari Toro Income Fund Limited
DP Aircraft I Limited
Earl Street Investments Ltd
Elm Bidco, L.P.
Funding Circle SME Income Fund Limited
Gemfields Group Limited
Growthpoint Properties Limited
Guaranteed Investment Products 1 PCC Limited
Harbourvest Global Private Equity Limited
Investec W&I International PCC Limited
J2 Capital Partners Limited
John Laing Environmental Assets Group Limited
LondonMetric Property Plc
Lloyds Bank International
NextEnergy Solar Fund Limited
Ravenscroft Investment Fund Offshore
Resolute Mining Limited
Sequoia Economic Infrastructure Income Fund
Telecom Credit Infrastructure DAC
Telecom Credit Infrastructure Designated Activity Company
Viva 2 DAC
Viva 3 DAC
Viva 4 DAC
Volta Finance Limited
Weiss Korea Opportunity Fund Limited
Work highlights
- Assisting Telecom Credit Infrastructure Designated Activity Company with its listing of £1bn fixed-rate notes on TISE.
- Acted as Guernsey legal counsel Sequoia Economic Infrastructure Income Fund Limited on a share issuance programme (by way of open offer planning and offer for subscription) which was over-subscribed and raised £300m of gross proceeds.
- Acted for Big Deal Music in relation to the sale of interests in the company to a Guernsey collective investment scheme called Hipgnosis Songs Fund Limited that focusses on the acquisition of song rights.
Guernsey > Corporate and M&A Tier 1
In the real estate M&A space, Mourant Guernsey corporate head Helen Wyatt and the 'superb' John Rochester take the lead on premier deals and joint ventures involving logistics and distribution warehouse assets. Focus areas for Frances Watson include the regulated sectors of financial services and insurance, with ongoing work involving regulatory guidance, board issues, restructuring, inward investments and private M&A. The private wealth field is also a primary conduit of engagements; John Lewis is the go-to name in this sphere. Below partner level, counsel Alana Gillies and senior associate Alana Nisbet provide valuable support across the breadth of transactions.Practice head(s):
Helen Wyatt
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘John Rochester is superb. He is a great manager of clients and always delivers top-notch service and does it fast.’
‘Alana Gillies is a machine on a transaction. It is like having an extra player on your team. Her deal stamina and positive attitude shines through during the slog of a long transaction.’
‘Mourant has a strong corporate practice in Guernsey, and is the firm we tend to call first when we have a financial services matter. I tend to use them for insurance matters, and find that they are well versed on both the law and market practice.’
‘I have worked with John Lewis, Helen Wyatt and Andrew Grant. All are strong corporate lawyers, who have delivered a good service on some complex matters.’
‘Responsive and knowledgeable.’
‘The team has a great blend of technical legal skills and personal skills.’
‘Darren Bacon is both a very strong lawyer technically and highly experienced in the local market.’
‘Alana Gillies has great potential in the industry, she is very engaging with a real entrepreneurial drive and external relationship focus whilst still delivering a great day-to-day legal service.’
Key clients
Big Deal Music
Brockton
Brookfield
EFG
Greystar
HG Pooled
John Laing Infrastructure Fund Limited (JLIF)
Mariana Resources Limited
Rothschild
Royal Bank of Canada
Praxis IFM
Saffery Champness
Schroders
SG Kleinwort Hambros
Work highlights
- Acted for Big Deal Music on the sale of interests in the company to a Guernsey collective investment scheme called Hipgnosis Songs Fund Limited that focuses on the acquisition of song rights.
- Advised Saffery Champness on the business sale (asset deal) of its audit accounting practice including ad hoc advice on due diligence, negotiation of the heads of terms and sale and purchase agreement and completion of the transaction.
- Acting for Hg Pooled Management on the Guernsey and Jersey regulatory aspects of its $1bn investment in Hyperion Insurance Group.
Guernsey > Dispute resolution Tier 1
As 'one of the leading lights in the jurisdiction', Mourant’s Guernsey dispute resolution practice is instructed by trustees and joint liquidators on major trust litigation, insolvent funds proceedings and contentious business restructurings as led by practice head Abel Lyall and international litigation head Jeremy Wessels. Christopher Edwards and Gordon Dawes take the lead on regulatory disputes (including AML actions), cross-border tax disputes and GFSC investigations. Financial services clients are the primary focus on this side. At the sub-partner level, counsel Chantal Barrett applies her knowledge of insurance law to weighty commercial litigation, while senior associate Benjamin Manchak and counsel Sandra Duerden (who brings French and German language capabilities) provide additional support in international trust disputes.
Practice head(s):
Abel Lyall
Other key lawyers:
Jeremy Wessels; Christopher Edwards; Gordon Dawes; Chantal Barrett; Benjamin Manchak; Sandra Duerden; Iona Mitchell
Testimonials
‘Gordon Dawes and Iona Mitchell are 100% committed to trying to get the best result for the client. As a relatively small jurisdiction, it is obviously important in Guernsey to be known and respected in legal circles.’
‘Gordon Dawes has a passionate commitment to getting the best result for the client.’
‘Iona Mitchell is extremely hard orking and has astute legal analysis and judgement.’
‘A top-quality Guernsey practice. One of the leading lights in the jurisdiction.’
‘Mourant is a terrific, full-service provider.’
‘Abel Lyall and Greg Coburn are creative in exploring options.’
‘It was great to witness Abel Lyall in the courtroom fighting our case. Abel also handled communication to our board of directors very well in a calm and consistent matter, accepting the highly distressed state of the board members and the challenges they faced in understanding the legal technicalities.’
‘Very experienced and tactical – Mourant’s dispute team is deserving of the highest respect in Guernsey.’
Key clients
HSBC Bank Plc
Royal Bank of Scotland
Royal Bank of Canada
EFG Private Bank
Credit Suisse Group
Investec Bank Plc
Lloyds Bank
Kleinwort Hambros
Butterfield Bank and Trust
Bank Julius Baer
Concept Group
PraxisIFM Group and Nerine Group
Grant Thornton
KPMG
Deloitte
Barclay Family
Trident Trust
Sequent Guernsey Limited
Insurance Corporation of the Channel Islands
Trust Corporation
Apex
Work highlights
- Acting for Investec as former trustees of the Tchenguiz Discretionary Trust in relation to a long-running, complex trust dispute.
- Acting for Grant Thornton as liquidators of JJW Limited in the complex, cross-border insolvency of a hotel group.
- Acting for Lloyd’s Syndicate 4242 in relation to contentious proceedings against Cells of White Rock Insurance Company.
Guernsey > Insurance Tier 1
Jointly led by John Lewis and Helen Wyatt, Mourant’s insurance offering acts for top-flight domestic and international insurers and reinsurers on the breadth of non-contentious activity. Ongoing instructions encompass multibillion-pound risk transfer transactions and insurance-related M&A and the associated regulatory requirements. Dispute resolution partner Gordon Dawes and counsel Chantal Barrett have a strong reputation for insurance litigation pertaining to professional indemnity, D&I, coverage and regulatory enforcement claims. The team also advises on captive insurance structures.
Practice head(s):
John Lewis; Helen Wyatt
Other key lawyers:
Gordon Dawes; Chantal Barrett; Sarah Huelin; Jula Le Cornu
Testimonials
‘Sarah Huelin and Jula Le Cornu have been fantastic to work with. They are responsive and efficient and provide sensible solutions when problems arise. They have a deep knowledge of the market. They are approachable and have been a pleasure to work with.’
‘Mourant has a strong corporate practice in Guernsey, and are the firm we tend to call first when we have a financial services matter. I tend to use them for insurance matters, and find that they are well versed on both the law and market practice. They seem to be the go-to firm for insurance portfolio transfers in Guernsey, and worked on a number of high-profile transfers last year.’
Key clients
Insurance Corporation of the Channel Islands
Equitable Life Assurance Society
Islands Insurance
Legal & General
Prudential Assurance Corporation
ReAssure Limited
Rothesay Life
States of Guernsey
Work highlights
- Advising an insurer client on policy coverage issues across a range of business interruption claims arising out of losses sustained by businesses across Guernsey and Jersey as a consequence of Covid.
- Advising Legal and General Assurance Society Limited and Reassure Limited on the transfer of traditional insurance-based savings, pensions, life and with-profits business, consisting of approximately 1 million policies and assets of approximately £28bn.
- Advising Premier Oil on the establishment of its new stand-alone captive insurer in Guernsey.
Jersey > Banking and finance Tier 1
Highly sought after in the funds space, Mourant’s 'commercial, technical and practical' finance and corporate vertical acts for creditors and debtors alike. Practice head Gareth Rigby thrives in the acquisition finance field, having recently led on transactions for blue-chip private equity clients, banks and alternative lenders. Simon Gould and Sarah Huelin spearhead the specialist financial regulatory offering; recent instructions included LIBOR transitions and third-party investment management regulation. Further key team members include James Hill, the 'exceptional' Mark Chambers, Jon Woolrich, recently promoted partner Neil McCarroll and counsel James Daniel, who all lend their hands to real estate, acquisition and leveraged financing mandates.
Practice head(s):
Gareth Rigby
Other key lawyers:
Simon Gould; Sarah Huelin; James Hill; Mark Chambers; Jon Woolrich; Neil McCarroll; James Daniel; Amy Demetriou
Testimonials
‘The team has good strength in depth and excellent market knowledge and profile. They are contactable, resource matters appropriately and go the extra mile to meet demanding client timescales.’
‘Mark Chambers is exceptional.’
‘It was really good working with Jon Woolrich. He and his team were responsive with helpful advice that enabled our transaction to run smoothly.’
‘Market-leading service levels and expertise.’
‘Gareth Rigby: a go-to Jersey lawyer for finance.’
‘The Mourant banking and finance team is commercial, technical, practical and they always deliver on a project.’
‘I would highlight the team’s responsiveness and positive, can-do attitude. From our experience of working with them we know that they will not let us down when we need them to help us meet urgent client demands or work to challenging deadlines.’
‘As to partners, I would say that James Hill and Amy Demetriou really stand out. James and Amy have been very helpful on fee quotes and in helping us put together joint responses to RFPs, which have been a positive factor in helping us win work from clients.’
Key clients
Greystar Real Estate Partners
HSBC
M&G Investments
Citibank
Goldman Sachs
China Investment Corporation
Wells Fargo Bank
Invesco Real Estate
Metlife
Helaba
Grove Property
M7 Real Estate Limited
Battersea Project Holding Company Limited
Mimecast Limited
Standard Life Investments
Jersey > Capital markets Tier 1
Mourant’s capital markets, structured finance and securitisation team is retained by world-leading financial institutions in complex transactions. Impressive LSE-listed corporate clients draw on Robert Hickling's expertise in debt capital markets transactions for high-value senior note and bond issuances, while notable partners James Hill, Jon Woolrich and Paul Martin are leading the charge on innovative equity offerings involving cash box structures. In a market first, Hickling led on the first Australian Securities Exchange IPO of a Jersey-listed company. Amy Demetriou adds further strength on the debt side, particularly in relation to structured securities issuances. Practice head Gareth Rigby has a broader practice incorporating REIT listings.
Practice head(s):
Gareth Rigby
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Excellent market knowledge and accessibility. Very user friendly and responsive service.’
‘We work regularly with the Mourant capital markets team on mandates for mutual clients. We deal principally with Jon Woolrich. He leads a team of experienced, pragmatic lawyers who deliver an expert client service.’
‘The stand-out individual for us is Jon Woolrich. Responsive, available, experienced, pragmatic- he has all the characteristics we look for in our Jersey counsel.’
Key clients
3i Infrastructure plc
Flutter Entertainment plc
Easyjet plc
Wisdom Tree
Informa plc
Morgan Stanley
Breedon Group plc
Shire Plc
Land Securities Plc
Ardian
London Stock Exchange Group Plc
Credit Suisse
JPMorgan
Merrill Lynch International
Serinus Energy plc
Wells Fargo Bank N.A.
Work highlights
- Advised on the accelerated acquisition of Flutter Entertainment, the global sports betting and gaming group, in a multibillion-Euro deal. The deal is being implemented in part by way of a Jersey cash box structure.
- Advised Jersey-based SRJ Technologies on a successful IPO on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX). This was the first Australian listing of a Jersey company.
- Advising Experian on the issuance by Experian Finance of $45m senior notes under its $4.5bn EMTN programme.
Jersey > Corporate and commercial Tier 1
Mourant’s expansive finance and corporate bench is a leading choice for global private equity houses and FTSE 250 companies. Leading the practice, Gareth Rigby has recently acted on impressive international mergers in the energy sector. Newly promoted partner Neil McCarroll takes on public-to-private transactions for private equity consortiums, while also leading on homespun M&A mandates. Mark Chambers also plays a key role within the transactional team, advising on M&A and private equity deals. On top of transactional work, team members including Robert Hickling, Paul Martin (‘the epitome of technical quality‘) and the ‘pragmatic, experienced, available and responsive‘ Jon Woolrich provide board guidance for listed companies. James Hill handles a commendable volume of UK real estate M&A deals for clients across the US, Canada and EMEA. Counsel Laura Dauney adds corporate regulatory knowledge to the team.Practice head(s):
Gareth Rigby
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Highly responsive, commercial and pragmatic, and with the bench strength needed to respond to short deadlines and large transactions.’
‘Jon Woolrich and Laura Dauny are both very responsive and have a can-do attitude. They have always accommodated our business needs and I really enjoy working with them as they are so straightforward and easy to deal with. They get the job done with minimal stress.’
‘Mourant is one of the clear market leaders in Jersey. The service we have received from the firm is first rate, in particular from Jon Woolrich.’
‘Jon Woolrich is the stand out for us – pragmatic, experienced, available and responsive – all the characteristics we need from Jersey counsel.’
‘Mourant are my go-to firm for offshore work in the Channel Islands. The team there is bright, experienced and offers superior Jersey advice and service. I would always look to work with them on Jersey/Guernsey matters.’
‘Market leading in terms of levels of service, technically sound advice and a commercial approach to matters.’
‘Paul Martin is exceptional – responsive, technically sound and very commercial – all things being equal, typically my first choice.’
‘Paul Martin is the epitome of technical quality used to determine commercial needs, in the context of getting the right solution for each client and each project.’
Key clients
3i Infrastructure
BorgWarner Inc.
Brookfield
CVC
Greystar Real Estate Partners
Cinven
Elliott Advisors
Charterhouse Capital Advisors
Goldman Sachs
HP Inc.
Clayton, Dubilier & Rice
Advent International Corporation
Vista Equity Partners
DWS Alternatives Global
TPG Global
WPP plc
Work highlights
- Advised BorgWarner on the completion of the $3.3bn takeover of NYSE listed Delphi Technologies.
- Acting for Warburg Pincus in relation to the acquisition of interests in Tilney Smith & Williamson as part of the merger of Tilney and Smith & Williamson.
- Advised a consortium of investors on both corporate and finance aspects of the proposed acquisition of the entire issued share capital of UK energy company, Calisen plc.
Dispute resolution Tier 1
The litigation and dispute resolution group at Mourant covers the entire spectrum of contentious work. Stephen Alexander 'is an innovator in the restructuring field', often working with 'tenacious advocate' Justin Harvey-Hills and counsel Luke Olivier in headline proceedings for major creditors. The contentious trusts team is similarly broad; key names include Bruce Lincoln (the group's practice head with 'integrity and professionalism'), Jonathan Speck and Mathew Cook; it also has expertise in representing private clients in fraud, asset tracing and partnership disputes. Counsel Katie Hooper is an experienced advocate who successfully obtained freezing orders in a multijurisdictional action against a high-wealth beneficial owner.
Practice head(s):
Bruce Lincoln
Other key lawyers:
Stephen Alexander; Justin Harvey-Hills; Luke Olivier; Jonathan Speck; Mathew Cook; Ben Thorp; Max Galt; Katie Hooper
Testimonials
‘This firm has an abundance of seasoned dispute resolution professionals who have invariably worked on the largest cases in the Channel Islands.’
‘Bruce Lincoln – his integrity and professionalism shine through in his case management. His care and attention throughout matters yields very good results for his clients.’
‘Jonathan Speck – clearly a leader in the field.’
‘Exceptionally hardworking team with a diverse set of abilities.’
‘Justin Harvey Hills – tenacious advocate, unflappable under pressure. Luke Olivier is a thoughtful counsel with real tactical insight.’
‘Jonathan Speck and Stephen Alexander are very experienced and highly effective advocates, specialising in contentious trusts matters and cross-border disputes.’
‘Good strength in depth across the team with strong partner group supported by excellent associates and senior associates – team depth amongst the strongest for insolvency and restructuring in the Channel Islands.’
‘Stephen Alexander is an innovator in the restructuring field – identifying unique solutions to challenging issues whilst being approachable and easy to work with.’
Key clients
Novatrust Limited
Lydian International Limited
ETFS Capital Limited
Accuro Trustees (Jersey) Ltd
Jersey Home Loans Limited
Monteagle International Limited (MIL) & Monteagle International (UK) Limited (MUK)
Work highlights
- Acting for an important creditor of an insolvent trust in the groundbreaking Re Z Trusts litigation in which the Jersey court has devised from scratch an insolvency regime for trusts.
- Acting for ETFS Capital Limited in $95m unfair prejudice and solvent winding-up proceedings brought against it and its majority shareholder by institutional minority shareholders.
- Acting for a Jersey incorporated mining company in relation to the Jersey aspects of its Canadian court-led restructuring, including its just and equitable winding-up.
Dispute resolution > Regulatory and white-collar crime Tier 1
At Mourant, contentious regulatory mandates are led by Mathew Cook, whose primary strengths include representing the interests of financial institutions in freezing orders and challenges to information requests under the TIEA framework. Heading up the non-contentious contingent, Simon Gould (who is 'extremely personable and technically brilliant') advises global banks, insurance companies and other regulated entities on licensing requirements, AML obligations and the restructuring of regulated corporate businesses. With 'extensive knowledge and a safe pair of hands', Sarah Huelin is another key partner for non-contentious work, often advising on the transparency issues of beneficial ownership.
Practice head(s):
Mathew Cook; Simon Gould
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The team is a joy to work with and is the biggest hitting and specialist financial services regulatory team in the Channel Islands.’
‘They provide focused and succinct advice on complex compliance and regulatory matters. They are specialists in their field. Key individuals include Simon Gould (extremely personable and technically brilliant) and Sarah Huelin (extensive knowledge and safe pair of hands).’
‘In addition to their depth of technical knowledge it is their ability to listen and understand the issue or query so they can ensure their advice and guidance is appropriate and accurate. Their willingness to engage, discuss and debate means their clients fully understand the issue and resolution being put forward.’
‘This team are a cohesive group who clearly work effectively together, in a modern and effective manner. They are innovative and forward thinking and seek to bring their experience and their learning from other relevant departments to bear in their regulatory and white-collar crime work.’
‘Matthew Cook leads the contentious regulatory side, and has become the go-to person in Jersey for businesses and individuals facing regulatory or financial crime issues. I have experience of him dealing with matters raised by the JFSC, the Attorney General or directly by clients. He provides reassuring and commercial advice to identify the multiple risk issues which may arise. He guides his clients through the best way to tackle each issue to achieve the best outcome.’
‘Simon Gould and Sarah Huelin lead the non-contentious side of the team. They have genuine expertise in financial services regulation built up over many years. They have been involved in the development and implementation of a number of key pieces of financial services regulation over the years and I know they have been instrumental working with government and the regulator in that regard.’
‘Mathew Cook is a well-rounded partner who gives commercial and pragmatic advice. He is proactive and sensible and steers the client through the sometimes uncharted waters of the regulatory space.’
Key clients
H1 Trust Company Limited
Triton Administration (Jersey) Limited
Jersey Financial Services Commission
The Royal Bank of Canada
Work highlights
- Advising H1 Trust Company Limited on a trust structure subject to a foreign freezing order and potential criminal confiscation.
- Advising a North American bank on the sale of a regulated part of its business with assets under administration of £11bn.
- Represented Triton Administration in a challenge to a notice under the TIEA regime.
Jersey > Employment Tier 1
Mourant has a 'reliable, responsive and supportive' employment practice that is retained by top-flight financial institutions, retail chains and professional services companies. Practice head Carla Benest and senior associate Laurie Childs have a vast skill set, which encompasses contentious senior exits, HR advice and, notably, discrimination matters pertaining to harassment and sexual misconduct claims. The team regularly defends employers before the Employment Tribunal. Clients also benefit from senior associate Carly McIver’s pension knowledge, and Katie Phillips’ immigration expertise. Working closely with the firm's insolvency partners, the team assists with the employment aspects of global restructuring exercises.
Practice head(s):
Carla Benest
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘A reliable, responsive and supportive employment law team who work with you to understand the people challenges, where the business wish to go and collaborate to find the right way forward.’
‘Laurie Childs has provided outstanding support on a number of complex employee relations issues. Laurie can be trusted to provide a sensible, down-to-earth, pragmatic approach to emotive and challenging people situations. He always considers different options and approaches to get to the right outcome taking into account the potential risks and exposures that the actions could bring. Lastly Laurie shows a good sense of humour – he takes the work very seriously but himself less so.’
‘Part of the success of the Mourant team is that they are always accessible and respond in a timely manner when consulted for advice. Correspondence will include all team members which ensures that any current matter can be picked up by more than one team member and also demonstrates how they collaborate within the team.’
‘The individuals that we work with are professional, knowledgeable, honest and provide an excellent service. As we have worked with Mourant for a number of years they have built a sound understanding of our business which provides a known platform for us to enter into any new discussions relating to employment matters.’
‘Laurie Childs is a particular stand out in the Mourant employment team. He is always very approachable and has been a pleasure to deal with over the years.’
‘Each person on our team believes in and cares about what we do, why and how we do it.’
‘The Mourant employment team are a great combination of highly technical, but also commercial, approachable and personable. Rather than just citing the legislation, they translate it and offer commercially viable options to clients in an accessible, but never condescending, way.’
‘Carla Benest and Laurie Childs are a formidable team in the Jersey employment arena.’
Work highlights
- Defending a wealth management business against a complex employee equity investment claim brought by a former senior executive.
- Advised a fiduciary and administration business on serious and highly sensitive allegations of sexual harassment relating to a director, supporting with grievance and disciplinary processes arising from the allegations and managing the risk of discrimination and dismissal claims.
- Advised a private equity client on its investment in a local trust company business, particularly implementing new terms and conditions (including a share option scheme) and bespoke new restrictive covenants for the directors and senior management.
Jersey > Investment funds Tier 1
At Mourant, asset classes of focus include venture capital and private equity funds, incorporating technology and healthcare funds. Recent mandates handled by the ‘technically excellent‘ Felicia De Laat concerned structures for employee investment, while Alistair Horn sourced new clients in the renewable funds sector. De Laat co-heads the practice with Ben Robins, who is ‘a giant of the Channel Islands funds scene‘, and leads on real estate and infrastructure fund formation mandates (including in relation to logistics assets). Also active in the real estate funds space is the ‘absolutely outstanding‘ Daniel Birtwistle, who advises on funds focused on the UK industrial sector. Joel Hernandez attracts work from real estate investors from Asian markets, including sovereign funds. Senior associate Alex Henderson also acts for an impressive set of blue-chip promoters.Practice head(s):
Felicia de Laat; Ben Robins
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘A team with longstanding and dedicated investment funds expertise across all asset classes but particularly real estate and private equity. Consistently responsive and technically excellent with strong transaction management skills.’
‘I mainly work with Felicia de Laat. Felicia is very experienced, technically excellent, calm under pressure and always available to talk through solutions.’
‘I’m very comfortable recommending them to clients looking to set up structures in Jersey as, in my experience, they provide an excellent level of service.’
‘Alistair Horn is always available for pragmatic, solutions-based advice and goes the extra mile where required.’
‘Daniel Birtwhistle is also absolutely outstanding.’
‘Alex Henderson is an excellent senior associate. He has a head for both client’s commercial concerns, as well as funds technical drafting. This means that he can handle both Jersey law and wider funds concerns with ease. He is also very organised and great at communicating his availability and how quickly things will run.’
‘Ben Robins is a giant of the Channel Islands funds scene. There is nothing he hasn’t seen and handled adeptly before.’
Key clients
3i Investments
Accent Equity Partners
Actera Group
Activum SG
Alcentra
Alpha Associés Conseil
Alpha Capital Partners
Andersson Real Estate Investment Management
Archer Capital
Ardian
Arowana
Baird Capital Partners
Bancroft
Beechbrook Capital
BlackRock Financial Management
Blenheim Chalcot
BLG Capital
BNP Paribas
British Land Company
Brook Bay Capital
Brooks Macdonald Group
Cale Street Partners
Cambridge Innovation Capital
CapVest Partners
Catalyst Capital Management
Chalfen Ventures
Cheyne Capital Management
Citigroup
Civitas Housing Advisors
Coast
Columbia Threadneedle Investments
Coriolis Capital
Credo Ventures
CVC Capital Partners
Deutsche Private Equity
DN Capital
Dragon Capital
DRC Capita
DTZ Investment Management
Work highlights
- Advised international investment firm and long-standing client Triton on the launch of its Debt Opportunities Fund II.
- Advised Highland Europe on the establishment and regulation of Highland Fund IV.
- Advised IG4 on the successful final close of its latest fund IG4 Capital Private Equity Investment II, structured as a series of English limited partnerships, which collectively focuses on making control, co-control and influential minority private equity investments in special situation opportunities in Latin America.
Jersey > Private client, trusts and tax Tier 1
As the head of Mourant’s international trusts and private client practice, Edward Devenport advises a global client roster on all aspects of wealth planning, estate planning and family office structuring, while also working closely with litigation partners on challenging rectification and mistake applications. Senior associate Carly McIver advises on large pensions and final salary schemes for Jersey businesses, financial institutions and utilities companies. BVI trust law expert William Burnell is also recommended, as is associate Chiara Mundy, who handles succession, wills and probate matters.
Practice head(s):
Edward Devenport
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Capable, competent, knowledgeable and experienced.’
‘Several of their lawyers play leading roles in the development of Jersey law and hence, both know the law as it is and where it’s going.’
‘Edward Devenport and William Burnell are responsive, creative, technically skilled and business-minded.’
‘Great technical level of expertise, but also pragmatic and commercial.’
‘Carly McIver has great pensions experience and is thoughtful and commercial about the advice she gives.’
‘They are strong technically, responsive and creative to find solutions to client problems.’
‘The team has a good reputation in Jersey and has knowledgeable lawyers who partner well with larger firms from the UK. They are strong when it comes to litigation matters and protecting the trustee.’
Guernsey > Employment Tier 2
Key areas of non-contentious expertise in Mourant’s employment practice include employee data privacy advice encompassing processor agreements, redundancy matters borne out of insolvencies, corporate M&A support and immigration advice. The latter was enhanced by the addition of senior associate Hana Plsek from Collas Crill. Counsel, advocate and practice head Rachel Guthrie takes on tribunal and Royal Court litigation, recently including novel disputes pertaining to restrictive covenants. John Lewis assists with routine pension enquiries.
Practice head(s):
Rachel Guthrie
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Our instruction was time critical and the Mourant response time from the initial contact to finalised advice was outstanding. In particular, Rachel Guthrie understood the key issues very quickly and with the minimum of fuss and drafted her advice accordingly.’
‘Highly professional, yet always friendly and approachable.’
‘The team were very responsive, efficient, helpful and diligent throughout.’
‘The Mourant team leads with counsel Rachel Guthrie and senior associate Hana Plsek. They have junior support but the offering is powerful because of the presence of two senior people who know the law inside out but are commercially minded and pragmatic.’
‘What marks Rachel Guthrie and Hana Plsek out is that they are unafraid to tell you what to do and what your risks are. They advise where others can be fearful. Hana is super-available and energetic and engaged in her advice.’
‘They can put themselves into your position. They aren’t afraid to challenge your reasoning and help steer you in the right direction. They are empathetic.’
Key clients
Saffery Champness
Work highlights
- Advised a fiduciary service provider on the sale of its audit arm to a large professional services network of independent accounting and consulting firms. Assisted with all employment aspects relating to the transaction, including preparation of the novation documentation and advice regarding data protection.
- Represented a client in the Employment Appeals Tribunal following the publication of a judgement outlining adverse findings against the client.
- Advising a global investment business on the full range of employment issues including the employment aspects of a large acquisition, specifically advising on key HR and employment matters during the due diligence process as well as providing post-completion support on a programme of changes to employee contacts.
Guernsey > Investment funds Tier 2
Ongoing work for Mourant’s investment funds practice (which is 'a safe pair of hands on any deal' according to a client) comprises a combination of top-level fund formations and additional fundraisings for existing fund clients. Headed up by Helen Wyatt and fielding Frances Watson, Darren Bacon (who is praised as 'responsive, technically excellent and commercial') and Cantonese-speaking senior associate Pui Yee Lai, the bench is instructed by funds managers across the span of asset types, including real estate, infrastructure, private equity, venture capital and listed fund assets. Investor-side clients, primarily in the pensions space, are also looked after.
Practice head(s):
Helen Wyatt
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘They are very solid in the listed investment company sector and a safe pair of hands on any deal.’
‘Darren Bacon is excellent. Responsive, technically excellent and commercial.’
‘The funds team have great experience in the sector and are one of the strongest in their field.’
‘Darren Bacon is both technically strong and highly experienced. He has successfully advised some of the biggest names in the local market.’
Key clients
Aberdeen Asset Management
Aberdeen Standard Global Infrastructure GP III Ltd
Acis Capital
African Global
Arab Bank
Arion Bank
Arle Capital
Asper Investment Management Limited
AXA IM
APQ Global Limited
Barclays
Baker Street Resources Trust
Bencis Capital
Blackstone
BMO Global
Brockton Capital
Candover
Castledon Commodities
Chenavari
Concord
Dominion Fund
Dragon Capital
ECM Equity
Fairfax Africa Holdings Corporation
Fidelity Funds
Foord Asset
Fortress
Goldman Sachs
Guaranteed Investment Products 1 PCC Limited
Hamilton Lane
HarbourVest
HgCapital
HitecVision
iCON
Infrared Capital
Investec
John Laing Infrastructure
Kuwait
Lakestar
Long Harbour
MENA Capital
Morgan Stanley
NextEnergy Capital Management
NextEnergy Solar Fund Limited
NextPower II LP
Norvestor
Nova Capital
OpCapita
One Peak
Pallinghurst
Pantheon
Pavilion
Peel Hunt
Preservation Capital
Ravenscroft
RBC Wealth
Resources Trust
Ruffer
Schrode
Work highlights
- Advising Investec W&I International on an open-ended class B fund, including (a) moving to daily dealings (b) negotiating a new custodian agreement, and (c) launching two new cells – Investec Griffin and Investec W&I Global Sustainable Fund.
- Advising from a Guernsey law and regulatory perspective on the successful raising of the fifth iCON Infrastructure fund, iCON Infrastructure Partners V LP.
- Acted as Guernsey legal counsel to Sequoia Economic Infrastructure Income Fund, a FTSE 250 specialist in economic infrastructure debt, in connection with a scrip dividend programme, including drafting a circular and application form for shareholders.
Guernsey > Private client, trusts and tax Tier 2
Mourant’s international trust and private client practice sources clients from a vast array of jurisdictions, including South Africa, Middle East, Southeast Asia, India and Australia. Team head Abel Lyall, associate Alexander Hawkins (a 'stand-out talent' who recently joined from an Australian firm) and new partner recruit Gillian Kennedy-Smith (who joined from Mills & Reeve LLP) assist institutional trustees and high-net-worth individuals with all structuring matters, including innovative hybrid corporate and foundation structures. Associate Diana Rodriguez handles pensions instructions. Previous practice head Matthew Guthrie departed to Ogier.
Practice head(s):
Abel Lyall
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘I consider them a forward-thinking firm.’
‘Professional, transparent and a pleasure to deal with.’
‘Alexander Hawkins – in terms of associates, a stand-out talent and up there with one of the most gifted associates I’ve worked with.’
Key clients
PraxisIFM Group including Nerine Trust Company Limited
Butterfield Trust
Julius Baer Group & Trust Company Limited
Intertrust
Albany Trust Company Limited
Trust Corporation International
Albecq Trust Company Limited
Trident Trust
Northern Trust
Sequent Guernsey Limited
Deutche Bank
Royal Bank of Canada
Saffery Champness
Credit Suisse Trust Limited
St Peters Trust
IQ-EQ
Jersey > Commercial property Tier 2
Mourant’s 'dynamic' property practice is retained by a diverse range of clients, notably major Jersey utilities companies, for which practice head Julie Melia and counsel Georgina Cook provide advice on commercial leases, boundary issues and infrastructure contracts. The team assists with acquisitions, disposals and redevelopments of commercial offices and mixed-use sites. Senior associate Carol Doherty is well placed to advise high-wealth individuals on all aspects of their commercial property needs.
Practice head(s):
Julie Melia
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The important thing for us about this team is that we have developed a good working relationship with certain trusted key individuals who know and understand our unique business and interests.’
‘Georgina Cook is our trusted ‘go-to’ property lawyer. She is responsive and achieves the results we need in a systematic and organised way.’
‘My experience has primarily been with Carol Doherty. What makes her stand out is that she treats me as a person not just a client. She has been kind as well as efficient. She has also been very fair and not taken advantage of my lack of knowledge.’
‘Excellent team diversity; thoroughly experienced and dynamic team.’
‘Georgina Cook and Julie Melia; both long-serving, highly regarded, top-tier lawyers. Excellent in their field. Thorough, attentive and commercial.’
Key clients
Government of Jersey
The Channel Islands Co-Operative Society Limited
Royal Bank of Canada
G.R. Langlois (1991) Limited
Tindle Newspapers Limited
Jersey Electricity Plc
Jersey Water
Triton Investment Management Limited
Arioso Jersey Properties Limited (part of the Redevco and COFRA Holdings AG group).
The National Trust for Jersey
Work highlights
- Advised RBC on its disposal of Canada Court, RBC’s existing office premises and relocation to new, custom-fit premises at at Grade-A office park known as Dorey Court.
- Advised Triton Group on its acquisition of brand new, off-plan flagship Jersey offices (Cooil House) for its investment group business.
- Primary adviser to The Channel Islands Co-operative Society Limited with respect to the operation and redevelopment of its multimillion-pound Channel Islands property portfolio.
Guernsey > Commercial property Tier 3
Mourant has 'a well-respected property team in Guernsey', which takes the lead on domestic commercial property transactions, leasing negotiations and construction agreements. It also handles property financing agreements for lenders and borrowers. The key individuals in the team are corporate partner John Lewis (who leads the practice), senior associate Alison Wood and associate Laura Bougourd. Former practice head Mark Torode left to establish Torode Advocates.
Practice head(s):
John Lewis
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘A well-respected property team in Guernsey.’
‘The commercial property team at Mourant are very approachable and always make themselves available to discuss any issues. Between them, they have a wealth of experience both locally and in the UK.’
‘The team provides a good, personal service.’
‘I work principally with Alison Wood and Laura Bougourd. They are both very personable and pragmatic in their approach.’
‘Everyone is friendly, from reception through to assigned partner.’
Key clients
Guernsey Electricity Limited
Lloyds Bank International Limited
McAulay (Market Buildings) Limited
Canada Court Limited
Monsoon Stores Limited
Esher Investments Limited
Savills Channel Islands Limited
Offshore firms in London Tier 3
Mourant's London office specialises in BVI and Cayman Islands banking and finance, commercial disputes, and corporate and M&A matters, as well as international trusts and investment funds. Following the departures of former practice heads Robert Duggan to an in-house role and Chinyin Johnston to Linklaters' Singapore office, the key contacts in the London office include consultant Tony Pursall, a BVI and Cayman Islands trusts and private client specialist. The London team benefits greatly from the support of Alexandra Woodcock and John Rochester, who are based in the Cayman Islands and Guernsey, respectively, and senior associate Marianne Wilson in the BVI.
Practice head(s):
Alexandra Woodcock; John Rochester
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The fund finance team are excellent. Their knowledge and ability is top level.’
‘Marianne Wilson is excellent. She is always responsive and available, even at short notice. The level of her advice is of the highest calibre, even regarding an extremely complicated matter without much warning.’
‘Having an approachable and collaborative team providing offshore legal advice out of a London-based office makes our job as onshore counsel much easier. It is an added bonus when dealing with Cayman and BVI-related matters. Being able to be responsive to onshore counsel then makes the deal run smoother which only benefits the client.’
‘Working with Marianne Wilson on Cayman-related matters over the past few years has been great. The responsiveness of Marianne and the Mourant team is a real highlight. Chasing local counsel is something I never need to do with Mourant.’
Key clients
AIB
Premier Oil
Montagu Private Equity
Work highlights
- Advising on the acquisition of Goodbody stockbrokers on behalf of AIB to acquire one of its old businesses, which it was forced to sell after the financial crisis.
- Advised on the sale of Citihub Digital, a London and New York-based technology consulting firm for the financial services industry, to Synechron Inc.
- Advised on a reverse takeover of Premier Oil plc which will see Premier’s creditors paid $1.23bn in cash, and will fold one of the world’s oldest independent producers into a private equity-backed group.
Mourant > Firm Profile
Mourant Ozannes is one of the leading offshore law firms, advising on the laws of the BVI, the Cayman Islands, Guernsey and Jersey.
The firm: The firm has 60 partners and over 500 staff in six offices, spanning Asian, American and European time zones; and is the exclusive Lex Mundi member firm for Guernsey and Jersey. Lex Mundi is an exclusive worldwide network of top-tier independent law firms that provides for the exchange of professional information about the local and global practice and development of law; facilitates and disseminates communications among its members; and improves members’ ability to serve the needs of their respective clients.
Types of work undertaken
Banking and finance: the partners working in this area are experts in their field with practices that span the full range of offshore banking and finance work. The team acts for lenders, borrowers, arrangers, issuers, managers, trustees and other finance parties and advises 80% of the world’s top 50 banks (Bankers Almanac, 2015). The firm is regularly appointed as listing sponsor to debt securities listed on the International Stock Exchange.
Corporate: the firm’s corporate lawyers bring their expertise, versatility and problem-solving approach to bear on a full range of corporate transactions, whether small or large in scale. Known internationally for its work on the most complex and demanding transactions, the firm advises more FTSE 100 and 250 companies than any other offshore law firm (Corporate Adviser Rankings Guide, 2016).
Employment: the team provides specialist employment law advice. The team of highly experienced lawyers predominantly advises large and medium sized employers and the offshore operations of many global financial institutions.
Financial services and regulatory: the firm’s financial services and regulatory practice draws together expertise on the conduct of regulated financial services, insurance and banking business in Guernsey. the firm provides highly commercial and focused legal advice in relation to a full range of offshore regulatory issues and problems that arise for financial service providers, regulators and governments.
Funds: the funds team has an international reputation as one of the leading investment funds practices in Guernsey. Advising on the formation, structuring and regulation of investment funds and providing ongoing legal advice to funds and fund managers. Mourant Ozannes is regularly appointed as listing sponsor to funds listed on the International Stock Exchange.
Insolvency and restructuring: involved in the largest and most high-profile insolvency-related cases in Guernsey, often cross-border in practice, the firm provides efficient co-ordinated advice on all aspects of complex corporate restructurings.
Insurance: the firm advises on the establishment, regulatory compliance and business operations of insurance and reinsurance companies and advises insurance managers and brokers based in Guernsey, as well as client companies seeking to carry on insurance business or transact business with locally-based insurers.
International trusts and private client: the international trusts and private client team contains some of the most experienced and well regarded trust and private client advisers, litigators and draftsmen in the offshore world. Their overriding aim is to provide exceptional client service through a substantial, integrated team covering both contentious and non-contentious matters in each jurisdiction.
Litigation: involved in some of the most high-profile disputes in Guernsey and international cross-border cases, the litigation team has experience advising on substantial multi-jurisdictional freezing orders; three-way disputes between funds, investment managers and custodians; breach of confidentiality, international succession disputes; insolvency and all manner of heavy commercial, common law and civil litigation.
Property: Mourant Ozannes’ highly skilled and experienced Guernsey property law team is focused on providing expert commercial property advice.
Other offices: BVI, Cayman Islands, Hong Kong, Jersey, London
Main Contacts
Department | Name | Telephone | |
---|---|---|---|
Global managing partner | Jonathan Rigby | ||
Senior partner | Jonathan Speck | ||
Banking and finance | Darren Bacon | ||
Banking and finance | John Lewis | ||
Banking and finance | John Rochester | ||
Banking and finance | Helen Wyatt | ||
Banking and finance | Frances Watson | ||
Corporate | Darren Bacon | ||
Corporate | Gavin Farrell | ||
Corporate | John Lewis | ||
Corporate | John Rochester | ||
Corporate | Helen Wyatt | ||
Corporate | Frances Watson | ||
Employment | Robert Shepherd | ||
Financial services and regulatory | Abel Lyall | ||
Financial services and regulatory | Christopher Edwards | ||
Financial services and regulatory | Darren Bacon | ||
Financial services and regulatory | Jeremy Wessels | ||
Financial services and regulatory | John Lewis | ||
Financial services and regulatory | Robert Shepherd | ||
Financial services and regulatory | Helen Wyatt | ||
Financial services and regulatory | Frances Watson | ||
Funds | Darren Bacon | ||
Funds | John Lewis | ||
Funds | Helen Wyatt | ||
Insolvency and restructuring | Abel Lyall | ||
Insolvency and restructuring | Christopher Edwards | ||
Insolvency and restructuring | Jeremy Wessels | ||
Insolvency and restructuring | John Lewis | ||
Insolvency and restructuring | Helen Wyatt | ||
Insolvency and restructuring | Frances Watson | ||
Insurance | John Lewis | ||
Insurance | Helen Wyatt | ||
Insurance | Frances Watson | ||
International trusts and private client | Abel Lyall | ||
International trusts and private client | Christopher Edwards | ||
International trusts and private client | Jeremy Wessels | ||
International trusts and private client | Jim Edmonson | ||
International trusts and private client | Robert Shepherd | ||
Litigation | Abel Lyall | ||
Litigation | Christopher Edwards |
Lawyer Profiles
Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
---|---|---|---|
![]() | Darren Bacon | Darren specialises in investment funds and corporate transactions and was previously a… | View Profile |
![]() | Gordon Dawes | Gordon is a Partner in Mourant’s Guernsey Litigation and Dispute Resolution practice. … | View Profile |
![]() | Christopher Edwards | Christopher joined the firm in January 2002 from Australia and was called… | View Profile |
![]() | John Lewis | John is a partner who has been advising the financial services industry… | View Profile |
![]() | Abel Lyall | Abel’s practice covers all areas of commercial and financial disputes, with a… | View Profile |
![]() | John Rochester | John trained as a solicitor at Linklaters’ London and Hong Kong offices,… | View Profile |
![]() | Frances Watson | Partner | View Profile |
![]() | Jeremy Wessels | Jeremy specialises in commercial litigation generally, particularly cases involving insolvency, contentious trust… | View Profile |
![]() | Helen Wyatt | Helen has broad commercial and corporate law experience and has advised clients… | View Profile |