Bedell Cristin > St Helier, Jersey > Firm Profile

Bedell Cristin
PO BOX 75, 26 NEW STREET
ST HELIER
JE2 3RA
Jersey

Jersey > Capital markets Tier 1

Delivering ‘a responsive, cost effective and commercially focused service‘, Bedell Cristin covers the full gamut of capital market issues in Jersey, with a strong debt practice that includes securitisations, structured finance, high-yield bonds and debt listings; and on the equity side, an impressive track record in acting as a listing agent on the international stock exchange. Alasdair Hunter is the department leader, with substantial experience in debt listings and structured finance. Sara Johns is a specialist in equity capital markets, with knowledge in advising on public M&A. Louise Ridgway is another key name, assisting with debt and equity listings.

Practice head(s):

Alasdair Hunter

Other key lawyers:

Sara Johns; Tim Pearce; Mark Dunlop; Guy Westmacott; Louise Ridgway

Testimonials

‘The Bedells team delivers a responsive, cost effective and commercially focused service to us. The advice has always been of top quality and first class. The firm understands how clients want and need to get from the start to the end of transactions efficiently and smoothly and in dealing with all issues in a calm and effective manner.’

‘Very commercial and pragmatic. Excellent at finding solutions.’

‘Alasdair Hunter is a star.’

‘The team are very commercial, pro-active and with a breadth of experience in the type of capital market structures structured through Jersey.’

‘Alasdair Hunter. Commercial, well informed, market aware, client friendly and good technical knowledge.’

Key clients

EliteCReit

Tullow Oil

Barings

Linus Digital Finance

Netflix Inc

First Quantum Minerals Ltd

Norfund

Morgan Stanley

JP Morgan Securities

Bank of America Merrill Lynch

Red Ventures Limited

Lloyds Bank plc

U.S International Development Finance Corporation

Barclays Bank Plc

Work highlights

  • Acted as Jersey counsel to Tullow Oil plc, giving corporate and banking and capital markets advice on its offering of $1,800,000,000 senior secured notes due 2026 and its $600,000,000 super senior revolving credit facility maturing in December 2024.  The company will use the proceeds of the notes to repay its existing Reserves Based Lending Facility, to redeem its senior notes due 2022, and to repay its convertible bonds due 2021.
  • Provided Jersey legal advice to the initial purchasers and the mandated lead arrangers in connection with Constellation Automotive’s £2.02bn (equivalent) underwritten financing arrangements, including its £695 million offering of 4.875 percent senior secured notes due 2027, its approximately £750 million (equivalent) senior secured term facility, its £250 million revolving credit facility and its £325 million second lien facility.
  • Provided listing sponsor services to Elite UK Commercial Holdings Limited, a subsidiary of a Singapore listed REIT in connection with the listing of its issued share capital on the Official List of The International Stock Exchange (TISE). The listing was required in connection Elite UK’s application to HM Revenue & Customs to become a UK REIT.

Jersey > Commercial property Tier 1

Bedell Cristin has an impressive client roster of financial institutions and major Jersey developers. serviced by a team of property law veterans. The group is active across the real estate space, with particular focuses on development, acquisitions and disposals, secured lending, construction and commercial leasing. Heading the department is Jeff O’Boyle, praised by one client as ‘great technically, commercially focused and excellent with clients‘. O’Boyle often works alongside associate Hannah Robinson, who is increasingly active for medium-sized residential and mixed-use projects, as well as landlord-tenant work and portfolio management issues. Tim Pearce  is the name to note for property finance.

Practice head(s):

Jeff O’Boyle

Other key lawyers:

Tim Pearce; Hannah Robinson

Testimonials

‘A professional team that explained the process and costings throughout to make the transaction as seamless as possible’

‘Jeff O’Boyle is highly recommended. Great technically, commercially focused and excellent with clients. Hannah Robinson also stands out as being very efficient and client focused.’

‘Good knowledge of the Jersey property market, very quick and efficient, the team gets the deals done with the minimum of stress.’

‘Hannah Robinson – her commercial leases are outstanding, as are her negotiations on behalf of her Clients.’

‘Very responsive and can turn documents around very quickly, using an automated process.’

‘Jeff and Hannah, in particular, take on each challenge with a high degree of professionalism but also good humour. They provide solutions to the issues that arise and are pragmatic.’

‘They are very personable, knowledgeable and undertake work in the time frame they state at the outset. They have introduced a system that produces a lease very quickly. They are pragmatic and don’t get bogged down in traditional lawyer point scoring’

‘Jeff O’Boyle and Hannah Robinson are extremely knowledgeable and give clear concise advice. They are pragmatic which is refreshing. They also respond in a timely manner and don’t point score.’

Key clients

C Le Masurier

Andium Homes Limited

Santander Bank Plc

Royal Bank of Scotland International

JT (Jersey) Limited

Produce Investments Plc

St Saviours Realty

OneSavings Bank

Reto Finance

Work highlights

  • Advised Le Masurier on a major regeneration project in St Helier which will include c.240 residential apartments, a 100 room premium hotel and a number of commercial units.
  • Adviser to Andium Homes, acting on all Andium’s sales of affordable housing.

Jersey > Private client, trusts and tax Tier 1

Bedell Cristin‘s international private client department is led by the ‘consistently fantasticNancy Chien, who has developed a strong reputation for advising private clients from China and the Middle East on trust and foundation issues. The team excels in wills and probate, pensions and employee incentives, with the ability to provide BVI law assistance from Jersey. Edward Bennett is an expert in trusts, foundations, international estate planning and related corporate and commercial issues. Managing associate Donna Withers leads the wills and probate team and has developed a niche in vulnerable person’s law, while senior associate Elizabeth Shaw is an expert in succession and tax planning through trust structures.

Practice head(s):

Nancy Chien

Other key lawyers:

Edward Bennett; Donna Withers; Elizabeth Shaw; Lydia Carter; Kirsten Brass

Testimonials

‘Nancy and the team are very personable, approachable and helpful. They will always try to find workable solutions to any problems presented. The team is diverse and well placed to cater for Asian clients; something that other law firms are lacking.’

‘Nancy Chien is consistently fantastic! She is practical and possesses commercial awareness which puts her at the forefront amongst her peers.’

‘This team has deep intellectual firepower and that’s why I use them. They think “out of the box” and actively look for practical solutions to complex problems. They are my “go to ” team on any legal issue that we may require advice on. On top of that they are lovely people to deal with!’

‘Edward Bennett – Quality through and through. He is measured in his approach, always accurate and super bright! Nancy Chien – Super quick to react and always on target with her advice.’

‘Edward Bennett has tremendous experience and is skilled at finding the right solutions and giving practical advice. Nancy Chien is highly energetic and well connected in Singapore and Dubai. She brings cultural awareness to her advice’

‘Bedell Cristin has perhaps the strongest pedigree in Jersey, which has been periodically refreshed by high quality recruits.’

‘Nancy Chien is a total expert on international trusts. Kirsten Brass is a relative newcomer but has quickly found her feet. Elizabeth Shaw is a solid analyst.’

Guernsey > Insurance Tier 1

Bedell Cristin acts as a one-stop-shop to Guernsey insurance clients, with a practice that spans products such as insurance-linked securities, captives, pension longevity risk swaps and traditional commercial insurance, as well as corporate and regulatory issues related to insurance companies. The department is led by Richard Sharp , who is knowledgeable in Guernsey insurance structures. Dylan Latimer  is noted for insurance regulatory work and corporate transactions. Senior associate James Walsh, who joined from Ogier in January 2022, brought with him substantial corporate transactional expertise. Associate Tendai Gakanje is also recommended.

Practice head(s):

Richard Sharp

Testimonials

Bedells is a go to firm for prospects or clients looking to understand a little more about a legal issue, where there’s analysis to be undertaken they are thorough and clear where not they are honest and explain why not necessary. In this way they are very supportive of the insurance industry in Guernsey.’

I work with Richard Sharp who is pragmatic and works with integrity.’

Key clients

Artex Risk Solutions

FWU

Aon Insurance Management

First Central Group Limited

Lloyd’s of London

House Builders Federation

Sapphire Underwriting Limited

Falcon Insurance PCC

Robus Group

Work highlights

  • Advised Lloyd’s of London on its £650million reinsurance of its central fund using a Guernsey incorporated cell company.
  • Advised the Home Builders Federation on its Deposit Unlock scheme to provide 95% mortgages to buyers of new build homes.
  • Advised Aon in connection with its role on the Fujitsu pension longevity swap.

Jersey > Banking and finance Tier 2

Bedell Cristin‘s team advises a strong selection of lenders on acquisition finance transactions, with a particular specialism in real estate finance. The team is led by Alasdair Hunter , who is well-known to US and European investment banks, asset managers and credit funds, as well as handling enforcement, restructuring and insolvency issues. Tim Pearce chairs the global banking and finance practice at the firm, assisting borrowers and lenders. Mark Dunlop is knowledgeable in financial products. Senior associate Malcolm Ellis is known for a variety of deals including syndicated facilities and property financings.

Practice head(s):

Alasdair Hunter

Other key lawyers:

Tim Pearce; Mark Dunlop; Malcolm Ellis; Antony Clerehugh; Louise Hassell; James Peart; Philip Kendal

Testimonials

‘Seamless processes, quick to respond, collaborates well with other legal firms to ensure completion of transactions in a timely manner.’

‘Personable and clear with advice. Always a great service provided. Tim Pearce is exceptional.’

‘The team at Bedells is ultra reliable and communicative when working on matters with us. We always know the exact position we are at on a matter and we can discuss our requirements at the outset knowing that they are efficient, our clients like them and the matter will proceed to completion within the relevant timescales.’

‘We have worked with other offshore firms and find Bedells much more approachable, more readily accessible and commercial in their approach to our matters. Specifically we use Antony Clerehugh for Jersey work and Louise Hassell and Philip Kendal for BVI matters. We have a great working relationship with all these people and rarely look elsewhere for quotes etc.’

‘The banking (REF) team is a pleasure to deal with, timely in giving advice and responses and share a good number of client relationships in common with us.’

‘Tim Pearce, Louise Hassell and Antony Clerehugh are notable for good service.’

‘The Bedells team are extremely commercial – they are well matched with our practice as they are entirely focused on problem solving. I also appreciate their flexible approach on fees and billing.’

‘It is always a pleasure to deal with the Bedells team. They are always helpful and they are up for a challenge.’

Key clients

Barclays Bank PLC

C. Le Masurier

Ocorian

Santander UK plc

Macquarie Bank

Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation Limited

Aareal Bank AG

Ares Management Limited

The Royal Bank of Scotland International Limited t/a NatWest International

The Royal Bank of Scotland International Limited

Work highlights

  • Advised Barclays Bank in connection with a c£2bn financing to Constellation Automotive’s which owns brands such as British Car Auctions and WeBuyAnyCar.
  • Advised RBSI on its financing of the Jersey Pottery group.
  • Advised OCBC on the transition of its loan book from LIBOR to SONIA.

Jersey > Corporate and commercial Tier 2

Bedell Cristin has a well-established corporate and commercial practice, often acting as lead counsel in cross-border mandates involving M&A (particularly real estate-related), private equity, restructuring and regulatory work, as well as ancillary issues such as employment and pensions law. Guy Westmacott  is active for M&A, and alongside associate Natasha Bairstow, is rated by clients as able to provide ‘excellent and timely advice‘.  Tim Pearce takes the lead. Sara Johns is also recommended, with significant experience in advising targets and bidders in takeovers involving Jersey schemes of arrangement.

Practice head(s):

Tim Pearce

Other key lawyers:

Guy Westmacott; Sara Johns; Alasdair Hunter; Martin Paul; Natasha Bairstow

Testimonials

‘The team at Bedell Cristin provide accurate and timely advice in what can quite often be time sensitive matters providing commercially sensible solutions.’

‘Guy and and Natasha provide excellent and timely advice, recommending solutions to unique problems faced by a telecommunications company and guiding us through complex transactions that are quote often extremely time sensitive.’

‘The Bedell Christin team were instrumental in our Company’s successful fundraise via a ‘cash box placing’. The responsiveness, professionalism and attention to detail of the Bedell Christin team helped ensure that the transaction went without a hitch and all the relevant meetings, legalities and documents were completed in a timely and professional manner.’

‘Sara Johns at Bedell Christin was our primary contact during the transaction and personified  responsiveness, professionalism and attention to detail.’

‘Sara Johns is always responsive and gives pragmatic clear advice.’

Key clients

Arq Limited

Andium Homes

Advisa

Atos

Claranet

Clarivate

Cromwell Europe

CVC Capital Partners

Inflexion

JT Group

Le Masurier

Leonard Green

Partners Group

Quadrise Fuels International plc

Tullow

Work highlights

  • Advised JT Global and its management team on the sale of a majority stake in JT’s ‘internet of things’ business to Perwyn.
  • Advised CVC on its £250 million acquisition of a majority stake in leading British holiday park operator, Away Resorts, from Freshstream.
  • Advised Atos SA on its acquisition of Cloudreach, a leading multi-cloud tech services company.

Dispute resolution Tier 2

The litigation department at Bedell Cristin mainly handles big-ticket commercial litigation, trust disputes and contentious and non-contentious insolvencies. It is also regularly instructed in shareholder disputes. Robert Gardner  is the practice head and an experienced trial advocate, as is former managing partner David Cadin . Edward Drummond  is a commercial litigator, also focusing on regulatory and compliance work. Robert Christie and associate Sonia Shah have substantial contentious trusts experience between them, while associate Sonia Minns has recent experience in unfair prejudice claims.

Practice head(s):

Robert Gardner

Other key lawyers:

David Cadin; Ed Drummond; Robert Christie; Sonia Shah; Sonia Minns

Testimonials

‘Bobby Christie is the partner and main fee earner working on the matter. He is outstanding as an advocate, gives clear and practical advice, and does so very promptly. First class.’

‘Good dispute resolution capabilities across the board.’

‘Willingness to ‘go the extra mile’. Very user friendly.’

‘Very good on asset tracing and enforcement.’

‘Bobby Christie has been fantastic. Very easy to work with and very good strategically.’

‘The partners are well versed in many aspects of dispute resolution including commercial trust and insolvency. They give concise advice and will inform you if your case lacks sufficient merit or is otherwise flawed thus saving one from expensive litigation which you could well lose.’

‘Rob Gardner is a font of knowledge when it comes to Jersey Insolvency law and he is an engaging thoughtful individual who can be humorous in the face of adversity.’

‘Good commercial judgement always lead by the Partner on all matters.’

Key clients

Creditors Committee – Purdue Pharma LP

Begbies

Traynor as liquidators of BetIndex

Adeem Investment Holding Company KSCH

JSC Commercial Bank Privat Bank

Insurance Corp of the C I Ltd / States of Jersey

Rysaffe Fiduciaries S.à.r.l .

Sakab Saudi Holdings Limited

Cristi a na

Crociani

Vistra

Singapore Limited

Dominion (Film Schemes / Sundax )

Türkiye

Bankasi A.Ş.

New World TMT Limited

Morelli

Work highlights

  • Acting for the Begbies Traynor liquidators of Betindex Limited.

Dispute resolution > Regulatory and white-collar crime Tier 2

Bedell Cristin‘s regulatory and compliance offering, which encompasses white-collar criminal defence,, brings together experts from across the firm. On the regulatory front, the key lawyer is David Cadin , who is an expert in competition law and utility regulation, as well as issues involving anti-money laundering. Cadin is also active in fraud cases, recently acting for a nationalised Ukrainian bank in claims against its former owners. Edward Drummond  is also active in regulatory matters, advising on security enforcement matters. Martin Paul  is also recommended.

Practice head(s):

Edward Drummond; Martin Paul

Other key lawyers:

David Cadin

Testimonials

‘The firm has struck me as one of the leading litigation offshore firms in Jersey. Their reputation precedes them.’

‘Ed Drummond has an encyclopaedic knowledge of Jersey insolvency law and litigation. He is always on top of the detail and thinking five steps ahead on the cases which we have used him on.’

Key clients

JT

Santander

Alpen

PrivatBank

Work highlights

  • Represented JT in a case involving an anti-competitive agreement entered into between JT and Sure (the incumbent telecommunications operators in Jersey and Guernsey respectively) in 2019.  That agreement was the subject of investigations by the Jersey Competition Regulatory Authority (JCRA) and the Guernsey Competition Regulatory Authority (GCRA).
  • Providing Santander with practical and commercial legal advice in real time as to regulatory, AML and other queries that arise in the course of its banking business.
  • Representing JSC Commercial Bank Privat Bank in a claim it brought against its former owners alleging that prior to its nationalisation in 2016, it was subjected to large-scale fraudulent schemes.

Jersey > Investment funds Tier 2

Bedell Cristin has broad funds expertise, spanning expertise in fund formation, investment syndicates, club deals, as well as the regulation of funds and their transactions. The team is instructed by fund managers, administrators, banks and investors at every stage of a fund’s existence. Real estate funds and deals a particular strength, and the firm counts investment managers, institutional and sovereign wealth investors as clients in this respect. The private equity practice is also active. Martin Paul  leads the department and is a veteran of the funds space. Richard Le Liard focuses on venture capital and private equity, advising on fund establishment and regulatory compliance. Counsel Stephen Ferguson has expertise in shariah-compliant funds. Senior associate Louise Ridgway is well-known with fund manager clients.

Practice head(s):

Martin Paul

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘Richard Le Liard is an exceptionally good Jersey private funds lawyer, who is both technically very capable and commercially very pragmatic. He engages with clients and instructing solicitors alike and ensures that he fully understands the desired outcomes and how these might be achieved in any given scenario.’

Key clients

Alicorn Global Ventures

George Capital

Zedra Fiduciary Investment Fund

Work highlights

  • Advised Alicorn Global Ventures as lead counsel on the design and implementation of a ground-breaking new venture capital fund platform. Believed to be the only one of its kind, the Alicorn ILGS II Fund combines features of a traditional collective investment fund with an enhanced and embedded co-investment optionality.
  • Acted as lead counsel to George Capital on their Jersey-domiciled real estate funds and other investment structures; advising on investments and divestments, refinancings and Fund extensions.
  • Acting as lead counsel to the Zedra Fiduciary Investment Fund on ongoing matters arising in connection with the Fund, a Jersey regulated equity/bond fund established as an OCIF (an unclassified fund offered to the public).

Guernsey > Banking and finance Tier 2

The lender-side financial services law practice at Bedell Cristin has particular expertise in real estate finance, but is regularly instructed across the waterfront of banking and finance matters. Kate Ovenden  is 'a strong lead', with an active practice involving real estate transactions. Dylan Latimer is also recommended, with experience in the financing aspects of corporate restructurings and subscription line facilities.

Practice head(s):

Kate Ovenden

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘Strength in depth and BC have a good knowledge of their local markets.’

‘Kate Ovenden is a strong lead as managing partner and Dylan Latimer is responsive and good to work with’

Key clients

The Royal Bank of Scotland International Limited

National Westminster Bank plc

Santander UK plc

Antares Capital LP

Barclays Bank plc

The Royal Bank of Scotland plc

Work highlights

  • Advised (as lead counsel) The Royal Bank of Scotland International Limited on the financing of the development of a site including Guernsey’s first Premier Inn, followed by a subsequent restructuring, including the sale of part of the site comprising an office building to be occupied by Bank Julius Baer.
  • Advised Arrow Global Guernsey Holdings plc and Sherwood Financing plc on the sale of Arrow Global Group plc for £563 million and related financing.
  • Advised Arrow Global Guernsey Limited on a “tap” issue of its existing high yield bond, by way of private placement.

Guernsey > Corporate and M&A Tier 2

Clients describe the team at Bedell Cristin variously as 'straight-talking" and 'responsive and innovative'. The team handles all aspects of corporate and commercial law, leveraging expertise in banking and finance, regulatory issues and insurance sector knowledge to assist with a wide variety of transactions in Guernsey. The team is led by managing partner Kate Ovenden  who is prolific in M&A transactions, where she also brings to bear her expertise in finance. Richard Sharp  is a stalwart of the team, focusing on the insurance space, while Dylan Latimer is the name to note for deals involving private equity funds. Joining from Ogier in January 2022, senior associate James Walsh adds to the firm's M&A capabilities with his experience in advising acquirers, targets, investment banks and investors.

Practice head(s):

Kate Ovenden

Other key lawyers:

Richard Sharp; Dylan Latimer; James Walsh

Testimonials

‘Able to provide clear and commercial advice in short timescales.’

‘Kate Ovenden is responsive and hugely knowledgeable. Kate gave clear advice on a matter and was able to offer sensible, innovative and workable solutions to last minute issues which arose.’

‘I have worked with Richard Sharp on several restructuring projects over the last couple of years. Richard has an excellent knowledge of the history/structure of our company and of the shareholding structure. With this knowledge, Richard has been able to devise solutions and give sound advice, which has enabled us to achieve our overall objectives.’

‘The team at Bedell are always responsive and innovative. We have had excellent service on new corporate agreements and associated negotiations with our regulator. Our lead partner has managed to recruit and retain a team that seems stable and is aware of our business.’

‘Kate Ovenden. Super commercial and able to bring both buy and sell side experience into her advice’

‘Straight talking, I know where I stand and what my options are very early on.’

‘In Richard Sharp we have found a trusted partner for our corporate legal work. Straight talking and no nonsense approach enables us to make better informed and insightful decisions in a timely manner.’

Key clients

Ocorian Services Limited

Arrow Global

Prudential Financial, Inc

Digital UK Limited

Oryx Real Estate Partners (UK) Limited

BlackRock

Shawbrook Bank Limited

Work highlights

  • Advised Ocorian Services Limited (as lead counsel) on its acquisition of Trust Corporation, one of the most significant M&A transactions in Guernsey in 2021.
  • Advised on the sale of Arrow Global Group plc to TDR Capital LLP, in the amount of £563 million and related financing.
  • Advised Digital UK Limited on a detailed competition law analysis and application for merger consent in relation to its acquisition of Freesat from the BBC and ITV.

Guernsey > Dispute resolution Tier 2

Bedell Cristin has a broad practice spanning contentious trusts and insolvency, commercial litigation, fraud and asset tracing, and contentious regulatory matters. The group is led by Alasdair Davidson , a commercial litigator with additional experience in professional negligence cases. Jon Barclay  regularly appears before the Guernsey courts, with a specialism in financial services litigation. Robert Fullman, who joined from Babbé LLP in December 2021, brought with him substantial experience in commercial and asset enforcement work.

Practice head(s):

Alasdair Davidson

Other key lawyers:

Jon Barclay; Robert Fullman; Rebecca Hale; Cassie Wade

Testimonials

‘Jon Barclay – excellent judgment, knowledge and experience. The best on the Island.’

‘Rob Fullman has excellent knowledge and is clear and precise in his dealings with me (as the client) and with the Court.’

‘Main work recently has been with with Jon Barclay and Rebecca Hale who are always a pleasure to work with on any matter any I would repeat the above comments regarding the team. Both approachable, knowledgeable and provide clear, logical advice based on the situation at hand.’

‘Bedell have an excellent private client disputes practice in Guernsey, Jersey and the Cayman Islands but have recently expanded into Singapore. They are a cost effective alternative to the offshore magic circle teams.’

‘David Cadin is a highly experienced and knowledgeable litigator on Jersey regulatory matters, familiar with the local politics as well as regulatory and competition issues.’

‘The team provides a focused, energetic and forward thinking response to diverse problems.’

‘Alasdair Davidson is a stand-out individual. He is very experienced and very well respected in Guernsey and the wider Offshore network. He is a safe pair of hands and knows how to read the Court. Provides excellent advice and knows how to address issues in a practical way.’

‘Bedells remain a leading light in a number of key jurisdictions around the world and feature in many of the very biggest cases. They have a powerful Channel Islands offering and increasingly appear in large matters in many of the other major jurisdictions as well.’

Key clients

Begbies Traynor

JT Group

Trustee of the Madoff Estate

Stewarts Law

US DOJ

Dutch Revenue Service

Teneo

Charles Russell Speechly

Kent and Reliance Building Society

Cherry Godfrey

Sarnia Mutual

Adil Popat

Bachman Marine

Work highlights

  • Defending claims brought against Costas Kyriakides, former CFO by liquidators with sums sought in excess of US$1 billion.
  • Securing urgent freezing orders for New World across the globe in support of a fraud claim exceeding US$2 billion

Offshore firms in London Tier 2

Singled out for its ‘commercial pragmatism’, Bedell Cristin’s London based financial services practice has a track record acting exclusively in Jersey law transactions, covering investment funds, corporate finance work and debt equity listings. Jointly managed by Bruce Scott, who is highlighted as an ‘absolute star’, and Tom Davies, who handles corporate real estate deals, the wider team includes senior associate Adam Bartels who handles borrower side financing transactions and Nkechi Hokstad who advises on acquisitions. ‘Excellent associateDaniel McAviney is rated by clients for his expertise in energy transactions and has demonstrable strength advising on bonds and loan notes for large US private equity houses.

Practice head(s):

Bruce Scott; Tom Davies

Testimonials

‘Bedell Cristin have been extremely loyal and dependable in the service they have provided to us. Their clear approach, responsiveness and reliability is greatly appreciated by the team here. I have also found Bedell Cristin a pleasure to deal with in terms of fee quotes and scope. They are good value for money and always show a commercial understanding of the business constraints and need for certainty. Their approach is refreshing (and, frankly, unusual)! We wouldn’t instruct another law firm for Jersey advice if Bedell Cristin are available to act.’

‘Bruce Scott – very pleasant to deal with, friendly, warm, commercial and responsive. Both a nice man and a good lawyer. Nkechi Hokstad is our go-to contact and has been very supportive of our business. She gets things done without any hassle. Nkechi is reliable, she has a great commercial approach and she is very easy to deal with.’

‘Bruce Scott is an absolute star. He is quite simply amazing to work with. We struggle to work with anybody else on his type of work.’

‘The Bedell Cristin team are incredibly user friendly, proactive and capable across the biggest transactions. What stands out most is the commercial pragmatism they bring to their advice – they are a solution orientated team that delivers time and again.’

‘Daniel McAviney is an excellent associate, and someone on which I can rely to produce high quality work and under time pressure. Dan clearly has great commercial awareness, and is able to understand the key concepts of a transaction, and the offshore work involved, in a short amount of time which is a key asset given these transactions are often operating on very tight timeframes. Dan is knowledgeable about energy transactions generally, and also on the key features of offshore law that apply to a particular deal. Dan is responsive and a pleasure to work with.’

Daniel McAviney is always super responsive and combines being commercial with great technical advice. Feels like a very safe pair of hands and always hits the deadlines he’s set. Bruce Scott is similarly always readily available and always has a good handle on his matters.’

Bruce Scott and Nkechi Hokstad are definitely stand-out members of the team. They are highly responsive and nothing is too much trouble. They are commercial, pragmatic and very hard working. They have a very strong understanding of wider deal issues, and bring to bear their considerable experience in a sensible and valuable way.’

Great team; always very responsive, be it in response to ad hoc questions or to substantive issues on live matters. The fact they cover all of the Channel Islands with good integration between their offices is a very obvious bonus.’

Key clients

Aviva Investors

AXA Real Estate

Barrick Gold Corporation

BentallGreenOak

BlackRock

Blackstone

BNP Paribas

Cairn Capital

Cindat Capital Management

Deutsche Finance International

Exeter Property Group

Global Student Accommodation

Harrison Street Real Estate Capital

iQ Student Accommodation

Lone Star

Markel

M&G Investment Management

Node

Oryx Real Estate Partners

Permodalan Nasional Berhad

PGIM Real Estate

Secure Income REIT plc

The Scottish Salmon Company PLC

Tikehau Capital

Tishman Speyer

Unite Students / The Unite Group Plc

Urbanest Student Accommodation

Vitruvian Partners LLP

Welltower, Inc.

Work highlights

  • Advised PGIM (circa $1.5tn AUM) in relation to its acquisition of Montana Capital Partners AG.
  • Advised Blackstone (and/or funds administered by Blackstone) on over £2.5bn of corporate real estate acquisitions and sales and accompanying financings and re-financings of similar levels and in relation to their £10bn Euro Medium Term Note Programme.
  • Advised BentallGreenOak as manager of West End of London Property Unit Trust in connection with the £1bn development of the UK’s largest all-electric net-zero carbon office scheme at 105 Victoria Street in central London.

Jersey > Employment Tier 3

Bedell Cristin kickstarted its standalone pan-Channel Islands employment practice in May 2021, with the arrival of Carly Parrott from Carey Olsen to the Guernsey office. Parrott handles employment matters in Jersey, including in relation to contentious issues. Heather Watters is another name to note for contentious employment matters.

Practice head(s):

Carly Parrott

Other key lawyers:

Key clients

JT Group

Work highlights

  • Providing advice to JT Group on the full spectrum of employment matters including the exit of senior and junior level staff, advising on the restructuring of operations, data protection and health and safety matters, dealing with staff absences, capability and conduct issues and policy re-drafting.
  • Assisted a multi-national consultancy and construction company in the transfer of employees from England to Jersey and the set-up of operations in Jersey as part of the Jersey Hospital Project.
  • Advised one of the largest agricultural employers in Jersey on a myriad of issues including defending a number of tribunal claims, re-drafting their employment related documentation for salaried, seasonal and contract workers and advising on the re-structuring their seasonal working arrangements.

Guernsey > Investment funds Tier 3

Bedell Cristin combines expertise in funds, real estate and corporate law to advise on fund administration, regulation and transactions. The practice is led by Dylan Latimer, whose recent instructions include assisting real estate investment funds with the sale and acquisition of commercial property and clean energy funds on their investments into green projects and ESG-related regulation.

Practice head(s):

Dylan Latimer

Key clients

Pollen Street Capital

Catalyst Investment Management (Guernsey) Limited

Schroder Real Estate Investment Trust Limited

Work highlights

  • Advised Catalyst MENA Clean Energy Fund in relation to two new solar projects in Egypt. We have also advised on the restricting of investor drawdowns, the extension of the investment period, management fees, and changes in the global tax compliance and consequential changes to ESG standards in investor side letters.  We are also mandated to act in connection with the upcoming second fund.
  • Advised (as lead counsel) long standing global fund administration client, Ocorian Services Limited on its acquisition of Trust Corporation, a Guernsey licensed fund administrator and fiduciary services provider.
  • Provided Guernsey legal advice to Schroder Real Estate Investment Trust Limited, an authorised closed ended fund listed on the London Stock Exchange on an ongoing basis.

Guernsey > Private client, trusts and tax

Bedell Cristin launched a new private client-centred practice with the arrival of Elena Gogh from Babbé LLP, who has significant experience advising a multinational client base on private wealth management and asset-holding structures in Guernsey.

Foreign-based expertise > Leading firms Tier 1

With expertise spread across markets in the UK and the Asia Pacific region, Bedell Cristin‘s Caribbean-focused practitioners take a one-team approach and cover the full spectrum of mandates, ranging from corporate and finance work to commercial litigation to private client issues and trust and estate matters. The group fields multiple names admitted to practise in both Cayman and the BVI and leverages their experience practising on the ground in the Caribbean. For more information on specific regions, please click on the tabs below
Individuals in both Bedell Cristin‘s Guernsey and Jersey offices contribute to the firm’s international Caribbean expertise, regularly gaining instructions from London-based clients and law firms. Global managing partner Tim Pearce in Jersey assists a range of multinational companies and banks as well as high-net-worth individuals with BVI-related banking, finance, corporate and fund work. In the firm’s Guernsey office, Alasdair Davidson leads the litigation team and acts in a range of BVI claims encompassing contentious trust work, fraud issues, insolvencies and cross-border litigation. At associate level, the Jersey team benefits from the expertise of Philip Kendall, James Peart and senior associate Louise Hassell.
Bedell Cristin‘s office in Singapore saw notable expansion in mid-2021 with the recruitment of Joanne Verbiesen from an in-house role. Verbiesen, who is admitted in both the BVI and Cayman, adds notable contentious expertise to the office and is also a highly regarded private client expert, assisting with the establishment and management of offshore trusts and estate planning work. Kristian Wilson is also a key name in Singapore for BVI-related matters and excels in corporate and financial mandates; he counts a number of offshore finance bodies as clients.

Practice head(s):

Tim Pearce

Key clients

Blue Ocean Structure Investment Company Limited / Ying Peng Hui Kang Fund

Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation Limited

Gopher Investments

Work highlights

  • Advised Blue Ocean Structure Investment Company Limited (a subsidiary of Ying Peng Hui Kang Fund) in its capacity as 65.4% shareholder in Global Cord Blood Corporation on a winding up petition and injunctive relief to terminate a transaction entered into by the Board.
  • Advising an independent director in relation to his appointment to the Board of Fang Holdings pursuant to an Order of the Grand Court of the Cayman Islands in the context of a winding up petition filed by a shareholder of the company.
  • Worked on Gopher Investment’s bid for Playtech, an AIM listed online gaming company, and its subsequent acquisition of Finalto, the financial trading division of Playtech.

We are an award-winning law firm with expertise in BVI, Cayman Islands, Guernsey and Jersey law and the agility to drive success for our clients in a fast moving world.

We provide legal advice shaped around the needs of corporate and private clients, financial institutions and intermediaries worldwide.

The capabilities and talent of our lawyers have earned us industry recognition for identifying all the steps necessary to meet our clients’ goals, however diverse or complex the requirement.

Working in multi disciplinary teams, we marry thought leadership with a proactive approach to solving issues holistically – without a client needing to raise them – across geographies and practice areas in the most efficient and seamless way.

Through this approach – delivering reliability and stability with flair – we combine commercial acumen with service excellence that helps our clients achieve their objectives.

The firm: The firm has an extensive blue-chip client base, including: Adveq Management, Aviva Investors, Axa Real Estate Investment Managers, Cromwell Property Group, Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Barclays Bank, BlackRock Investment Management, Cerberus European Investments, Citigroup, Credit Agricole, Deutsche Asset Management, DZ Bank, Welltower, Inc., Ethos Partners, Family Offices, Goldman Sachs, Green Oak, Harrison Street, HSBC, IK Investment Partners, Legal and General, Lombard Odier, Morgan Stanley, Pacific Equity Partners, Permodalan Nasional Berhad, PGIM, Secure Income REIT, Sovereign Wealth Funds Trustees, Tishman Speyer, UBS, UHNW families, UNITE Group Plc and Westfield.

Types of work undertaken
Banking and finance:
Our globally recognised banking practice provides BVI, Cayman Islands, Guernsey and Jersey legal advice to leading banks and financial institutions located worldwide. We act for global banks and financial institutions as well as borrowers, such as special purpose vehicles, unit trusts and limited partnerships.

Capital markets and structured finance: Our industry recognised capital markets and structured finance team is highly experienced in securitisation and other structured finance work. We have advised on some of the most innovative and complex transactions executed in the market.

We advise on the legal, tax and regulatory treatment of deals structured in all of our jurisdictions.

Corporate and commercial: Our corporate and commercial practice is a core component of our global business. Renowned for its pragmatic and solution oriented approach, the team advises on BVI, Cayman Islands, Guernsey and Jersey law on a range of high profile, international, cross border and local corporate transactions.

Economic substance: Economic substance laws have been adopted by the BVI, Cayman Islands, Guernsey and Jersey, requiring certain entities which are tax resident in one of the islands to be directed and managed and to carry out income generating activities in that island.

Employment law: Our employment practice provides specialist legal advice in BVI, Cayman Islands, Guernsey and Jersey. Our client-base ranges from large and medium sized organisations, including the offshore operations of many global financial institutions, to senior employees, directors and entrepreneurs.

Funds and investment structures: Our globally recognised funds and investment structures practice provides BVI, Cayman Islands, Guernsey and Jersey legal advice to asset managers and funds investing in private equity, venture capital, real estate, debt and infrastructure.

Insolvency and restructuring: Our dedicated insolvency practice advises on BVI, Cayman Islands, Guernsey and Jersey law.

Insurance and reinsurance: We have experts in each of our jurisdictions in the insurance and reinsurance market who have a comprehensive knowledge of all legal and regulatory matters affecting the formation and operation of insurance and reinsurance structures.

International private client: Our international private client team provides specialist BVI, Cayman Islands, Guernsey and Jersey trust, foundation and related corporate law advice to individual and institutional clients. We are highly regarded for the quality of our work and have earned over many years an excellent reputation for our client service.

Listing services: Bedell Channel Islands Limited (BCIL) is a category 1, 2 and 3 listing member of The International Stock Exchange (TISE) and is authorised to act as a sponsor on all categories of listings.

Litigation and dispute resolution: Our global litigation team is recognised around the world, is respected for its rigorous approach to high-quality work and enjoys top tier status with both the Chambers and The Legal 500 directories.

Pensions and employee incentives: Our highly experienced pensions and employee incentives team advises on all aspects of pensions and employee incentive arrangements. We pride ourselves on providing practical, commercial and easy to understand advice to trustees, beneficiaries and employers. Where contentious issues arise, we work closely with our litigation team to ensure that our service is seamless.

Property: Our property teams provide an independent and professional approach to all aspects of commercial, residential and development property in all our jurisdictions.

Regulatory and compliance: The regulatory burden continues to grow across all sectors. Our dedicated regulatory and compliance team combines individuals with legal, commercial and compliance expertise who have wide-ranging and in depth, hands-on practical experience.

Relocation and residency: As the world becomes ever more interconnected, obtaining residence and in some cases citizenship rights in one or more countries, and an ability to leave one country and settle in another, is becoming increasingly important, both economically and politically.

Wills and probate: Our team offers comprehensive advice to individuals and their families and has built lasting relationships over many years.

Other offices: BVI, Cayman Islands, Guernsey, London, Singapore

DepartmentNameEmailTelephone
Global managing partner Tim Pearce
Banking Mark Dunlop
Banking Tim Pearce
Banking Alasdair Hunter
Corporate and commercial Mark Dunlop
Corporate and commercial Tim Pearce
Corporate and commercial Bruce Scott
Capital markets, securitisation and structured finance Alasdair Hunter
Capital markets, securitisation and structured finance Bruce Scott
Investment funds and private equity Martin Paul
Investment funds and private equity Richard Le Liard
Investment funds and private equity Bruce Scott
Commercial litigation David Cadin
Commercial litigation Rob Gardner
Commercial litigation Edward Drummond
Insolvency and asset tracing Edward Drummond
Insolvency and asset tracing Robert Gardner
International private client Edward Bennett
International private client Nancy Chien
Property Jeff O'Boyle
PhotoNamePositionProfile
Edward Bennett photo Edward BennettEdward is a Partner in the International Private Client team.  With his 30…
David Cadin photo David CadinManaging Partner of Bedell Cristin. David practised as a self-employed English barrister…
Nancy Chien photo Nancy ChienNancy is head of Bedell Cristin’s International Private Client practice in Jersey.…
Robert Christie photo Robert ChristieRobert is a Partner in the Litigation & Dispute Resolution team.   Robert…
Edward Drummond photo Edward DrummondEdward is a Partner in the Litigation and Dispute Resolution team.  Edward is…
Mark Dunlop photo Mark DunlopMark is partner in the banking and corporate team. He has extensive…
Robert Gardner photo Robert GardnerRob is head of Bedell Cristin’s litigation team. He is a very…
Elena Gogh photo Elena GoghElena joined Bedell Cristin as a Partner in the International Private Client…
Alasdair Hunter photo Alasdair HunterAlasdair is a Partner in the Banking and Finance team.  Based in…
Sara Johns photo Sara JohnsSara is a Partner in the Corporate and Commercial team.   Sara is…
Richard Le Liard photo Richard Le LiardRichard is based in Jersey and is a partner in the funds…
Jeff O'Boyle photo Jeff O'BoyleJeff is Partner and Head of the Property team.   Jeff joined Bedell…
Martin Paul photo Martin PaulMartin is head of the Funds and Investment Structures group. He has…
Tim Pearce photo Tim PearceTim is the Global Managing Partner.   Tim joined the firm in 2003…
Guy Westmacott photo Guy WestmacottGuy is a Partner in the Corporate and Commercial team.  Guy specialises…
Number of partners : 31
Number of other fee-earners : 72
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