Simcocks > Douglas, Isle Of Man > Firm Profile
Simcocks Offices
RIDGEWAY HOUSE
RIDGEWAY STREET
DOUGLAS
IM99 1PY
Isle Of Man
Simcocks > The Legal 500 Rankings
Isle of Man > Private client, trusts and tax Tier 1
Simcocks’ private client department is overseen by practice head Phil Games
, who has expertise in setting up trusts across jurisdictions, tailored to suit the needs of individual clients. In addition to advising high net worth individuals, he is also a commissioner for oaths and notary public. Louise Byrne is a specialist litigator and has represented a number of high net worth clients in divorce cases. Kevin O’Loughlin handles both contentious and non-contentious matters pertaining to trusts. Caroline Jennings has experience in dealing with complex financial matters and heads the firm’s family law practice.Practice head(s):
Phil Games
Other key lawyers:
Louise Byrne; Kevin O’Loughlin; Caroline Jennings
Testimonials
‘Simcocks s a highly reputable, well known firm and one with which we have worked for many years, particularly in connection with trust, corporate and private client work.’
‘All of the directors are longstanding, approachable individuals from whom you are guaranteed to receive the highest standard of service. They are friendly, commercial and pragmatic.’
‘User friendly, excellent availability, knowledgeable, attention to detail and thorough.’
‘Kevin O’Loughlin has excellent trust knowledgeable, thorough in his work and very technical…. he also likes to test you at times!’
Isle of Man > Banking, finance and capital markets Tier 2
Simcocks is often engaged by international lenders involved in capital transactions; the firm is also regularly turned to by Magic Circle and prominent Irish firms for matters concerning the Isle of Man. Team leader Alex Spencer advises lenders and borrowers in finance transactions. David Spencer specialises in corporate and shipping finance and insurance matters. Irini Newby is an expert in commercial finance and property.Practice head(s):
Alex Spencer
Other key lawyers:
David Spencer; Irini Newby
Testimonials
‘We use Simcocks on all matters for one of our clients and are always impressed by the responsiveness and commerciality, including their ability to quickly agree documents with their IoM counterparts’
‘Alex Spencer is our go to contact and is prompt and efficient at getting the documents and processes agreed.’
‘Simcocks have supported my business since inception. Although my business model isn’t traditional, their advisers helped to create the model and bespoke company structure. They have created a legal framework for my business that no other law firm could provide.’
‘An excellent and responsive team that gives considered advice and really pushes a transaction to closing. Great at trouble shooting on issues that crop up on deals.’
‘Alex Spencer is excellent, clear minded and highly responsive. He helps to push a deal forward, gives insightful advice and takes a commercial approach without compromising on quality.’
Isle of Man > Commercial property Tier 2
Simcocks‘ commercial property team is headed by Irini Newby, who advises clients on a wide range of matters, from acquisitions and disposals to planning issues. She is assisted by Taryn Pyle, whose primary focus is residential property, but she has also advised commercial clients on a variety of matters.Practice head(s):
Irini Newby
Other key lawyers:
Isle of Man > Shipping and aviation Tier 2
Simcocks is particularly active regarding advice to the shipping industry, where it acts for ship owners, shipyards, traders and charterers as well as banks and insurances. The team, headed by Irini Newby, is experienced in high-value and multi-jurisdictional transactions and advises on aspects that cover maritime finance, insurance, chartering, employment issues sales and acquisitions as well as the related security documentation, among others. In the aviation space, the unit further offers legal services in relation to aircraft leases and mortgages, aircraft financing and employment issues for private jet operators.Practice head(s):
Irini Newby
Isle of Man > Corporate and commercial Tier 3
Simcocks prides itself on its ability to provide effective advice to corporate and fiduciary service providers. The firm handles a wide variety of matters, including investment funds, with a team led by Irini Newby, who also leads the commercial property and employment departments. Alex Spencer specialises in corporate acquisitions and disposals, alongside non-contentious liquidation and insolvency matters. Associate advocate Sarah Wolter is recommended for her work for a range of private companies and banks.Practice head(s):
Irini Newby
Other key lawyers:
Alex Spencer; Sarah Wolter; Kevin O’Loughlin
Testimonials
‘Very competent team with specialist members in all areas.’
‘I have used Simcocks for over 30 years and Irini Newby who is a senior partner for more than 15 years. She knows my business and gives fast, accurate advice when I need it.’
Work highlights
- Acted as counsel to real estate investment fund RDI REIT, in connection with the acquisition of its entire issued share capital by Starwood Capital. The acquisition by Starwood was undertaken pursuant to a Court approved scheme of arrangement.
Isle of Man > Dispute resolution Tier 3
Simcocks acts in a variety of local as well as international commercial and civil litigation matters, such as financial services, compliance and regulatory matters as well as shareholder and trustee disputes, corporate insolvency, emergency injunctions and judicial review applications. The team, which is further adept at handling family law disputes – a specialism of Caroline Jennings – and clinical negligence claims, is headed by ‘outstanding legal mind’ Chris Brooks. Elizabeth Simpson is recommended for her insurance and financial services expertise.Practice head(s):
Christopher Brooks
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Always available, and always available for open to discussion.’
‘Chris Brooks is an outstanding legal mind. Has a unique style in his approach to detail and how to deliver a point. Chris is strong minded, but always willing to constructively listen to another view, but he is usually right!’
‘User friendly, excellent availability, knowledgeable, attention to detail and thorough.’
‘Chris Brooks is very knowledgeable, technical and very reassuring with his advice.’
Key clients
Robert Tobin
CAE PARC Aviation
DAC Beachcroft LLP
MIR Limited
Financial Properties Ltd
Morland Limited
RDI REIT plc
Isle of Man > Insurance and pensions Tier 3
Simcocks is particularly strong advising clients on life insurance, reinsurance, and managing captive insurance companies. It also covers regulatory and compliance matters, portfolio transfers, and re-domiciliation arrangements. The team also covers matters such as IPA authorisation, scheme mergers, and buy-outs and buy-ins. David Spencer has niche specialisms in marine mutual insurance, transfer of insurance businesses, and amalgamation schemes. Phil Games is a key contact regarding offshore and international pensions. Consultant Elizabeth Simpson is also highly regarded.Practice head(s):
David Spencer; Phil Games
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Elizabeth Simpson is very strong and capable. She is direct, bears everything in mind, and gives a holistic view of issues.’
Simcocks > Firm Profile
Simcocks is one of the longest established law firms in the Isle of Man, having formed an enviable reputation due to its expertise and experience. Founded in 1949 by Alfred Howard Simcocks, the law firm in the heart of the British Isles has grown from strength to strength.
The firm: With a reputation for delivering exceptional results for clients, the firm’s team of dynamic advocates adds real value to each and every case. Simcocks has a commitment to building and fostering strong relationships and, as well as offering a premier service, its lawyers are easy and straightforward to deal with.
The depth and range of the firm’s lawyers’ expertise and experience generates many complex referrals and it is regularly instructed by magic circle and silver circle firms. The group is strong on litigation support as well as transactional, restructuring and complex advisory work.
The firm’s results-driven service has the strength and ability to advise private individuals, Isle of Man-registered companies, multinationals, SMEs, regulators and NGOs. The team of advocates is approachable, dynamic, and highly recommended by Chambers and Partners and The Legal 500.
Types of work undertaken: Simcocks is a leading law firm based in the Isle of Man. Types of work undertaken include:
Banking and finance: Simcocks’ banking and finance team advises banks, financial institutions and corporates on all areas of finance including general bank lending, project finance, property finance, acquisition finance, asset securitisation and structured finance.
Corporate and commercial: specialists in corporate restructuring, mergers and acquisitions, the acquisition and disposal of business undertakings, the formation of new companies, general and limited partnership matters, joint ventures and shareholder agreements, shareholder and partner disputes, regulatory compliance, pensions, banking and capital markets including AIM listings and corporate legal opinions.
Litigation and dispute resolution: whether dealing with a multi-national corporation or a private client, Simcocks’ litigation and dispute resolution advocates adopt a commercially realistic approach to bring each case to an efficient and practical conclusion.
Property: work is undertaken on all aspects of development, retail, construction and planning, including advising high-net-worth individuals on all aspects of estate planning.
Private client: the private client team regularly works with law firms in the UK and overseas to provide Isle of Man advice on estate planning for clients with multinational holdings. The team has experience as trusted advisors to high-net-worth families.
eGaming: Simcocks deal with regulators in connection with grant of licences, obtaining opinions on the legality of new schemes, and negotiating and drafting commercial partnership agreements.
Shipping: the firm has considerable expertise delivering advice on the legislation, regulatory and commercial issues connected with this sector.
Intellectual property: Simcocks advises on contentious and non-contentious issues arising in connection with computer and software licences, trade mark registrations and disputes, copyright issues and design rights and patents.
Family law: the firm is committed to the constructive resolution of family disputes, including divorce and separation and preparing prenuptial and postnuptial agreements.
Main Contacts
| Department | Name | Telephone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| AIM | Alex Spencer | ||
| AIM | Kevin O'Loughlin | ||
| Banking & Finance | Alex Spencer | ||
| CEO | Phil Games | ||
| Civil Litigation | Chris Brooks | ||
| Collective investment schemes or mutual funds | Alex Spencer | ||
| Collective investment schemes or mutual funds | David Spencer | ||
| Commercial Litigation | Chris Brooks | ||
| Corporate & Commercial | Irini Newby | ||
| Corporate & Commercial | Alex Spencer | ||
| Corporate & Commercial | Janice Turnbull | ||
| Corporate & Commercial | Sarah Wolter | ||
| Dispute Resolution | Caroline Jennings | ||
| eGaming | Alex Spencer | ||
| Employment | Chris Brooks | ||
| Employment | Irini Newby | ||
| Estate Planning | Phil Games | ||
| Family Law | Caroline Jennings | ||
| Family Law | Louise Byrne | ||
| Immigration | Winston Taylor | ||
| Insurance | Elizabeth Simpson | ||
| Insurance | Kevin O'Loughlin | ||
| Notarial services | Phil Games | ||
| Pensions | Kevin O'Loughlin | ||
| Pensions | Phil Games | ||
| Personal Injury | Winston Taylor | ||
| Planning | Irini Newby | ||
| Private Client | Phil Games | ||
| Property – commercial and residential | Irini Newby | ||
| Property – commercial and residential | Taryn Pyle | ||
| Restructuring and insolvency | Alex Spencer | ||
| Shipping and aviation | Alex Spencer | ||
| Shipping and aviation | David Spencer | ||
| Trusts | Janice Turnbull | ||
| Trusts | Kevin O'Loughlin | ||
| Trusts | Phil Games | ||
| Wills | Caroline Jennings | ||
| Wills | Phil Games |
Lawyer Profiles
| Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Sam Alder | Solicitor | View Profile |
 | Christopher Brooks | Head of Dispute Resolution | View Profile |
 | Louise Byrne | Consultant Advocate | View Profile |
 | Phil Games | CEO | View Profile |
 | Caroline Jennings | Advocate | View Profile |
 | Victoria Murphy | Consultant Advocate | View Profile |
 | Irini Newby | Director | View Profile |
 | Kevin O'Loughlin | Advocate | View Profile |
 | Taryn Pyle | Advocate | View Profile |
 | Elizabeth Simpson | Consultant – advocate and solicitor | View Profile |
 | Alex Spencer | Director | View Profile |
 | David Spencer | Director | View Profile |
 | Winston Taylor | Associate Advocate | View Profile |
 | Janice Turnbull | Associate Advocate | View Profile |
 | Sarah Wolter | Advocate | View Profile |
Staff Figures
Number of UK partners : 4 Number of other UK fee-earners : 16Client Testimonials
Testimonials for Chris Brooks:
“I appreciate the high quality advice I have received and thought Chris did an excellent job presenting and arguing the points in court.” – Client
“Your professional assistance is really impressive. It’s our pleasure to cooperate with you for this matter, and if we or our colleagues need legal assistance in Isle of Man in the further, you would be our first choice and we would definitely recommend you.” – Law Firm
Testimonials for Caroline Jennings:
“There were times when I would arrive on my knees but I always left feeling empowered and reassured”. – Client
“prompt, professional, personal and exceeded my expectations (and I have at least two ex-wives who will attest to the fact that I’m not easily pleased).” – Client