Viberts > St Helier, Jersey > Firm Profile

Viberts
VIBERTS HOUSE, PO BOX 737
DON STREET
ST HELIER
JE4 8ZQ
Jersey

Jersey > Family Tier 1

Viberts‘ team represents HNWIs in divorce and ancillary relief proceedings, as well as advising on matters pertaining to children, inheritance and property issues. Practice head Rose Colley handles the breadth of family law issues, handling complex financial disputes in addition to arrangements concerning children. Emma Hollywood has experience at the intersection of criminal and children law, focusing her practice on proceedings under the Children Act, non-molestation orders and divorce cases. Alexandra Cohen handles both divorces and non-matrimonial matters, as well as acting in children’s proceedings.

Practice head(s):

Rose Colley

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘The stand-out family law team in Jersey. Able to handle the largest cases with ease and obtain stunning results.’

‘Rose Colley – a wonderful combination of high emotional intelligence, judgement and tenacity. Alexandra Cohen – a natural advocate. No one at her level comes close.’

‘The way the firm navigates the divorce landscape is commendable, they stand their ground where they need to but at the same time are empathetic.’

‘Their ability to give honest advice and to have such a sound knowledge of divorce law.’

‘Viberts was exceptional in all areas, keeping me updated and informed of any extra costs. My divorce was complicated and they put my mind at rest on many occasions. There are too many things to praise them in writing.’

‘They are excellent.’

‘Rose Colley is a most sympathetic and understanding family lawyer of vast wisdom. Although our family problem has not gone away, Rose has been perfect at getting us to understand it, and to live with it!’

‘Emma Hollywood has outstanding legal knowledge and is excellent with clients.’

Jersey > Commercial property Tier 2

Viberts‘ team advises local clients, including commercial landlords and tenants, on a variety of matters, including commercial leases, planning issues and acquisition of sites for development. Co-heading the practice are James Lawrence, who handles residential and commercial development work and planning matters, and Paul Harben, whose practice includes commercial developments, leases and lending. Emily Paris-Hunter assists clients with commercial property matters.

Practice head(s):

James Lawrence; Paul Harben

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘Paul Harben has proved an exceptional property partner, he seamlessly drives client value without the need for intervention and can be trusted to secure excellent outcomes in every transaction.’

‘The team at Viberts are extremely responsive and proactive. They are continually strengthening their team in this area.’

‘Each person we dealt with was professional, approachable and friendly. We appreciated that although it was for them just another client, they took an interest in ensuring all of our questions were promptly addressed.’

‘Market knowledge, experience and approachability.’

‘Paul Harben and Emily Paris-Hunter: experience, market knowledge and friendly.’

‘James Lawrence and Paul Harben have an excellent and well-deserved reputation for their knowledge, experience and quality of service. They are supported by an excellent team.’

‘Paul Harben has carried out various transactions for us. He is incredibly thorough, committed and works to the deadlines given in the best interests of his clients.’

Key clients

Andium Homes Limited

Byron & Claire Khawaja

Brightly (Brig-y-don Children’s Convalescent and Holiday Home)

Malorey Investments Limited

Falles Holdings Limited

Merchants’ Square purchasers’ panel

Claremont L4 Holdings Limited (Nathan Robson)

Osmium Holdings Limited (Alexander Hatton-Edge)

Stingray Limited (Verdun Bell)

Red Heather Limited

JMEC

Le Petite Ecole Limited

ANHP Limited (Daniel Noding)

Work highlights

  • Advised Andium Homes on the acquisition of the Northern Quarter for construction of 169 residential units and 3 commercial units.
  • Advised Andium Homes on the acquisition of an existing residential development, Spencer Close, comprising 33 units most of which had sitting tenants in place, for £16m.
  • Advised Osmium Holdings on the acquisition of mixed-use premises in the centre of St Helier and associated financing, including extensive title checks and property due diligence as well as analysis of four existing commercial leases and six residential leases.

Dispute resolution Tier 2

Viberts‘ wide-ranging disputes practice acts for both plaintiffs and defendants in commercial, construction, and trust litigation. In particular, the firm has carved out a strong niche in clinical negligence and personal injury claims. Giles Emmanuel stepped into the practice head role in August 2022, with a broad disputes practice which encompasses bankruptcy, employment and trusts issues. Senior associate Eleanor Colley moved to the dispute resolution team from the firm’s corporate department in November 2022, adding commercial and trusts expertise. Senior associate Corinne Holmes specialises in personal injury, clinical negligence, fatal accident and industrial disease claims.

Practice head(s):

Giles Emmanuel

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘Regular meetings with clients to provide updates. After each step we were given clear recommendations of our options. Team was very professional during our mediation process.’

‘I’m impressed with the level of personal service from Viberts which put me at ease in very stressful situations.’

‘I dealt with Corinne Holmes, who established a friendly manner and made conversations with her very easy and casual, with which I am very happy.’

‘The team will go further and all the way to make sure clients get their maximum of benefits.’

‘Corinne Holmes couldn’t be more helpful and clear with all details.’

Key clients

Rok Construction Limited

Jean Falle

CNR Construction

Maillard & Co

Unite the Union

Amity Partners Sarl

Royal College of Nursing

British Cycling Association

Work highlights

  • Represented a client in the Royal Court and Court of Appeal, successfully seeking to establish Jersey law ancillary rights to contractual servitudes.
  • Representing a defendant in a maritime law personal injury case.

Jersey > Employment Tier 2

Viberts‘collaborative’ employment team is adept at representing both claimants and defendants in claims concerning negligence and discrimination before tribunals, and also regularly handles subsequent appeals to the Royal Court. The firm also handles M&A-linked employment matters, contractual and regulatory issues. Vicky Milner leads the practice, supporting senior employees and employers in complex matters concerning claims of discrimination, negligence and psychiatric injury. Giles Emmanuel, who heads the firm’s dispute resolution team, regularly handles compromise agreements, breaches of contract claims and personal injury cases. Chris Hendry specialises in advising clients from the financial services sector on employment law.

Practice head(s):

Vicky Milner

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘Vicky Milner is an expert in employment law and provided excellent, pragmatic and sensitive guidance to address an unusual scenario for us.’

‘Viberts has an excellent team of employment lawyers who are able to work collaboratively to provide sound advice on matters which are outside the usual HR issues. I note their diligence in keeping on top of an issue, which in the case of my company, was ongoing for over a year. I was also impressed with their compassion, as the case involved a sensitive issue.’

‘My experience was one of a collaborative and good-humoured approach between partner and associate who worked together to provide me with high quality advice which was also both practical and pragmatic in approach. Such an approach can be particularly important in employment-related matters, which often involve both sensitive and emotional issues and client reactions.’

‘Vicky Milner has an obvious and reassuring level of technical expertise. Chris Hendry has a high level of technical expertise and both provide their advice in a comprehensible manner, taking a practical, pragmatic and good-humoured approach. Both are, by way of example, tactfully able to suggest a client approach which might be different to that which the client initially and instinctively wants to follow but which would not be in the client’s best interests.’

Key clients

ROK Construction Limited

Institute of Law

Unite the Union

Work highlights

  • Appeared as independent adviser to the Royal Court of Jersey in a matter concerning the autonomy of Jersey’s employment law systems.
  • Represented a senior lawyer in proceedings brought against him by the Law Society of Jersey.
  • Represented the Institute of Law in litigation brought against the client by its former Director of Studies.

Jersey > Private client, trusts and tax Tier 2

Viberts advises HNWIs, law firms and financial institutions on the drafting of wills and estate planning, in addition to trusts matters. The practice is led jointly by international succession planning and asset protection specialist Christopher ScholefieldZoe Blomfield, who handles complex matters relating to estate planning; and Charles Thacker, who supports clients seeking grants of probate and assists with other matters concerning the administration of estates. Eleanor Colley handles matters concerning trusts, with a focus on contentious issues.

Practice head(s):

Christopher Scholefield; Zoe Blomfield; Charles Thacker

Other key lawyers:

Eleanor Colley; Karla Summer-Shaw; Ashley Bidmead

Testimonials

‘Takes time to understand what is required and finds ways to deal with it.’

‘Good, comprehensive experience and wise advice for private clients, on all aspects.’

‘The person who stands out is Christopher Scholefield, whose breadth of knowledge and experience is outstanding.’

‘A good selection of lawyers available to deal with our requests – very insightful practice and they try to get behind the client – it’s not all about fees!’

‘Willingness to help, provide guidance and reassurance to clients. They involve all parties in the workstream – clients and advisers.’

‘The team has supported us with various transactions over the past 10 years. They have been consistent and accommodating.’

‘The individuals are diligent, approachable and competent.’

Key clients

Stephanie Jagger

Zedra Trust Company Limited

Work highlights

  • Advised on and arranged for renunciation from a will, leading to a transfer of £30m worth of property from an estate.

Jersey > Banking and finance Tier 3

The banking and finance practice at Viberts is ‘quick to deliver’ on matters including refinancing, syndicated loans and Sharia-compliant financing arrangements, with particular strength in real estate transactions. Paul Wilson heads up the team. Christopher Scholefield and James Lawrence lead the firm’s work on behalf of Lloyds Bank; the former is also noted for Jersey trusts expertise, while the latter also advises other lenders on bonds and securitisations. Senior associate Oliver Hughes advises financial service sector clients on a range of financing issues.

Practice head(s):

Paul Wilson

Testimonials

‘The team was great, very responsive and quick to deliver. They also proposed ways of bulk processing documents to keep the costs down, which was appreciated.’

‘Good, rounded advice and drafting. Emphasis on common sense and readable use of English language.’

‘Oliver Hughes and Paul Wilson were both helpful and thoughtful.’

‘A reliable and capable firm; very responsive and helpful.’

‘Oliver Hughes is our go-to person. Always helpful and points us to the right person if he is unable to help. A pleasure to work with.’

‘Good attention to detail, helpful team.’

‘Great to deal with and prompt attention given to tasks.’

Viberts provide a first class service that suits all the needs of a sizable firm operating in construction.’

Key clients

Accuro Financial Services

Amity Financial Services

Beaulieu School

Bracken Rothwell

Brooks MacDonald

Camerons

Caprica Cultivation Co Ltd

Caxton Holding Company Ltd

Channel 103

Citrus Kapital Ltd

CNR Construction

De La Salle School

EFG Financial Services

Equiom Financial Services

Fairway Financial Services

Fiduchi Financial Services

Jersey Hospice

JMEC Construction

Omega Financial Services

Osmium Property Holdings

Q3 Group

Rathbones Financial Services

Ravenscroft Financial Services

RBC

RK Investments Limited

Standard Bank

Al Mubarakia Ltd

Eden Limited

Claremont L4 Holdings Limited

St Philips Care Home Group

JMEC Group

Rydale Investments Limited

RK Investments Limited

Lynson Limited

Lloyds Bank

BBA Accountants

BDO Accountants

Andium Homes Ltd

Coutts

Zedra Trust Company Limited

Caxton

Criptyque

Omega Financial Services (Jersey) Limited

FCC Construction Limited

Dominion Financial Services

Aztec Financial Services

BDO

LassWho?

Treasure Quest Limited

Highvern Trust Company Limited

Pentera Trust Company Limited

Shufl Venture Capital Limited

KPMG

BCK Holdings Limited

Saltgate Limited

CNR Constructeur SAS

Baccata Financial Services

IQ EQ Financial Services

Lloyds Bank

Forward Group Financial Services

Tobacco Dock Limited

BCI Asset Finance Limited

Dunningham Investments Limited

Revoke Limited

Fox Managed Services (CI) Limited

Level 4 Developments Limited

J.J. Fox International Limited

Rossborough Financial Services

Longulf Trading (UK) Limited

Oak Financial Services

Oak Trustees (Jersey) Limited

Oak Group (Jersey) Limited

Financial Consultants (Jersey) Limited

Cynergy Bank Limited

Zero1 Limited

Regal Construction (Jersey) Limited

Pomroy Limited

Ready Plant (2019) Limited

ROK Construction Limited

Jersey Oyster Company Limited

HLG Holdings (Jersey) Limited

GlenQ Financial Services

ROK FCC JV

Comnexa

Work highlights

  • Advised Al-Mubarakia and its various SPVs on a Sharia-compliant refinancing with an international bank.
  • Advised on a syndicated loan for St Philips Care Home Group.
  • Advising Lloyds Bank on various banking and finance transactions with corporate, LP and individual borrowers.

Jersey > Corporate and commercial Tier 3

Viberts advises regulated and non-regulated Jersey-based clients on M&A, handling both local and cross-border matters, with particular expertise in assisting financial services and real estate companies. Leading the team is M&A specialist Paul Wilson, who also assists with insolvency and restructuring matters. Christopher Scholefield focuses on start-ups, regulatory requirements and restructuring, in addition to advising on partnership and shareholder issues. Oliver Hughes was made senior associate in February 2022, and typically advises financial services and real estate clients on corporate trnsactions. Irene Blöch advises on M&A and associated due diligence and corporate migrations.

Practice head(s):

Paul Wilson

Testimonials

‘The Viberts team was quick, cost-effective and efficient in completing the job specified.’

‘Irene Blöch and Oliver Hughes did a great job for our company.’

‘Very helpful and considered advice. Think through all aspects and prepare paperwork accordingly.’

‘Paul Wilson is a valuable resource dealing with corporate deals.’

‘We would like to commend Christopher Scholefield for his consistently high level of advice, always delivered with pragmatism and attention to detail. We would also like to highly commend Irene Blöch. Irene always delivers an excellent service. She goes the extra mile to get a job done. It has been a pleasure to work with her.’

‘The Viberts corporate and commercial practice have an extremely strong team, built up with experienced and knowledgeable lawyers.’

‘Christopher Scholefield and Paul Wilson are leaders in their fields and are supported by an exceptional team of senior and upcoming lawyers. They are proactive and provide top quality service time and again.’

‘Excellent team. Readily accessible and easy to communicate with. Strong level of experience and knowledge of this sector on the Island. Billing is transparent and simple to understand.’

Key clients

Accuro Financial Services

Amity Financial Services

Beaulieu School

Bracken Rothwell

Brooks MacDonald

Camerons

Caprica Cultivation Co Ltd

Caxton Holding Company Ltd

Channel 103

Citrus Kapital Ltd

CNR Construction

De La Salle School

EFG Financial Services

Equiom Financial Services

Fairway Financial Services

Fiduchi Financial Services

Jersey Hospice

JMEC Construction

Omega Financial Services

Osmium Property Holdings

Q3 Group

Rathbones Financial Services

Ravenscroft Financial Services

RBC

RK Investments Limited

Standard Bank

Al Mubarakia Ltd

Eden Limited

Claremont L4 Holdings Limited

St Philips Care Home Group

JMEC Group

Rydale Investments Limited

RK Investments Limited

Lynson Limited

Lloyds Bank

BBA Accountants

BDO Accountants

Andium Homes Ltd

Coutts

Zedra Trust Company Limited

Caxton

Criptyque

Omega Financial Services (Jersey) Limited

FCC Construction Limited

Dominion Financial Services

Aztec Financial Services

BDO

LassWho?

Treasure Quest Limited

Highvern Trust Company Limited

Pentera Trust Company Limited

Shufl Venture Capital Limited

KPMG

BCK Holdings Limited

Saltgate Limited

CNR Constructeur SAS

Baccata Financial Services

IQ EQ Financial Services

Lloyds Bank

Forward Group Financial Services

Tobacco Dock Limited

BCI Asset Finance Limited

Dunningham Investments Limited

Revoke Limited

Fox Managed Services (CI) Limited

Level 4 Developments Limited

J.J. Fox International Limited

Rossborough Financial Services

Longulf Trading (UK) Limited

Oak Financial Services

Oak Trustees (Jersey) Limited

Oak Group (Jersey) Limited

Financial Consultants (Jersey) Limited

Cynergy Bank Limited

Zero1 Limited

Regal Construction (Jersey) Limited

Pomroy Limited

Ready Plant (2019) Limited

ROK Construction Limited

Jersey Oyster Company Limited

HLG Holdings (Jersey) Limited

GlenQ Financial Services

ROK FCC JV

Comnexa

Work highlights

  • Advised the shareholders of Omega Financial Services (Jersey) on the sale of the insurance company to a publicly listed company.
  • Advised The Caxton Holding Company on its crowdfunding on CrowdCube, a digital crowdfunding platform.
  • Advising on the inward investment and restructuring of a corporate group comprising property holding and trading companies, including a major estate agency business.

Founded in Jersey in the 1930’s Viberts is a full-service law firm dedicated to providing outstanding legal advice and customer service, both locally and internationally.

Our clients range from private individuals to multinational corporations, local businesses and public authorities. We are large enough to offer a full service but small enough that each client has direct contact with one of our partners. We always take a pragmatic approach so that we can deal with matters as efficiently and commercially as possible but are also compassionate and understanding when it comes to sensitive issues.

We value and support our staff and in return have fostered a stable and loyal team that means clients benefit from continuity of service and a considerable depth of knowledge and experience.

Department Name Email Telephone
Private Client Zoe Blomfield, Managing Partner zoe.blomfield@viberts.com
Private Client Charles Thacker, Partner charles.thacker@viberts.com
Corporate Law Paul Wilson, Partner paul.wilson@viberts.com
Corporate Law Christopher Scholefield, Partner christopher.scholefield@viberts.com
Employment Law Vicky Milner, Partner vicky.milner@viberts.com
Family Law Rose Colley, Partner rose.colley@viberts.com
Dispute Resolution Giles Emmanuel, Partner giles.emmanuel@viberts.com
Property Law James Lawrence, Partner james.lawrence@viberts.com
Property Law Paul Harben, Partner paul.harben@viberts.com
Photo Name Position Profile
Zoe Blomfield photo Advocate Zoe Blomfield Zoe joined Viberts in 2004 and whilst being the firm’s Managing Partner,…
Rose Colley photo Advocate Rose Colley Rose joined Viberts in 2000 and heads the family law team. She…
Eleanor Colley photo Ms Eleanor Colley Eleanor has expertise in dealing with corporate and trust law matters. Eleanor…
James Lawrence photo Advocate James Lawrence Often described as one of the Island’s most talented property lawyers, James…
Christopher Scholefield photo Advocate Christopher Scholefield Christopher is a partner and heads the corporate and trust team at…
Charles Thacker photo Advocate Charles Thacker Charles is a Senior Partner and Advocate in the personal law department.…
Paul Wilson photo Advocate Paul Wilson Paul is a Partner and has 25 years of experience in corporate…
Photo Name Position Profile
Giles Emmanuel photo Giles Emmanuel Giles joined Viberts in January 2019 and heads the dispute resolution department.…
Paul Harben photo Paul Harben Paul has extensive knowledge and experience of Jersey commercial property transactions. Paul…
Corinne Holmes photo Corinne Holmes Corinne has gained extensive experience in a wide range of personal injury…
Emily Paris-Hunter photo Emily Paris-Hunter Emily’s career has involved principally commercial work, but also general private client…
Photo Name Position Profile
Vicky Milner photo Advocate Vicky Milner Vicky joined Viberts in 2020. She is widely recognised as the “go…
Partners : 9
Other fee earners : 34
Administrators : 11
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