DQ > Douglas, Isle Of Man > Firm Profile
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DQ > The Legal 500 Rankings
Isle of Man > Employment Tier 1
DQ‘s multi-faceted team has expertise in all areas of employment law and currently advises a wide range of clients, including large financial institutions, e-gaming companies and government bodies. Practice head Leanne McKeown is an expert on all matters pertaining to employment on the Isle of Man, having assisted clients with matters ranging from constructive dismissal claims to breaches of contract. She is also a qualified data protection practitioner. Associates Mark Emery and Jessica McManus are skilled at handling contentious and non-contentious employment issues.Practice head(s):
Leanne McKeown
Other key lawyers:
Mark Emery; Jessica McManus
Testimonials
‘Leanne McKeown is technically excellent and very client focused. She is diligent and decisive and able to present her advice and legal submissions in a user friendly form – an asset in what can be an intimidating process.’
‘Leanne McKeown is always a pleasure to work with, she will always make time to discuss matters which are urgent or time critical and she is discreet and very knowledgeable.’
‘They are exceptional as a set of advisors – particularly in relation to compliance, data protection and employment matters.’
‘From the first telephone call, the response has been excellent. Their ability and willingness to react quickly and outside of hours in order to get the job done, is commendable.’
‘Mark Emery has been extremely responsive throughout and his advice has been delivered professionally.’
‘The team operate at a high level and are the leading employment service providers on the Island.’
‘Mark Emery very responsive and articulate, providing excellent advice and guidance.’
Key clients
Equiom Trust Services Limited
Derivco
MAS Real Estate Inc.
IQ-EQ (Isle of Man) Limited
Dohle (IOM) Limited
Dandara
Flutter Entertainment Plc
Work highlights
- Advised IQ-EQ (Isle of Man) Limited on enforcing restrictive covenant against three former employees and pursuing a High Court claim in damages.
- Advised Equiom Trust Services Limited (ETSL) on the breach of contract and fiduciary duties of a senior member of the company and statutory director.
- Advised and acted on behalf of Dohle (IOM) Limited in arbitration proceedings in a dispute with a former senior employee.
Isle of Man > Private client, trusts and tax Tier 1
DQ‘s trusts and private client team is able to offer a wide range of advice on matters ranging from tax investigations to wills and probate. The team is led by Annemarie HughesPractice head(s):
Annemarie Hughes; Donna Matthews; Greg Jones
Other key lawyers:
Mark Emery
Testimonials
‘DQ have provided tax and legal advice regarding international matters and we have found them to be professional, responsive and pragmatic. They provided estimates of costs and kept us up to date with billing so there were no surprises. We found them to be experienced and confident in advising us and would certainly work with them again on similar matters.’
‘DQ were extremely responsive and worked with us on a number of transactions that required time sensitive attention, technical input and adapting to different requirements at the eleventh hour. It is one of the best collaborative approach firms that I have worked with in the IOM and have recommended them to other professionals who have had a similar experience.’
‘A very approachable team. Go out of their way to exceed client expectations. Reasonable rates and fair pricing.’
‘Annemarie Hughes has proven to be a very valued asset to DQ. Very approachable. Explains my queries in ‘layman’s terms’. Always meets deadlines, however tight. A lovely sunny disposition and so knowledgeable. Always my first choice.’
‘DQ attorneys are extremely skilled in their respective practice areas. They have strong relationships with other firms and government personnel. They are responsive to queries from clients, government agencies, opposing counsel, and third parties. Their judgement is sound and their advice is measured. It is a pleasure to work with them.’
‘DQ offer a professional service and have been a source of solid advice that has been invaluable in informing our decision-making, during some challenging times. Annemarie Hughes’ advice was crucial to helping us make progress.’
‘Annemarie Hughes is very knowledgeable in respect of trust law and has always provided a first class service. She has always been very approachable and any response are swift and considered.’
‘The team is knowledgeable, quick to respond and helpful. They offer solutions that is practical and not only legally sound but simple and effective. They find solutions rather than only point out the errors and weaknesses.’
Work highlights
- Acting for a beneficiary in contesting the validity of his late father’s Last Will and Testament on the basis that his father lacked testamentary capacity at the time of giving instructions and executing the same.
Isle of Man > Banking, finance and capital markets Tier 2
DQ's team has a wealth of experience in matters ranging from ship financing to property transactions. Department head Andrew Harding specialises in advising banks and lenders with regards to secured financing. He also has a strong understanding of the Isle of Man's financial regulations, having chaired its Wealth & Fund Services Association. Mark Dougherty is well-known for his ship financing experience and also advises clients on major corporate transactions. Donna Matthews also has experience in ship financing and is head of the firm's aviation team. Newly promoted associate director Adam Killip assists clients with matters ranging from mergers and acquisitions to regulatory compliance.Practice head(s):
Andrew Harding
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank
Santander Corporate & Commercial Banking
Entain plc
Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft Filiale Deutschlandgeschäft
Norddeutsche Landesbank Girozentrale
Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank Limited
HSH Nordbank AG
Societe Generale
KfW IPEX BANK GmbH
Nomura International
Bank of Ireland
Irish Permanent International
TowerBrook Capital Partners
DNB Bank ASA
Citibank N.A., London Branch
AIB ISL
Credit Suisse
UniCredit Bank AG
Ulster Bank
Union Bancaire Privée, UBP SA
Floreat Group
Dandara Group
Work highlights
- Sole Isle of Man counsel for Entain Plc; work highlights include advising in connection with a restructuring involving the cancellation of loan notes listed on The International Stock Exchange (TISE), assisting in the name change, acting on their behalf in various transactions in relation to the merger of Ladbrokes and Coral and advising in respect of a recent refinancing.
- Advising a syndicate of lenders on the Isle of Man aspects of a debt holiday package in respect of a US£500 million loan facility.
- Advising Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank and Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank in relation to the Sea Bridge Finance Limited joint venture.
Isle of Man > Corporate and commercial Tier 2
DQ is a local firm with an international outlook and reach via their membership of international law firm alliance TAG Law. The team specialises in M&A, restructuring and regulatory work. Andrew Harding is the head of the corporate division, and is experienced in financial services regulation. Mark Dougherty specialises in banking, capital markets, M&A and shipping. The group has expertise in other fields, including trusts, commercial and insurance matters. Annemarie HughesPractice head(s):
Andrew Harding
Other key lawyers:
Mark Dougherty; Annemarie Hughes; Donna Matthews; Adam Killip; Rachel Winterbach
Testimonials
‘Helpful and personable.’
‘A professional and pleasant team to deal with who are extremely reactive and sensitive to the commercial needs of their clients.’
‘I appreciate their pragmatic approach to any issues that may be encountered to ensure we achieve our goal within the timescale and budget required.’
‘DQ were extremely responsive and worked with us on a number of transactions that required time sensitive attention, technical input and adapting to different requirements at the eleventh hour. It is one of the best collaborative approach firms that I have worked with in the IOM and have recommended them to other professionals who have had a similar experience.’
‘Very approachable firm, with all facets of legal matters dealt with.’
‘Very personable and knowledgeable individuals.’
‘The team at DQ is first class. They make excellent use of technology and are collaborative by default. We are active in many countries and markets so we find the culturally aware and internationally diverse approach of DQ very welcoming.’
‘We work closely with Adam Killip and Rachel Winterbach. They are at the top of their game and know how to apply their extensive commercial experience to fast moving mobile app and digital health markets. They take the time to understand what we need and answer our questions quickly and accurately.’
Key clients
Entain Plc (Formally GCV Plc)
Towerbrook Capital Partners
IQE Limited
H/2 Capital Partners
Cavendish Trust Company Limited
The Montreux Healthcare Fund plc
National Asset Management Agency
BoyleSports
TLC Consolidated ULC
Addleshaw Goddard
SMP Partners Limited
Equiom (Isle Of Man) Limited
Cavendish Trust Company Limited
Turnstone (Isle of Man) Limited
Geodrill Limited
Baker Tilly
Work highlights
- Instructed as sole Isle of Man counsel for Entain in a number of matters, including a restructuring involving the cancellation of loan notes listed on The International Stock Exchange (TISE), assisting with the name change, and advising on various transactions concerning the merger of Ladbrokes and Coral.
- Advising ATLA group on the acquisition of pensions provider Fedelta Pensions and the funding of such acquisition from an institutional lender.
Isle of Man > Dispute resolution Tier 2
DQ is experienced in acting at all levels of the Isle of Man courts, handling commercial disputes, partnership and shareholder disputes as well as employment, insurance, regulatory and professional negligence cases, and clients consider the unit to be ‘the best firm on the island for complex trust and estate matters’. The ‘very efficient’ practitioners also frequently act for a number of the island’s corporate service providers as well as for local banks and local authorities. Leanne McKeown heads the practice and has particular expertise in acting for defendants in breach of duty cases. ‘Strong up and comer’ Mark Emery is the firm’s specialist for contentious insolvency and restructuring matters.Practice head(s):
Leanne McKeown
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘In my experience this is the best firm on the island for complex trust and estate matters. They combine local knowledge with expertise on international trusts and UK tax issues. I would not recommend anyone else on the island.’
‘Mark Emery – he is a strong up and comer. Completely hands on with our large matter he sees clearly what the goals are and how we are going to achieve them.’
‘The team is energetic and responsive, more than happy to challenge longer established practitioners.’
‘Leanne McKeown and Mark Emery head the team – both are approachable and have the knack of presenting advice in an easily digestable form. I have been impressed with the quality of their written work whether by way of advice or submissions to the Court which inspires confidence.’
‘DQ is a highly responsive and credible legal firm with a particular focus on insolvency matters in the Isle of Man spearheaded by the very capable Mark Emery. They are a very good firm to deal with, commercially minded and comprising ambitious lawyers supported by an excellent team. Their branding is edgy and reflects a firm on the up.’
‘Mark Emery stands out for his depth of experience which means he can quickly assess complex matters and give good strategic advice. He has an excellent inter-personal manner, highly professional and very approachable.’
‘The team are very responsive and easy to deal. Their knowledge and experience is appreciated with complicated matters.’
‘DQ understood what we were trying to achieve in their jurisdiction and provided us with a solution to achieve that objective in the most costs effective way. They were extremely efficient to respond to our queries and provide their opinion on progressing the matter.’
Key clients
Suntera (IOM) Limited
Greystone LLC
Baker Tilly Isle of Man Fiduciaries Limited
Concept Fiduciaries Limited
Turnstone (Isle of Man) Limited
Hermitage One Limited
Cayman National Bank (Isle of Man) Limited
Manx Telecom Limited
Dohle (IOM) Limited
Oakmayne Properties Regeneration Limited
Equiom (Isle of Man) Limited Ramsey Town Commissioners
Arragon Jaguars Limited
Work highlights
- Acted for Hermitage One Limited in a hybrid three-day witness trial relating to a US$15 million financing of a bombardier aircraft, in the wider context of multi-jurisdictional proceedings relating to a $3 billion Russian divorce.
- Acted for the directors of Falmouth Developments Limited and Oakmayne Properties (Regeneration) Limited in defending a multi-million pound claim related to allegations of fraudulent breaches of directors’ duties in the context of a multi-million pound property development at Cornwall Terrace, Regent’s Park, London.
- Successfully obtained the urgent recognition in the Isle of Man of English joint trustees in bankruptcy in order to assist with ascertaining whether the bankrupt had any interest in an Isle of Man company, suspected of owning English properties with a value of between £5-5.6 million.
Isle of Man > Insurance and pensions Tier 2
DQ is considered by some clients as the 'first point of contact for legal and regulatory advice' regarding pensions matters, as well as advising both local and international clients on the full range of insurance and pensions matters. Additionally, the team is able to represent clients in insurance litigation. Director and practice head Annemarie HughesPractice head(s):
Annemarie Hughes
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Easy to speak to in respect of all matters relating to pensions work. An excellent understanding of the core products and requirements for industry. Willingness to listen to alternative points of view to ensure work is completed to the exact requirements of the client.’
‘Annemarie Hughes is always willing to go the extra mile to ensure that the client gets what is needed. She is happy to engage with Government and other regulators to meet client expectations.’
‘The area I work in is fairly specialised and niche on the Isle of Man and as such I need to rely on a limited number of legal advisors when required. DQ have consistently helped me meet what can be very demanding and time critical needs over the years which has helped us retain existing and obtain new clients.’
‘My primary contact is always on hand when I need something and appreciates that I often have very demanding needs prompted by my clients. Despite having to have to drop things to support me, there is a never a complaint about having to do so.’
‘DQ are my first point of contact for legal and regulatory advice. They understand the Isle of Man environment and, importantly, how this interfaces with other jurisdictions, in our case the UK.’
Work highlights
- Advised Atla Group on the acquisition of pensions provider Fedelta Pensions Limited.
Isle of Man > Shipping and aviation Tier 2
DQ’s shipping and aviation practice acts for an array of clients that includes aviation companies, commercial airlines, ship managers, ship owners, shipyards, banks and service providers and is particularly noted for its advice regarding ship financing matters. Mark Dougherty heads the shipping team and specialises in ship financing matters, such as advice relating to senior secured ship mortgage loans, loan facilities and re-financings. The aviation team is headed by Donna Matthews who is also experienced in dealing with insolvencies in the shipping sector. The team was joined by Paul Cawley in October 2021; he assists with the tax aspects of, in particular, yachting and aviation matters.Practice head(s):
Mark Dougherty; Donna Matthews
Key clients
Ray Car Carriers Ltd No
Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank
Niki Shipping Ltd
Seven Mile Shipping
Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft Filiale Deutschlandgeschäft
Norddeutsche Landesbank Girozentrale
Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank Limited
HSH Nordbank AG
Watson Farley Williams
Hanjin Shipping
Döhle
Handleys Shipping Ltd
Berge Bulk
DVB Bank SE
DNB Bank ASA
Citibank N.A., London Branch
Blue Water Logistics UK Limited
Credit Suisse
Joh. Berenberg, Gosler & Co. K.G.
UniCredit Bank AG
Ryanair
McDermott Will & Emery
Shoosmiths
DLA Piper
Cavendish Trust Company
Bank of America
Equiom
KPMG
SMP Partners
Lombard
Hogan Lovells International LLP
Ernst & Young
Döhle
Work highlights
- Advised syndicates of banks including KfW IPEX-Bank GmbH, Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank Limited, ABN AMRO, Nordea Bank, Danish Ship Finance A/s and Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB in relation to the financing of all vessels held by Ray Car Carriers Ltd.
- Advised Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank and Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank in relation to the Sea Bridge Finance Limited joint venture.
DQ > Firm Profile
DQ is a leading Isle of Man-based law firm with an international reach, offering a full range of legal, regulatory, compliance and tax services to a local and global client base.
The firm: We are accessible, responsive and commercial with client-oriented strategies and goals. Our specialist lawyers are recommended by industry leaders in numerous reputable guides including Chambers and Partners and The Legal 500.
Our thriving and dynamic practice has seen phenomenal growth in recent years and is capitalising on a simple formula – to provide a quality of service that cannot be exceeded in the Isle of Man, as efficiently as possible.
Partners and other lawyers at the firm have practised at some of the leading law firms in the Isle of Man, Cayman, Bermuda and Guernsey. DQ provides a highly responsive, bespoke service at competitive rates and is regarded by clients and competitors alike for its pragmatic and commercial ‘can-do’ approach to clients’ requirements and quick turnaround times.
Types of work undertaken: DQ has a leading regulatory and compliance team in the Isle of Man, with significant experience advising on all aspects of regulatory and compliance matters, including establishing financial services businesses, data protection, regulatory enforcement and international tax and securities investigations. Three members of the team are accredited data protection practitioners. In addition the team engages regularly with the island’s regulators and is at the forefront of lobbying for pragmatism in any changes to the island’s regulatory and AML regime.
DQ has expertise in an extensive range of corporate and commercial matters involving the Isle of Man. Clients include local and multinational corporations, insurance companies, banks, public bodies, entrepreneurs and HNWIs. DQ also has established relationships with City, European and US law firms. Areas of expertise include mergers and acquisitions, banking and finance, insurance, listings, directors’ duties and corporate governance, partnerships/limited partnerships, investment funds, gambling, employment and pensions.
The team was the sole Isle of Man legal adviser to one of the largest e-gaming/e-business acquisitions of 2016 (with a deal value of around £1.2bn) when GVC Holdings plc successfully bid for, and acquired, bwin.party Digital Entertainment and in 2018 in the GVC Group’s takeover of Ladbrokes Coral, the UK’s biggest high street bookmaker, with a deal value of around £3.9bn.
DQ leads the way in shipping on the island and works with some of the biggest names in the ship industry . The team has extensive experience of advising on the finance of new builds, purchases and the preparation, registration and enforcement of related security documents.
Dispute resolution expertise includes fraud and asset recovery, restructuring and insolvency, contractual matters, commercial disputes, estate and trust disputes, judicial review, insurance and medical negligence, public and administrative law, data protection disputes and property litigation. The top-ranked employment team advises trust and corporate services providers, banks, charities and both private and public sector employers on issues ranging from day-to-day HR queries through to complex corporate restructuring and litigation.
The tier one ranked specialist private client, trusts and pensions team provides a complete, integrated service to local and international clients. The team also provides specialist advice on establishing and administering Isle of Man foundations and Isle of Man hybrid companies. Clients include banks, corporate trustees and other leading institutions both on and off the Isle of Man as well as individuals who are non-UK domiciled and wish to use an Isle of Man structure.
DQ’s strategic aim is to maintain excellence in its core sectors and to continue to provide clients with creative, innovative and commercial solutions.
Our directors serve on various governmental and private sector steering groups, tribunals and committees.
DQ is also the sole Isle of Man member of TAGLaw, an international alliance of high-quality, independent law firms.
Main Contacts
Department | Name | Telephone | |
---|---|---|---|
Corporate and commercial | Mark Dougherty | mark@dq.im | |
Corporate and commercial | Andrew Harding | andrew.harding@dq.im | |
Dispute Resolution and Employment | Leanne McKeown | leanne@dq.im | |
Regulatory and compliance | Sinead O'Connor | sinead@dq.im | |
Shipping | Mark Dougherty | mark@dq.im | |
Trust and private client | Annemarie Hughes | annemarie@dq.im | |
Shipping | Donna Matthews | donna@dq.im | |
Dispute Resolution | Mark Emery | mark.emery@dq.im |
Lawyer Profiles
Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
---|---|---|---|
![]() | Ruth Costain | Senior Associate. Ruth has appeared before all levels of the Isle of… | View Profile |
![]() | Mark Dougherty | Managing Director. Mark has extensive experience in the Isle of Man in… | View Profile |
![]() | Mark Emery | Director. Since qualifying as a Manx Advocate in 2012 Mark has regularly… | View Profile |
![]() | Andrew Harding | Director. Andrew has significant experience in relation to a broad range of… | View Profile |
![]() | Annemarie Hughes | Director and Head of Private Client, Trusts & Pensions. Annemarie has significant… | View Profile |
![]() | Jack Igglesden | Associate | View Profile |
![]() | Greg Jones | Consultant. Greg has experience in all areas of UK and Isle of… | View Profile |
![]() | Adam Killip | Associate Director. Adam’s practice encompasses a broad range of corporate, commercial and… | View Profile |
![]() | Donna Matthews | Associate Director. Donna advises a wide range of international and local institutional… | View Profile |
![]() | Leanne McKeown | Director/Head of Dispute Resolution/Head of Employment. Leanne specialises in commercial disputes, company,… | View Profile |
![]() | Jessica McManus | Associate. Jessica is able to assist and advise clients in a number… | View Profile |
![]() | Joshua Quinn | Senior Associate. Joshua is a highly regarded trial advocate specialising in employment,… | View Profile |
![]() | Barry Smith | Consultant. Barry’s specialist areas of practice are mergers and acquisitions, secured lending;… | View Profile |
![]() | Rachel Winterbach | Associate. Rachel is an admitted attorney in South Africa and a Trainee… | View Profile |
Staff Figures
Number of Isle of Man partners : 5 Number of other Isle of Man fee-earners : 15Memberships
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