DQ > Douglas, Isle Of Man > Firm Profile

DQ > The Legal 500 Rankings

Isle of Man > Employment Tier 1

DQ‘s employment department has significant experience in all aspects of contentious and non-contentious employment law, with a particular focus on the e-gaming, governmental and financial services sectors. Recent focus areas for the team include senior level disputes, regulator sanctions and restrictive covenants, as well employment issues stemming from M&A. The team is led by ‘diligent, tenacious and tireless’ Leanne McKeown , who is regularly instructed by major e-gaming employers in a variety of disputes and regulatory enforcement matters. Joshua Quinn joined the firm from M&P Legal in 2023 with a focus on contentious employment matters. Jessica McManus handles a broad range employment law issues, including highly sensitive issues such as sexual harassment between colleagues. Mark Emery is another key member of the team.

Isle of Man > Private client, trusts and tax Tier 1

The trusts and private client team at DQ works across the spectrum of the market, offering a range of advice on matters such as tax investigations, wills and probates. Annemarie Hughes is a trust and private client specialist with a particular focus on international tax investigations and TIEA requests. Donna Matthews advises trustees, directors and financial institutions on day to day trust administration, as well as complex restructurings of existing trust structures.

Isle of Man > Banking, finance and capital markets Tier 2

The banking and finance team at DQ offers considerable experience in tax, regulatory and compliance services for international clients operating in the Isle of Man. Corporate head Andrew Harding advises on significant secured financing matters on behalf of both lenders and borrowers. Mark Dougherty is a key contact on the team with considerable experience in ship financing in the Isle of Man and Bermuda. Donna Matthews advises on trust, commercial and insurance matters while Adam Killip handles a broad range of regulatory matters.

Isle of Man > Corporate and commercial Tier 2

Coupled with the firm’s strong tax, regulatory and compliance services, the corporate and commercial team at DQ is able to handle a wide range of matters domestically and internationally, particularly in relation to M&A, restructuring and regulatory work. Practice head Andrew Harding is experienced in financial services regulation, while managing director Mark Dougherty is an expert in corporate and commercial law in both the Isle of Man and Bermuda. Annemarie Hughes focuses on commercial matters related to trusts and Adam Killip is an expert in the regulatory aspects of blockchain and cryptocurrency. Donna Matthews supports local and international clients complex restructurings as well as day to day matters.

Isle of Man > Dispute resolution Tier 2

DQ‘s dispute resolution team is experienced across all levels of court in the Isle of Man and regularly acts on a range of complex high profile disputes, including those surrounding insolvency, shareholder disputes, employment and professional negligence. Practice head Leanne McKeown is an expert in employment law in addition to civil and commercial litigation, particularly those surrounding breaches of directors’ duties and e-disclosure process management. Mark Emery is experienced in a range of commercial disputes and is a accomplished senior courtroom Advocate. Joshua Quinn and Jessica McManus are also important members of the team.

Isle of Man > Insurance and pensions Tier 2

DQ‘s insurance and pensions team is experienced in handling a broad range of pensions matters, advising a number of local and international clients on insurance and pensions matter. In addition, the team often works with the dispute resolution team to support clients with insurance litigation. Practice head Annemarie Hughes is ‘a talented and knowledgeable lawyer’ and recognised specialist in the pensions industry. Andrew Harding is experienced in financial services regulation, particularly when acting on behalf of insurers.

Isle of Man > Shipping and aviation Tier 2

DQ supports a wide variety of clients in the shipping sector with ross-border transactions while also advising on the financing of new builds, registration and enforcement of security documents. In aviation, the team supports buyers and sellers on multijurisdictional transactions and the importation and registration of aircrafts. Mark Dougherty has experience in ship financing transactions based in both the Isle of Man and Bermuda, while Donna Matthews regularly acts for some of the largest ship finance lenders in the market.