McKinney, Bancroft & Hughes

McKinney, Bancroft & Hughes is proud to announce that the firm has once again been ranked in the top tier of Chambers and Partners, a prestigious global legal directory that ranks the most outstanding law firms and lawyers across 180 jurisdictions worldwide. This year, the firm received 'Band1' rankings in General Business Law and General Business Law: Dispute Resolution. Seven of our attorneys were also singled out for special mention. In General Business Law Dispute Resolution, Senior Partner John Wilson KC received a ‘Band 1’ ranking. Partner Sean Moree KC received a ‘Band 2’ ranking and a ‘Band 3’ ranking was conferred on Partner Kevin Moree. The directory bestowed an Up and Coming rating on Partner Vanessa Smith. In General Business Law, Chambers and Partners also conferred a ‘Band 2’ ranking on Partner Kimberley Rolle, an Up and Coming rating on Partner Gia Sands, and a Senior Statespeople ranking on H. Campbell Cleare III. This recognition reflects McKinney, Bancroft & Hughes’ unwavering dedication to legal excellence, client service, and industry leadership. We congratulate our firm and distinguished attorneys on this well-earned achievement and take pride in our continued contributions to the legal profession. For more information, visit Chambers.com and the Chambers Global rankings. Client Feedback published in Chambers “The team have shown a deep understanding of Bahamian law and profound experience with the Bahamian legal procedures in order to defend our company in court.” “John Wilson KC is extremely smart. He can produce the right strategic advice immediately off the top of his head.”  “Sean Moree KC is able to analyse matters and disseminate back to us in an easily digestible way.”  “Kevin Moree is an outstanding lawyer who has taken on the legal representation of our company in court with the highest level of dedication and service standards.”  “Kimberley Rolle is an excellent attorney. Her knowledge and thorough approach to work engender a sense of confidence that one is well represented.”  “Vanessa Smith is a very capable up-and-coming lawyer.”  “Gia Sands is an up-and-comer who is a really strong drafter and negotiator.”  “Campbell Cleare is a talented real estate and general corporate counsel who is very adept at drafting contracts, and a very strong advocate, as well as a good negotiator.”   

McKinney, Bancroft & Hughes is pleased to announce the appointment of four distinguished associates, further strengthening our commitment to excellence and client service. Theominique D. Nottage Is an Associate in the Admiralty, Shipping & Aviation, Litigation and Dispute Resolution and Trusts and Private Client practice groups. With a Master of Laws with Merit in Comparative and International Dispute Resolution from the School of International Arbitration, Queen Mary, University of London, as a Chevening Scholar, Theominique has received specialised training that includes a Distinction in International Award Writing from both her alma mater and the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators. Theominique also holds a Bachelor of Arts with Integral Honours in International Studies and Spanish from Le Moyne College, a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) from The University of the West Indies, and recently completed the United Nations Fellowship Regional Course in International Law for Latin America and the Caribbean, which adds depth to her understanding of complex cross­border legal matters. Since being admitted to the Bar of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas in October 2015, Theominique has held roles in both the public and private sectors. She acted formerly as an Arbitration Consultant to the Government of The Bahamas, leading initiatives to establish The Bahamas as a premier jurisdiction for ADA in the Americas with her achievements including legislative reform, the enactment of the UNCITRAL Model Law and the creation of collaborative partnerships with key industry stakeholders like the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre. Gabrielle D. Wilson is an Associate in the Corporate & Commercial Transactions and Real Estate practice groups. She attended West Virginia University, where she obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. She then obtained a Graduate Diploma of Law with Honours from The University of Law, London Bloomsbury. Gabrielle went on to complete the Bar Vocational Studies program at the City, University of London, and was awarded a Very Competent. In July of 2023, Gabrielle was called to the Bar of England & Wales by the Honourable Society of Lincoln's Inn, and was subsequently admitted to the Bar of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas in October of 2023. Gabrielle is a member of The Honourable Society of Lincoln's Inn, The Bahamas Bar Association, The Bahamas National Trust and the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Floidira M. Collie is an Associate in the Family Law, Litigation & Dispute Resolution, Labour & Employment and Trust & Private Client practice groups. She began her legal studies at Philander Smith College where she graduated Magnum Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science. She then obtained her Bachelor of Laws from the University of The Bahamas with distinction and went on to complete professional training at the Eugene Dupuch Law School. She was then called to The Bahamas Bar in 2020. Floidira's legal career began at the Eugene Dupuch Law School Legal Aid Clinic where she specialized in civil and commercial litigation, matrimonial and family law, and probate and estate planning. Floidira has also been Instrumental in mentoring the next generation of legal professionals as a Legal Aid Course Advisor and Lead Advisor for the Community Legal Aid Programme. Floidira's dedication, coupled with her strong ethical standards, makes her a trusted advocate and counsellor. Her notable achievements include the Munroe & Associates Prize for Most Outstanding Student in Criminal Practice & Procedure (2019) and the Philander Smith College Alpha Kappa Mu Honor Society (2014). RaSean V. Longley ls an Associate in the Financial Services & Regulation, Litigation & Dispute Resolution and Tax and Trade practice groups. She began her academic journey at the College of The Bahamas, earning an Associates of Arts degree with honors in 2016. She then went on to complete a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) with honors at the University of the West Indies In 2019. RaSean then matriculated to the Eugene Dupuch Law School where she obtained her Legal Education Certificate and earned several prestigious awards. RaSean was formally called to the Bahamas Bar in October 2021. RaSean achieved further academic distinction by earning two Diplomas in Anti-Money Laundering and Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) with the International Compliance Association spearheaded by Bahamas Institute of Financial Services and was honored as the top student in the Governance, Risk, and Compliance course. Before transitioning to McKinney, Bancroft & Hughes, RaSean worked as a Judicial Research Counsel with the Office of the Judiciary where she provided in-depth research and support for distinguished Judges on a wide array of legal matters. We are proud to welcome these associates to the firm and look forward to the valuable contribution they will bring to our team.  

McKinney, Bancroft & Hughes is delighted to announce that our Senior Partner, John F. Wilson, K.C., has been ranked in the top tier of Chambers,Chambers High Net Worth, The Legal 500, and IFLR1000 - four of the world’s most prestigious legal directories. This unparalleled achievement makes John one of the only attorneys in The Bahamas to reach this remarkable milestone. Chambers and Partners, a world-renowned legal directory, ranks leading law firms and lawyers in over 180 jurisdictions. This year, John earned a Global Guide ‘Band 1" ranking in General Business Law: Dispute Resolution and a High Net Worth Guide ‘Band 1’ ranking in Offshore: Trusts, recognizing his exceptional expertise in these areas. ‘The Legal 500, a trusted legal industry benchmarking organisation, named John a ‘Leading Partner’ in the Caribbean and most recently, the IFLR1000, the definitive guide to the world's top financial and corporate law firms and lawyers, bestowed upon John the prestigious award of ‘Highly Regarded Lawyer." As a highly accomplished commercial litigator, John is celebrated for his problem-solving acumen and ability to advocate effectively for his clients. A distinguished King's Counsel at the Bahamian Bar, John's advice is sought by institutional trustees, high-net-worth individuals, and investors across diverse sectors. ‘The partners, associates, and consultants of McKinney, Bancroft & Hughes congratulate John on this remarkable achievement and commend his ongoing dedication to upholding the firm's legacy of excellence.  

It is with great pleasure that we announce the promotion of our own Andrew C. D. Smith to Senior Associate. In addition to this role, Andrew has relocated to the firm’s Freeport office to support MB&H’s practice in the Northern Region of The Bahamas. Andrew joined the firm in 2018 and specialises in Tax, financial services, and dispute resolution. His experience makes him an authority on issues relating to the Commercial Entities (Substance Requirements) Act and the Value Added Tax Act. "We are very fortunate to have such a wealth of talent and commitment within the firm and I congratulate Andrew for his dedication and professionalism. I have no doubt he will flourish in his new role." - Senior Partner John F. Wilson KC  

MBH’s Private Client team has achieved a record number of rankings in the newly released Chambers High Net Worth Guide, the publication for go-to individuals and firms in the private wealth sector.` Retaining our Band 1 listing as a firm we have also won a record number of individual lawyer rankings this year, demonstrating our Private Client team’s genuine strength in depth. The Chambers High Net Worth Guide provides an in-depth analysis of the market and ranks the top lawyers and law firms for international private wealth. The guide is used by family offices and professional advisers to high net worth and ultra-high net worth clients around the world. The rankings are based on independent research including interviews with lawyers, family offices, tax advisers, accountants, investment managers and bankers for a comprehensive view of the private wealth sector. Senior Partner John F. Wilson KC and Partner Sean Moree KC both maintain their Band 1 individual rankings. Partner Vanessa Smith retains her “Up and Coming” ranking status whilst Senior Associate Erin Hill is once again ranked as an “Associate to Watch”. Special congratulations are due to Partner Michelle Deveaux who enters the rankings for the first time this year, winning an “Up and Coming” ranking spot. For more information, visit Chambers.com and the Chambers HNW rankings. Client Feedback published in Chambers High Net Worth About the team: "Not only are the partners some of the best in their field, but their associates and other professionals are highly-skilled, trained and effective." About John F. Wilson KC: “"John is an incredibly experienced trust law practitioner and has a wealth of knowledge of the laws in Bahamas. He also has a great instinct for Bahamian courts, so you get real expert insights." About Sean More KC: "Sean is a phenomenal lawyer - extremely knowledgeable and goes over and above what is needed. I rate him 10/10." About Vanessa Smith: "Vanessa offers critical insights and excellent advocacy skills." About Michelle Deveaux: "Michelle is a lawyer that is a rising star. She has great instincts and provides great advice." About Erin Hill: "Practical, thoughtful and manages the case diligently and efficiently, Erin always knows what's going on."