Harneys > Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands > Firm Profile

Harneys > The Legal 500 Rankings

Cayman Islands > Trusts/private client Tier 1

Fielding a 'knowledgeable, experienced team of practitioners who are extremely pragmatic in their approach', Harneys is known for providing comprehensive advice to trust companies, banks, high-net-worth individuals and families on a range of non-contentious and contentious trust matters involving STAR trusts, private trust companies, charitable trusts and foundation companies. ‘Experienced trust practitioner’ Henry Mander chairs the team and notably advises a wide international client base on non-contentious matters. Charles Moore is noted for his ‘wisdom and pragmatism’ in handling contentious and non-contentious trust matters alike, while Jessica Williams prominently appears in significant cross-border trust disputes. Highly valued by a range of Middle Eastern clients, Majdi Beji‘s expertise lies in non-contentious private wealth matters.

Cayman Islands > Dispute resolution Tier 3

Providing ‘legally robust advice that is also grounded in sound commerciality’, Harneys houses a team of seasoned practitioners including managing partner Nick Hoffman, who has recently led on several notable Asian disputes and restructuring cases in Cayman; and cross-border commercial litigation and asset recovery specialist Andrew Johnstone, who leads the litigation, insolvency and restructuring group. With strong experience in trust disputes and multi-jurisdictional asset recovery actions, Jessica Williams is also highly recommended, while Paul Smith concentrates on company disputes, financial services litigation, insolvency and restructuring work, and fraud and asset tracing claims. Gráinne King was recently promoted to the partnership, and Anya Allen is a key name at senior associate level. Ben Hobden joined the group in mid-2023 from Forbes Hare, adding further contentious restructuring expertise.

Cayman Islands > Banking, finance and capital markets Tier 4

Harneys‘ banking, finance and capital markets team provides comprehensive advice on loan finance issues, debt issuances, and lease financings, with practice head Christopher Hall advising on all types of Cayman hedge and private equity funds, as well as banking and finance matters. Matt Taber helps clients with all aspects of investment funds, investment management issues and fund financings, while James Smith‘s particular focus is on Latin America, where he advises Brazil-based managers on offshore fund structures.

Cayman Islands > Corporate and commercial Tier 4

Jointly led by fund specialist Christopher Hall and Matt Taber, who is known for his expertise in M&A transactions and fund and subscription finance work, Harneys handles a variety of big-ticket transactions including public and private M&A, SPACs and joint ventures. Daniella Skotnicki is regularly sought out by leading financial institutions, investment managers and fintech companies for her experience in M&A, joint ventures, CSX listings and corporate reorganisations.

Cayman Islands > Investment funds Tier 4

The well-regarded team at Harneys is instructed by a broad roster of investment fund managers to advise on all aspects of a fund’s lifecycle, from formation work to restructuring and closure issues, in both planned and distressed scenarios. Additionally, the firm has established a specialised offshore regulatory practice. Christopher Hall, Matthew Taber and James Smith are the key expert names to note.

British Virgin Islands > Trusts/private client

A litany of trust companies and banks, as well as high-net-worth individuals and families turn to Harneys for expertise in the establishment and restructuring of BVI trusts including VISTA trusts, private trust companies, purpose trusts, unit trusts and employee benefit trusts. The dedicated contentious sub-group is regularly involved in complex international trust disputes and cross-border succession cases. Cayman-based global head of the private wealth practice Henry Mander is noted for his experience in non-contentious advisory matters spanning succession planning, structuring and asset protection work, while co-head Ayana Hull‘s broad practice encompasses private and commercial property acquisitions and disposals, company structurings and incorporations, work permits, employment issues and immigration requirements. In London, newly promoted counsel Matthew Howson is regarded as a prolific adviser and specialist in BVI trust law.