Mourant‘s litigators are sought after for multi-jurisdictional trust disputes, appearing for beneficiaries and trustees in disputes spanning the Channel Islands, Caribbean and European jurisdictions. Abel Lyall, who heads the group, appears in trust and fund-related proceedings, acting for major wealth and asset managers, while Jeremy Wessels brings considerable experience across the spectrum of trust litigation, including before the Privy Council. John Greenfield, formerly of Carey Olsen, joined the practice in June 2025, adding expertise in both commercial and trust matters. Chantal Barrett is a key contact for insurance coverage disputes, with Benjamin Manchak appearing for trustees and beneficiaries, in addition to guiding clients through regulatory enforcement actions. Gordon Dawes departed in February 2026.
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- We work with Chris Edwards, who is extremely experienced, easy to deal with, and pragmatic. Benjamin Manchak is another star partner; he will help out with a chat at no charge and provide a sense of direction in difficult cases. He has helped us with complex matters to provide guidance on where to go with matters before a legal opinion even comes into it.
- Extensive experience and a high success rate in cases. A longstanding and solid reputation has substance due to the experience of the partners.
- Very good technical knowledge. Pragmatic and robust approach.
- Jeremy Wessels is an incredibly creative legal thinker and an excellent advocate. He brings a unique approach to each case depending on its particular merits. Sandra Duerden is always across the details and has an encyclopaedic knowledge of the facts.
- Chris Edwards is a very calm hand on the tiller. Always amusing, but has a razor-sharp strategic approach. Benjamin Manchak is a very safe pair of hands. Effective and gets things done.
- The litigation team at Mourant is a powerhouse.
Key clients
- Orbitus Trustees (Guernsey) Limited
- Saffery Champness
- EFG Private Bank
- Butterfield Bank and Trust
- PraxisIFM Group/Nerine Group
- Grant Thornton
- GFSC
- Apex
- Intertrust/CSC
- Teneo
- Leonard Curtis
Work highlights
Acted for Grant Thornton as joint liquidators of JJW Limited in the cross-border insolvency of a hotel owning and operating group.
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Practice head
Abel Lyall
Other key lawyers
Jeremy Wessels; John Greenfield; Christopher Edwards; Benjamin Manchak; Chantal Barrett