Babbé LLP‘s advocates are frequently tasked with acting on behalf of trustees and beneficiaries engaged in trust disputes before the Guernsey courts, in addition to litigating complex insolvencies and other commercial disputes. Todd McGuffin leads the group, handling a variety of regulatory proceedings, including sanctions-related matters, as well as a variety of trust disputes. Managing partner Nick Robison focuses on trust litigation, and is regularly appointed by the Royal Court to act in the interest of unborn and minor beneficiaries, while Martin Jones maintains a broad practice that encompasses trust and fund disputes, and also tort claims. David Doutney, who was made partner in April 2026, is noted for his expertise in trust matters.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- Todd McGuffin is highly pragmatic, cares about getting the best result, and is very commercial. Nick Howell is responsive, always able to pick up the phone, and thorough in his work.
- Pragmatic and forward-thinking with strong commercial reasoning. Willing to fight hard for its clients and gives a sense of partnership.
- Concentrated specialization in the DR field.
- Todd McGuffin's clarity in delivery and swift understanding of issues.
- The individuals at Babbe stand out for their judgment, credibility, and calm handling of difficult matters. The partners bring real gravitas and are clearly respected, which is important when dealing with sensitive regulatory or contentious issues. David Doutney has been particularly impressive. He is responsive, thoughtful, and produces high-quality work. He gives confidence that matters are being handled properly and with the right level of care. Todd McGuffin is also impressive. He is measured and calm in his approach and has acted well on the matters he has dealt with.
- High quality, very responsive, really knows their way around the system in Guernsey and gives great advice.
Key clients
- Fort Trustees Limited
- VEB.RF
- Weighbridge Trust Limited
- Kingfisher Aviation
- Garenne Group Limited, in liquidation
- Hillview Group
- Tenn Capital (Jersey) Limited
- Overseas Trust & Pensions Limited
Work highlights
Continued to advise the trustee of the Tchenguiz Discretionary Trust, most recently in disputes stemming from the 2022 Privy Council decision in Equity Trust v Halabi and ITG v Fort.
Acted on behalf of the former directors of the Garenne Group Limited, in liquidation, and its subsidiaries in relation to various claims.
Acted for an ultra-high net worth individual in relation to a breach of trust claim against the trustee of 11 Guernsey law governed trusts, with a combined value in excess of £800m, following the trustee's decision to treat the trusts as frozen, following the settlor's designation.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Todd McGuffin
Other key lawyers
Nick Robison; Martin Jones; David Doutney; Nick Howell