Appleby‘s comprehensive dispute resolution offering spans high-value commercial litigation proceedings at an international scale. Claimants and defendants in company litigation, creditors and liquidators in insolvency processes, and a range of private clients all instruct the practice. Mark Holligon leads the group and acts on cases including trust disputes and asset recoveries, and he, alongside commercial and employment litigator Keira Gore, were recently successful in obtaining the Isle of Man’s first debarring order. Elsewhere, Charles Davies specialises in shareholder and director disputes, Claire Corkish has acted on insolvencies and advises public companies on multijurisdictional cases, Erin Trimble-Cregeen leads on trusts and estate disputes and Greg Chambers has experience in cross-border shareholder disputes. Caren Pegg left the firm in May 2026.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- Mark Holligon is at the top of his game, and Claire Corkish is an excellent disputes lawyer. They are both responsive and technically brilliant.
- Appleby is our go-to law firm in the Isle of Man for insolvency litigation and enforcement work. They are extremely efficient and get results without fuss, which is exactly what we are looking for. They know the market and the courts locally extremely well, which makes working with them of real assistance in knowing how certain parties will react to orders being made against them; essential in cross-border insolvency matters.
- Mark Holligon - a very well-connected doyen of offshore work. Keira Gore - a strong technical lawyer who knows the IoM system intimately.
- Charles Davies - experienced partner and former barrister - very smooth and well prepared. Also very versatile. Emily Ashe - diligent, intelligent, and super personable senior associate with 10 years of experience. Very versatile.
- The dispute resolution team is fantastic. I have experienced them in a contentious trusts context and could not recommend them more.
- Claire Corkish is the standout partner - she knows her subject really well, works extremely hard, and is excellent with clients.
- Very knowledgeable and well connected - probably the best known and internationally recognized of the IoM firms. Excellent coverage across all areas.
- Friendly, supportive, very well plugged in.
- A friendly, hard-working, and effective team. The small size of the office promotes a collaborative approach and real flexibility.
- Mark Holligan provides strong direction and leadership with effective delegation to capable subordinates. Erin Trimble-Cregeen is a focused and enthusiastic lawyer with real expertise in advocacy. Phillip Cronje is a friendly, diligent, and highly effective lawyer.
Key clients
- Royal Bank of Scotland International
- Isle of Man Government
- Moorgate Industries (UK) Limited
- Receiver and manager of Montpelier (Trust & Corporate) Services Limited
- Douglas Corporation
- HSBC Bank
- IFGL
- Betsson Group
- Deloitte LLP
- Dry Lease Aero Limited
- Joint liquidators of the Arena Group
- Capital International Bank Limited
- Joint liquidators of St Philip Land Limited
Work highlights
Acted as lead counsel to the court-appointed manager and receiver of a local trust and corporate service provider.
Acted in a claim for secret profits brought by a private aviation dry leasing company against its former manager and alleged agent.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
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Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Mark Holligon
Other key lawyers
Keira Gore; Charles Davies; Claire Corkish; Erin Trimble-Cregeen; Greg Chambers