Collas Crill takes on a range of commercial disputes, while also handling trust and other family litigation. In addition, the arrival of Dickinson Gleeson’s Jonathan Barham in September 2024 strengthened the firm’s insolvency disputes practice. Barham joins the practice’s leadership group, which consists of contentious trust specialist Damian James, and Lynne Calder, whose practice covers commercial, construction and trust matters. Nuno Santos-Costa is highly experienced in both trust, contractual and commercial litigation, while James Sheedy is sought after by trustees and beneficiaries in breach of trust claims and applications to remove trustees.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'The dispute team has some serious brains who get to the core of the issues quickly and provide sound commercial advice.'
- 'The team has a practical and empathetic approach to dispute resolution, using succinct and practical terms.'
- 'Fritha Ford is a wonderful litigator and is admired in the industry, first class.'
- 'A good mix of cerebral thinkers, analytical records keepers and strong front people.'
- 'Collas Crill punches above its weight in the Jersey market. Despite being smaller than many of their competitors, their quality team and client service allows them to deliver on the larger and more complex mandates.'
- 'Jonathan Barham brings a wealth of experience from both English and Jersey practice and delivers concise and pragmatic advice to complex matters.'
Key clients
- VCI Limited/VCI Intermediate Limited/VCI Property Holding Limited
- Teneo
- Equiom Trustees (Jersey) Limited
- Grant Thornton
- Hawk Lending
Work highlights
Advised Jersey's VCI companies amid a dispute over a £90m London property, involving litigation with a former Saudi shareholder over ownership changes, breaches of duty, and financial misconduct.
Represented the Jersey-registered family office of Middle Eastern royals, managing a complex legal scenario involving expropriated land, substantial compensation, and litigation over unaccounted funds and real estate investments.
Advised the founder of a £1.5bn global corporate group whose shares are owned by a Jersey trust structure in relation to hostile litigation among beneficiaries over the valuation and sale of the companies and division of assets.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
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
Damian James; Jonathan Barham; Lynne Calder
Other key lawyers
Nuno Santos-Costa; Fritha Ford; James Sheedy; Dan Boxall