Appleby‘s team of advocates is able to take on a wide range of disputes, from, inter alia, trustee removal applications and breach of trust claims to insolvency proceedings. The team is overseen by Niall MacDonald, whose broad practice spans employment litigation, contentious regulatory challenges and trust matters. Fraser Robertson offers considerable experience in trust disputes, including where beneficiaries seek to remove trustees, and where trustees are alleged to have acted improperly, in addition to his expertise in professional negligence proceedings. Sam Williams is active across the spectrum of trust disputes, but is also able to assist with insolvency proceedings, the enforcement of arbitral and foreign judgments and asset tracing efforts.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- Niall Macdonald has strategic insight, technical expertise, and sound commercial judgment. He is calm under pressure, provides clear and practical advice, and has an excellent ability to navigate complex and high-value disputes. He inspires confidence from both clients and professional contacts. Michael Gradidge is an excellent technical lawyer, as well as being a pleasure to work with. He is highly responsive, technically strong, and meticulous in his approach, while remaining pragmatic and solutions-focused. He is adept at managing complex cross-border matters, communicates clearly and effectively, and is committed to achieving the best possible outcome for clients. His attention to detail and collaborative approach make him an invaluable member of the team.
- The Appleby team combines clear Jersey law advice and expertise with a pragmatic, commercial approach, providing clear, practical advice on complex and high-value matters. They are highly responsive, easy to work with, and consistently deliver an exceptional level of client service. What sets Appleby apart is their ability to work seamlessly with onshore advisers, communicate clearly throughout, and always be available to provide strategic input when required. The team is approachable, knowledgeable, and dependable. If asked, I would recommend Appleby for complex Jersey litigation and offshore matters.
- The litigation team has a good breadth of experience and can handle complex cases. In a recent case, we have used them for their knowledge and skill set in conjunction with other lawyers acting for a wider class. In this, they were able to observe carefully and professionally all aspects of collaboration while being mindful of conflicts of interest.
- They are brilliant in client handling and assembling the best teams of lawyers.
- Niall MacDonald is an absolute superstar. He is a brilliant partner who manages large and complex disputes with grace, ease, and charm, while being an intelligent and credible courtroom advocate. James Gallimore is highly organized, effective, and friendly. He is easy to work with.
- One of the standout firms on the island that appears in virtually all of the leading cases and has quality at all levels.
- Fraser Robertson is a hugely experienced and first-rate lawyer and advocate. Fraser is very smart, considered, strategic and a tenacious litigator. Just excellent. Sam Williams is an excellent trusts litigator, with an engaging and persuasive court manner. Lara von Wildenrath is a brilliant senior associate with a fantastic eye for detail and a keen sense of what matters.
- Appleby combines high-quality local expertise with global reach and resources.
- Sam Williams is an excellent practitioner with vast experience in complicated trust disputes, in particular with an effective client manner.
- Niall Macdonald is user friendly, providing clear and pragmatic advice. Lara Von Wildenrath delivers exceptional attention to detail.
Key clients
- DFDS A/S
- Hawk Lending Limited
- Barclays Group
- Simmons & Simmons
- Dandara Group
- Boodle Hatfield
- Deloitte LLP
- Family Nursing & Home Care
- Ogier Global Nominee (Jersey) Limited
- Grant Thornton Limited
- HSBC Group
- CMS
- TLT LLP
- Zedra Trust Company (Jersey) Limited
Work highlights
Appeared for DFDS A/S in the Royal Court and Court of Appeal in expedited judicial review proceedings concerning Jersey’s £1bn tender for lifeline ferry services.
Acted as an expert witness in matters of Jersey trusts law on behalf of the defendants in a breach of contract dispute involving the sale of a large manor estate before the Irish courts, valued at over £22m.
Appeared for the beneficiaries of a Jersey trust in court proceedings for the removal of a trustee, involving various allegations involving breach of trust.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
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Next generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Niall MacDonald
Other key lawyers
Fraser Robertson; Sam Williams