Walkers‘ funds expertise spans both traditional target asset classes, including private equity and real estate, in addition to assisting with the structuring of investment vehicles targeting digital assets and other novel assets. Jersey managing partner Jonathan Heaney leads the group and oversees private equity fund and transactional matters. Dilmun Leach acts for both sponsors and fund managers in relation to the launch of private equity, real estate and hedge funds, and is also well versed in Jersey’s AML regimes. Simon Hopwood is noted for his expertise in the structuring of REITs as well as private equity and credit funds.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- Excellent full-service team led by partner Simon Hopwood, who provides stellar service and is our go-to lawyer for anything we do in Jersey and offshore jurisdictions.
- Simon Hopwood stands out as a highly experienced and commercially instinctive adviser whose depth of expertise, calm judgment, and client-focused approach differentiate him from many of his peers. With over 20 years of experience advising managers, sponsors, institutional investors, and family offices across offshore funds, investment management, and corporate transactions, he brings a genuinely well-rounded perspective that reflects both private practice and in-house experience. What distinguishes Simon in practice is his ability to combine strong technical knowledge with a pragmatic, solutions-driven mindset—he is consistently recognized for providing clear, proactive advice and for his effectiveness in executing complex transactions across private equity, real estate, venture, and credit structures. Clients particularly value his calmness under pressure and his ability to navigate challenging, fast-moving situations, acting as a “safe pair of hands” while maintaining a focus on practical outcomes and workable solutions. In working with him, the standout qualities are his commercial awareness, responsiveness, and ease of collaboration—paired with strong client relationship skills that make him approachable, easy to work with, and aligned to client objectives—positioning him as a trusted adviser rather than simply a technical lawyer.
- Deep sector knowledge. Caring and responsive approach; eager to assist and address issues. Creative in structuring.
- The Walkers team is highly skilled, forward-thinking, and has built a great team that works well together to solve complex issues. They are also easy to collaborate with and work as a team from a client perspective.
- The team has demonstrated an understanding of complex real estate fund structures in our work with them, providing clear, commercially focused advice that is both technical and responsive.
- Simon Hopwood is a knowledgeable practitioner who combines thorough technical knowledge of fund structuring with a pragmatic, solutions-oriented approach that adds value to matters.
- Dilmun Leach, Tatiana Collins, and especially Kirsten Faichnie are the standout partners I work with. The experience, technical knowledge, and timeliness, working on tight deadlines, make them a pleasure to work with.
- The individuals we work with at Walkers stand out for their combination of technical strength and commercial judgment. They are highly responsive, pragmatic, and willing to take a clear position rather than defaulting to overly cautious advice. What differentiates them from competitors is their collaborative mindset. We work with Dilmun Leach, Kirsten Faichnie, Sarah Townsend, and Adam Diamond.
- The team is friendly and easy to work with. They have exceptional insight into regulatory developments and practices due to close relationships with regulatory authorities.
- Great responsiveness, commerciality, and really great legal advice.
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.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Jonathan Heaney
Other key lawyers
Dilmun Leach; Simon Hopwood; Tatiana Collins; Kirsten Faichnie;