Appleby is sought after by both direct parties to property transactions and those providing financing arrangements, while also assisting financial services clients with their leasing arrangements as they relate to their Jersey offices. Heading the team is John Bisson, who accompanies developers from breaking ground to the sale of completed projects in Jersey, handling both residential and commercial property matters. Kate Westwater combines knowledge of commercial and residential property matters with related estate planning and probate issues. Jeff O'Boyle, formerly of Bedell Cristin, joined the practice in March 2026.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Vast local knowledge and history. Fast and efficient service.'
- 'John Bisson is the most senior property lawyer and still the best in my opinion, he simplifies complex tasks and resolves such positions swiftly.'
- 'No nonsense approach and outstanding knowledge of local laws and practices.'
- 'John Bisson would be considered as the island’s strongest and most experienced property lawyer, heading the property team and able to advise on and devise unique property transaction structures, be they residential or commercial.'
- 'Appleby is a form that I work with in a number of jurisdictions. It employs quality practitioners in its chosen fields, who are reliable and proactive as allies in difficult litigious situations.'
- 'John Bisson works with a relaxed ease across a difficult case to create space for options to be considered and progressed.'
Key clients
- Barclays Bank Plc
- HSBC Bank Plc
- The Royal Bank of Scotland International Ltd
- Lloyds Bank Plc
- Butterfield Bank (Jersey) Limited
- Santander International
- Dandara Group
- Palladium Group
- Aedifica UK Limited
- Boots Properties Limited
- Seymour Group
- EY Properties Limited
Work highlights
Advised WM Morrison Supermarkets Limited on its acquisition of the Channel Islands food retail business of SandpiperCI Retail Limited.
Acted for the Palladium Group in its acquisition of a portfolio of residential properties.
Acted for the Seymour Group in the purchase of a former hotel site for staff accommodation and the purchase of the group’s new administrative offices.
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Practice head
John Bisson
Other key lawyers
Kate Westwater; Jeff O'Boyle