THE cosmopolitan mix of advocates working in Guernsey has broadened the island’s appeal to international clients, according to a Carey Olsen partner.
Advocate John Greenfield (pictured) said that they had had a positive effect on the island’s legal sector. ‘Not only has there been a growth in the number of practising advocates, but there is now a far more cosmopolitan mix of people.
‘In 1983 it would have been virtually unheard of for a law firm to recruit an Australian or New Zealander, but today it is commonplace.’
Mr Greenfield, who is this month celebrating 25 years with the firm, also said that one of the biggest changes over the last 25 years had been the scope of work undertaken by advocates.
‘Back in 1983 the finance sector was very much in its infancy. The beneficial effects of the Bank of England abolishing exchange control in 1979 were only just starting to be felt. When I started at Carey Langlois [as it was known at the time] advocates were generalists, undertaking a wide range of work. But the growth of the finance industry brought with it a need for a more sophisticated service from law firms, requiring lawyers to specialise in particular practice areas. I chose commercial litigation.’
Advocate Greenfield moved to Guernsey in 1980 and worked as in-house counsel and trust manager for a merchant bank before joining Carey Langlois.
Twenty-five years ago the firm occupied just two floors of 7, New Street and employed fewer staff.
‘It was a completely different world then, not necessarily better or worse, but definitely different,’ he said.
‘In 1983, Carey Langlois was a locally based, four-partner practice. Fast-forward 25 years and we are a Channel Islands corporate firm with offices in Guernsey, Jersey and London.
‘The Guernsey office alone has 14 partners and more than 110 members of staff.’
Article posted on 22nd July, 2008 - 2.29pm
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