GUERNSEY law firms and lawyers have once again been highly praised in the latest Legal 500 publication.
The highly regarded directory’s reviews take into account the views of clients, competitors and industry members and its 2009 edition sees Ozannes regarded as the leading Guernsey firm, placing in the top tier of all seven practice areas
Carey Olsen placed in the top tier of six areas.
The review acknowledged how Guernsey firms had been grappling with a raft of new legislation including the companies law and an overhaul of the funds regime.
According to the overview of Guernsey in the publication, Ozannes and Carey Olsen are the two dominant local firms, while the second tier of Guernsey firms consists of Babbe, which rebranded two years ago and refocused on corporate finance and fiduciary work, and Collas Day.
The Legal 500 said Ozannes’ litigation practice was a large, top-end team offering sensible but firm advice, while its funds practice was responsive and creative with knowledgeable, plugged in and well connected lawyers.
Ozannes managing partner Robert Shepherd (pictured) was delighted with its rankings.
‘There are a number of publications within which we are proud to be listed as a leader, but to be continually listed as a top firm within the Legal 500, arguably the leading international directory for law firms, is testimony to the strength and depth which we possess across all practice areas and the strong working practices which have established a real team culture across the firm.’
John Greenfield, Carey Olsen managing partner in Guernsey, was similarly pleased with his firm’s performance.
Across both Guernsey and Jersey it had 14 lawyers recommended as leading individuals, more than any other Channel Islands firm.
‘The Legal 500 is an important guide to the legal community and due to the rigorous nature of the research gives an unparalleled insight into law firms,’ said Advocate Greenfield.
‘With lawyers from our offices in Guernsey and Jersey receiving positive mentions it bodes well for the future and our commitment to being a full service, pan-island law firm.’
Other firms to appear in the top tier of practice areas were AO Hall for employment, Collas Day for commercial property and Ogier for commercial and banking.
Collas Day senior partner Chris Bound said he was pleased for the firm to have ranked so highly.
The directory recognised the company as a young and vibrant firm and noted its new management structure.
William Simpson, managing partner of Ogier in Guernsey, said he was pleased that as well as placing in the top tier for commercial and banking, the Legal 500 had seen that Ogier’s investment funds practice had been a key growth area for the firm.
‘Our market share has increased dramatically in areas such as investment funds in recent years.
‘It is particularly satisfying to see that the legal directories are acknowledging our progression.’
In addition to those Guernsey firms that placed in the top tier for specific practice areas, there were also a varying number of appearances in the second tiers for Carey Olsen, Collas Day, AO Hall, Ogier, Babbe, Bedell Cristin, Ashton Barnes Tee, Mourant du Feu & Jeune and AFR Advocates.
nÊThe seven practice areas of the review are: commercial and banking, commercial property, dispute resolution, employment, insurance, investment funds and private client, trusts and tax.
Article posted on 16th September, 2009 - 2.30pm
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