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.

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.