Citywealth names two Power Women at Ogier

Ogier’s Sally Edwards and Katherine Neal have been named on the Citywealth IFC Power Women Top 200 list.

The list honours 200 of the most powerful women across the international financial centres (IFCs). Defining a Power Woman, Citywealth says its research reveals this group have charisma, ‘no grey ethics’, integrity, are result orientated, push themselves, show kindness, strive for excellence, give back to their communities, are non-judgmental, motivate in both up and down cycles, are inventive and innovative, but most of all they have a collaborative style which resonates with the modern workforce.

Sally, an Ogier partner who heads Ogier’s Private Client and Trust team, is known as the ‘go to’ trust lawyer in Jersey. Among her recent case highlights is a significant piece of litigation where a company underlying a trust was involved in hostile litigation worth hundreds of millions and crossing various jurisdictions.

Citywealth’s testimonial says: “She has the unique ability to combine impressive intellectual knowledge with a practical commercial solution-finding approach. Sally is the best Jersey trust and foundation lawyer bar none.”

Mentoring is more important in the development of women in an organisation than quotas, Sally believes. She said: “Mentoring not only by other women but also by men within the organisation is more important [ than quotas ]. It is acknowledged that the culture, social events and internal networking opportunities within firms can discriminate against women without deliberate intention and these more indirect issues need to be looked at as well as formal quotas and mentoring.

Katherine, a Managing Associate at Ogier who specialises in trusts, employee benefits and pensions, was recently involved in a deal valued at £1.54 billion.

Speaking about her influences, Katherine said: “I was lucky to have two very different, strong, female partners in the team I worked in as a newly qualified trust lawyer. The first taught me to always be myself, no matter the nature of the client and this has proved to be an invaluable lesson as I have progressed through my career dealing with a very diverse range of clients, from dowagers to serial entrepreneurs. The second was the most meticulous lawyer I have ever worked with, she trained me to ensure every step of a transaction was covered, even when the route from A to D seemed obvious she taught me that B and C are equally as important and can throw up unexpected twists.”

Citywealth quotes a client who says: “Katherine is personable and approachable and dispenses her advice in a measured but engaging style, avoiding the use of jargon or overly complicating issues. We regard Katherine as a first rate lawyer and a credit to herself and her Firm, which has brought in wider benefits to the relationship between us and Ogier.”

The list has been compiled from a number of sources. Citywealth’s own research is combined with recommendations from leading figures in the financial service industry and submissions.