Consistent top score for Ogier's Guernsey funds team

Ogier’s Guernsey funds team has been ranked top tier by Chambers UK 2016.

The rating means the team is recognised as an industry leader by each of the three main legal researchers: Chambers & Partners, Legal 500 and IFLR.

Partner Marcus Leese said: “This consistent recognition is great news for the team. It means the quality of our work is really standing out for clients, and in the market in general.”

In the category Corporate and Finance including  Investment Funds, Ogier’s Guernsey team is noted for frequently being instructed to deal with high-profile and multi-jurisdictional corporate, finance and investment fund matters, advising a variety of clients including banks, corporates, partnerships and investment trusts.

Partner William Simpson is named as a prominent lawyer, well known in the Guernsey market for his wide-ranging corporate and fund expertise. ‘He has prior experience of working in BVI and the Cayman Islands and is able to bring this to bear for clients with interests in multiple offshore jurisdictions,’ says the guide.

Chambers also quotes sources who say that partner Frances Watson is a "very good lawyer who works extremely hard" and "really does a high-quality job very efficiently." 

Recent highlights include advising Butterfield Bank on its purchase of Legis Group's trust and corporate services business in Guernsey. Chambers also notes stand out deals including being instructed by The Prudential Insurance Company of America to advise on the Guernsey aspects of a longevity risk transfer and being engaged by Atlas Mara Co-Nvest, established as a BVI special purpose acquisition company, in relation to the acquisition of African bank interests.