Ogier in Guernsey achieves top tier rankings in Legal 500 UK 2023 guide

Ogier in Guernsey has achieved top tier rankings across five of its core services in the latest Legal 500 UK guide, including Banking and Finance, Commercial Property, Private Client, Trusts and Tax, Corporate and M&A, and Dispute Resolution.

The directory, which is a guide to leading UK and offshore law firms, has also singled out 24 lawyers for recognition from across Ogier's teams in the jurisdiction.

According to client feedback: "Advice that is concise, on point and within budget is key for an onshore firm when introducing an offshore firm to clients. Ogier tick all three boxes."

Practice Partner Christopher Jones said: "The client feedback featured in this year's guide showcases the range and depth of expertise we have across our service lines, and is testament to the high-quality, personal and knowledgeable service we continue to offer our clients."

From the top tier Banking and Finance team, Christopher Jones is ranked as a leading individual, with Paul Chanter named a next generation partner, and partner Bryon Rees and consultant Michaela Jesson recommended as key individuals.

According to the guide, the Capital Markets team has "great market knowledge," and offers "very practical, sound advice." Headed by Bryon Rees, the team also includes Paul Chanter, managing associate Michelle Watson Bunn, and senior associates Diana Collas and Gabrielle Payne, who are all noted as key individuals.

In Commercial Property, partner Martyn Baudains, ranked in the Legal 500 Hall of Fame, is described as “'Mr Property' in Guernsey. If he doesn’t know something, it doesn’t exist." Senior associates Piers Dereham, described as "technically strong", and Martín Casas, who is "always responsive and commercially minded," are also ranked as rising stars.

In the "proactive, commercial and knowledgeable" Corporate and M&A team, Bryon Rees is ranked a leading individual, with key lawyers noted as partner Tim Clipstone, Michaela Jesson and managing associates Richard Doyle and Michelle Watson Bunn.

Dispute Resolution has a "large team with substantial expertise to effectively deal with high value complex claims," according to the guide's client feedback. Partner Mathew Newman, ranked a leading individual, is described as a "remarkable advocate and not afraid of a fight," while the team's co-head, Simon Davies, is ranked in the Hall of Fame and described as "clearly one of, if not the leading advocate on the island. Simon has an encyclopaedic memory of Guernsey precedents." Also recommended as key individuals from the team are partners Sandie Lyne, Alex Horsbrugh-Porter, and Bryan de Verneuil Smith, who is "outstanding and very easy to deal with."

Rachel DeSanges, who heads up Employment, is ranked a next generation partner and is praised for her significant expertise in employment law. Key lawyers from the team are named as Mathew Newman, Sandie Lyne, and senior associate Fay Warrilow, who clients describe as "attentive and understanding of the situation. Her practical advice on ancillary areas and local housing matters was also useful."

Client feedback praises the investment funds team in Guernsey for its "phenomenal knowledge of both the law and the intricacies of the private equity industry." The guide ranks Bryon Rees as a leading individual and praises his ability for providing solutions "with minimal fuss, cutting to the chase on the important issues." It also includes Tim Clipstone, Richard Doyle, Michelle Watson Bunn, Michaela Jesson, Gabrielle Payne and senior associate James Dickinson, who are named as key individuals.

In Private Client, Trusts and Tax, partner Matthew Guthrie is ranked a leading individual and described as "a stand out trust lawyer and one of the best Guernsey practitioners in this area." Partner Gavin Ferguson is ranked in the Hall of Fame, and Catherine Moore is recognised as a next generation partner.