Ogier has an unrivalled presence in the Cayman Islands thanks to its expertise in handling the most demanding and complex transactions and providing expert, efficient and cost-effective services.
That's the view of clients whose endorsement of the law firm in the latest edition of Legal 500 Caribbean sees all its service lines ranked including a new category covering regulatory and compliance, and recommendations for more than 20 senior lawyers.
Ogier is 'first choice for litigation in the region' and Global Head of Dispute Resolution and Legal 500 Leading Individual Rachael Reynolds is described as a 'powerhouse in the Cayman litigation world and 'the doyenne of the offshore private client world – simply the best'. ' Global Head of Restructuring and Corporate Recovery Marc Kish also enjoys Leading Individual status, described as 'at the top of his game' and, alongside Partner and Key Lawyer William Jones, a 'first rate litigator'. Jennifer Fox, 'a key name to note', is ranked as a Next Generation Partner, with Rising Star Deborah Barker Roye's trust expertise noted. The team's significant expansion and spate of promotions has been recognised, with recently promoted Managing Associate Gemma Lardner also named a Key Lawyer. The 'world class' Trusts Advisory Group in Cayman retains its top tier ranking and is recognised as the ''go to' for trust disputes in Cayman', with the cohesion across contentious and non-contentious practitioners noted in the commentary. Leading Individual Anthony Partridge's particular expertise in cross-border succession and probate work is highlighted. Rising Star Fraser Allister 'has particular expertise in the formation of foundation companies... particularly in the cryptocurrency and fintech arenas."
'They truly are a trusted advisor' - client feedback for Ogier's Investment Funds and Regulatory offering highlights the team's responsiveness, depth of knowledge and proactive approach. The team is a 'key name in the Cayman registered funds market', with their strong presence in the North America and Latin America markets noted. Global Head of Funds James Bergstrom, Joanne Huckle, Nick Rogers and Giorgio Subiotto are all ranked as Leading Individuals. Joanne Huckle is 'particularly impressive' and Next Generation Partner Justin Savage is praised for providing a 'high-quality work product to tight timelines.' Rising Stars Barry McEwan and Emma Sutherland demonstrate the strength in depth at all levels of the team, with Barry working 'tirelessly to meet client expectations', and Tim Cone is a Key Lawyer. Ogier's multi-disciplinary regulatory and compliance offering is praised as 'extremely helpful and thoughtful' providing an 'excellent service' across funds, economic substance, regulatory licence applications, AML advice, data protection, trust regulations and beneficial ownership registers.
'Ogier stands out as clearly one of the leading firms in the market' in Banking, Finance, Capital Markets and Corporate with a key area of focus being fund finance work. The team is 'notably strong in the digital, blockchain and fintech industries', and its multi-disciplinary expertise and strength in depth is also highlighted, with the team described in client testimonial as 'efficient, responsive and with excellent legal knowledge.' Global Head of Banking and Finance Angus Davison and Bradley Kruger are ranked as Leading Individuals, Mark Santangeli is a Next Generation Partner, and 'deeply experienced corporate-finance specialist' James Heinicke, 'excellent professional' Tommy Tuohy and James Lydeard are Key Lawyers.
The newly promoted Real Estate team has also seen a new individual ranking with leading Local Legal Services specialist Cline Glidden ranked as a Rising Star. The team is regularly instructed on 'some of the region's most complex property transactions' across large infrastructure and residential matters. Cline Glidden is described in client feedback as 'our primary attorney...a pleasure to work with (and) well diversified in all aspects of law'.
Practice partner in Cayman James Bergstrom said: "We are very pleased to see how clients have shared their experience of the firm with Legal 500, saying they believe our lawyers are exceptional, and that they bring 'a level of sophistication and expertise that you do not normally see at big firms'.
"It's really important to us that the view of the market is that we take 'an impressive collaborative approach', and that clients believe our responsiveness and approachability set us apart from our competitors."
