Mourant, a law firm-led professional services business, has announced the appointment of two new partners in the Channel Islands, both of them internal promotions.
James Cousins (pictured), from the firm’s Guernsey Corporate practice, and Will Burnell, a member of the firm’s Jersey-based International Trusts and Private Client team, have been promoted to partner, effective from 1 August 2023.
James joined Mourant in 2022 and specialises in investment funds. Prior to joining the firm, James spent over nine years in-house within the investment management industry, latterly as a Partner and General Counsel in a financial technology business and before that within the legal teams of Brevan Howard and BlueCrest (both global macro hedge funds).
James began his career at a leading US law firm in London and Silicon Valley. His practice spans all aspects of asset management, with a particular interest in hedge funds and other alternative investments. His unique experience provides him with a commercial, pragmatic, client-friendly approach to his advice.
Will relocated to Jersey in June 2016 having previously worked in the BVI and England. He advises corporate, charitable and private clients from a range of jurisdictions on the creation, ongoing management and termination of BVI, Cayman and Jersey trusts and other wealth and succession planning vehicles. Will is currently listed as a Global Elite – Lawyer in the Private Client Global Elite Directory 2023.
Mourant Global Managing Partner, Jonathan Rigby, commented: “I’m delighted to welcome James and Will to our global partnership. Both these colleagues have made outstanding contributions to their respective practices and also more widely across Mourant since joining the firm. They bring extensive experience, technical expertise, and a commitment to delivering high quality client service through collaboration and teamwork. I wish them every success in their new roles.”
