Mourant, a law firm-led professional services firm, has achieved a Band 1 position in the latest Chambers and Partners High Net Worth (HNW) Guide for Offshore Trusts in Jersey.
The team is praised as ‘astute and commercially pragmatic’ as well it being noted that ‘It’s a strong and long-established team of lawyers.’
The firm’s Guernsey practice maintained its Band 2 position, including feedback that ‘They have the skill, expertise and a depth of awareness on technical and complicated matters. They have the ability to draw on knowledge from a diverse pool of highly competent colleagues, who together can work as a team to provide top-quality service and advice.’
The leading annual guide ranks the best lawyers and law firms for international private wealth from more than 50 countries around the world. The rankings are based on client feedback and thorough independent market research. In total, six Mourant lawyers covering the Channel Islands have been ranked in the trust and private client practitioner tables.
In Jersey, Mourant Senior Partner and leading trust litigator Jonathan Speck is ranked in the highest category as a Star Individual, by the Guide. He is described as a ‘standout’ lawyer. Another source describes Jonathan as a ‘heavyweight’ with one source noting ‘if you had a new trust point being developed in the courts, you would use him.’
Mourant Head of International Trust & Private Client Edward Devenport (pictured) is ranked as a Band 1 lawyer and described as a ‘professional team leader, focused on client needs and someone who builds excellent interpersonal relations.’
Joint Global Practice Leader for Litigation, Bruce Lincoln, is recognised as a trusts litigator who represents high net worth individuals and trustees in complex multi-jurisdictional matters, while Senior Associate Chiara Mundy is named as an Associate to Watch and is described as a ‘trusted pair of hands and our go-to lawyer’.
In Guernsey, partner Christopher Edwards is noted for his litigation expertise, including in trust litigation. An interviewee said ‘He is our first point of contact for contentious matters. He has great knowledge and has assisted us with very sophisticated disputes.’
Gillian Kennedy-Smith is recommended as ‘Up and coming’ with sources impressed by her ability to handle complex matters and her client service. One source says: ‘She is able to master the details while always keeping an eye on the bigger picture. She is technically very impressive,’ and another interviewee notes ‘She has an excellent commercial approach to complex matters.’ A market commentator adds ‘She is personable, approachable and provides advice in an understandable way.’
Edward Devenport, Partner of Mourant Ozannes (Jersey) LLP and Head of International Trust & Private Client, said: “We’re proud that our team has been rated so highly by Chambers and Partners and that six of our lawyers in the Channel Islands have been recognised. This achievement is testament to our lawyers’ outstanding work, high level of technical expertise and in-depth knowledge of the industry. Thank you to all those who gave up their time to provide us with such positive feedback.”
