As part of its global offshore support in trusts and private client matters, Appleby assists many of the foremost clients in the market with the spectrum of matters, covering both contentious and non-contentious work. ‘Respected and trusted name in Cayman‘ Carlos De Serpa Pimentel senior trust litigator and international private client lawyer, specialising in Cayman trust disputes. He co-leads the department with Sebastian Said, a key name across dispute resolution. Esmond Brown frequently advises a range of institutional trustees and HNWIs, and is recommended for the ‘formidable team‘ he makes with De Serpa Pimentel. More junior lawyer Jackson Messer adds further support, concentrating on assisting HNWIs and wealthy families with wealth planning.
Trusts/private client in Cayman Islands
Appleby
Practice head(s):
Carlos de Serpa Pimentel; Sebastian Said
Other key lawyers:
Esmond Brown; Jackson Messer
Testimonials
‘Sebastian Said and Carlos Pimental are both very good.’
‘A small but well established team. Carlos de S P and Esmond Brown have worked together for several years and deliver a smooth, efficient service as a result.’
‘Carlos de S P is such a respected and trusted name in Cayman. Calm, authoritative; a very reassuring presence particularly when navigating tricky moments in litigation. Esmond Brown shows many of the same characteristics: thoughtful and no-nonsense, and very efficient too.’
Key clients
Cayman Islands Chamber of Commerce Pension Trustees
Harneys
The trusts and private clients group at Harneys acts for major participants in trusts and estates matters involving the Cayman Islands, encompasses from HNWIs and their families, to commercial clients, including banks, trust companies and advisors. The Cayman team is well versed in international matters and is a strong choice for non-contentious trust matters, as well as trust litigation. Dubbed ‘the ideal private client adviser‘, Henry Mander is one of the leading private wealth clients for Cayman and the BVI. He leads the practice. Jessica Williams, who co-leads the wider litigation practice at the firm, is also a key contact for contentious trusts and private wealth matters, and the ‘creative, commercial and exceptionally bright‘ Charles Moore is routinely engaged in the creation, restructuring, management and termination of complex Cayman trusts. Majdi Beji is a further key figure for non-contentious trusts matters.
Practice head(s):
Henry Mander
Other key lawyers:
Charles Moore; Jessica Williams; Madji Bedji
Testimonials
‘Harneys stand out for its exceptional commitment to client service. The team’s strengths are evident in their profound expertise across various legal domains, coupled with a deep understanding of the local and international legal landscape. The firm also encourages a collaborative work environment, ensuring that clients benefit from the collective expertise of the entire team rather than just individual lawyers.’
‘Harneys are very easy to work with – they know their stuff, are very friendly and provide advice clients understand and is targeted to their commercial needs. Harneys is also creative and will find solutions for problems rather than creating issues.’
‘Charles Moore is stand out – he is very creative, commercial and exceptionally bright. He will go out of his way to meet client demands and is technically superb. I cannot recommend him enough.’
Work highlights
Ogier
Ogier‘s sizeable offering in private wealth includes a dedicated trusts disputes group and is well equipped to assist with all aspects of wealth structuring for succession planning, asset protection, family governance and wills and probate matters. The private wealth team sits within the firm’s cross-jurisdictional trusts advisory group, which covers contentious and non-contentious practice areas and collaborates closely with the firm’s corporate specialists. Rachael Reynolds KC is the lead contact for contentious matters, with Anthony Partridge, ‘a standout lawyer in Cayman‘, the trust advisory group head. Deborah Barker Roye and Ben Harle are also key contacts and both come with client recommendation, and at senior associate level, Jordan Constable lends his support.
Practice head(s):
Rachael Reynolds KC; Anthony Partridge
Other key lawyers:
Ben Harle; Jordan Constable
Testimonials
‘They are a very well known private client team in Cayman, and probably the best known Cayman team in the European market as well as US. They have a good feel for legal developments in Cayman and have the fingers on the pulse.’
‘Anthony Partridge is a standout lawyer in Cayman, and knows the local market well. He is also well known internationally. Gregory Haddow is also a well regarded trusts expert, and is certainly one to watch.’
‘Very personable and responsive. Puts together the right team of parties with correct seniority and skills without over staffing. Looking out for clients’ best interests all the time.’
‘Anthony Partridge – incredibly bright and knowledgeable; wonderful source of information and willing to share contacts and ideas to benefit all parties, counsel and clients. Ben Harle – international understanding of multiple jurisdictional needs for estate planning.’
‘I primarily work with Ogier in Cayman and the BVI. The attorneys are always available to help. They communicate well with clients and other advisors.’
‘Ogier is a cohesive team. They work together to meet their client’s needs and surpass expectations. The team is top notch, commercial and willing to go the extra mile. Unlike other law firms that speak of collaboration between departments, Ogier actually gets it done.’
‘They are all approachable and down to earth. It’s a pleasure to work with Anthony Partridge – he’s always got a smile to offer and a laugh. He puts you at ease and delivers on the work. Deborah Barker Roye is also great. Happy she is now a partner.’
‘Ogier Cayman’s private client team is distinguished by its seasoned professionals, client-centric approach, global reach, and high standards of confidentiality. Their specialized expertise, integrated services, and innovations in technology and billing make them a standout choice for high-net-worth individuals and families seeking comprehensive and personalized legal support in the Cayman Islands.’
Work highlights
Walkers
Walkers is a renowned name across offshore jurisdictions for its counsel on trusts and private wealth matters, and in Cayman remains a leading choice for entrepreneurs, trustees, family offices, and major businesses. Its broad offering spans trust litigation; investment, relocation and preservation of private wealth; family investment funds; succession planning; and commercial trust and foundation structures. Three lawyers jointly coordinate the department: Philip Paschalides, one of the market's standout advisors to private clients on the financial aspects of cross-border transactions; Monique Bhullar, a leading name in all aspects of private trusts, foundation companies and other wealth and estate planning structures; and Shelley White, whose practice focuses on trust disputes. Another key lawyer is Lucy Diggle, who is regularly instructed on matters involving the settlement, restructuring, ongoing management and termination of Cayman Islands trusts and wealth planning structures. Scott Jones and Philip Aubry provide robust support to the partners. Former senior partner David Pytches retired from practice in early 2024.
Testimonials
‘Partners – I have worked closely with Lucy Diggle and Shelley White on contentious trust issues and they both deliver excellent advice and devise clear strategies for resolution of complex disputes. Their client engagement is of the highest standard, and the team ethos which I find so important is clearly evident.’
‘Associate – Based on my experience with her, Rebecca Moseley is a very high quality associate who embodies all of the positive traits displayed by the Walkers partners.’
‘The team was very knowledgeable and laser-focused on working to achieve our needs and also very personal in their approach. We felt very supported throughout and their team members worked well together and complemented each other. Prior experiences with others were very transactional in comparison.’
‘Monique Bhullar and Lucy Diggle were top-notch. Very engaging and personal in their approach, while clearly delivering an end result that perfectly met our needs.’
‘Responsive, goal-oriented attorneys with a deep bench.’
Work highlights
Bedell Cristin
Excelling in non-contentious private client matters, Bedell Cristin knits together private wealth, real estate and immigration practices to provide a rounded offering to a client base that includes a considerable number of high-net-worth individuals. The practice is led by 'legendary Cayman trust lawyer' Andrew Miller, whose vast expertise covers the gamut of wealth structuring issues. Daniel Altneu is establishing himself as one of the go-to advisers to UHNW residents moving to Cayman, while Fraser Allister's practice spans STAR and VISTA trusts, foundations, trust companies, and other vehicles. At a more junior level, Sophia McKenzie is a contact to note.
Practice head(s):
Andrew Miller
Other key lawyers:
Fraser Allister; David Altneu; Sophia McKenzie
Testimonials
‘My issue was complex and what impressed me immediately was the firm grasp and understanding the team had of my issue and more importantly their confidence in the resolution of same. They drew up a clear precise strategy, their roles were clear and the outcome was clear. Very solid team.’
‘The attorneys are accessible, responsive, strategic and well versed on relevant complex private client matters. What sets the team apart from their peers is the efficiency with which they turnaround matters which require urgency and timely response.’
‘Andrew Miller and Fraser Allister are highly qualified professionals whose extensive knowledge of private client matters and the application of local laws provides for paramount quality of legal services. Their impeccable understanding of accessible of clients needs and the circumstances involved and their sound, precise guidance on complex trust matters makes them and their team a sound choice.’
‘Bedell Cristin’s practice is marked by several distinctive features that contribute to its standout reputation in the legal industry. These aspects are crucial for potential clients to understand, as they highlight the team’s strengths and key capabilities.’
‘Fraser Allister is renowned for his deep expertise and specialization in financial services. Fraser strong track record in advising clients on complex financial transactions, regulatory compliance, and private client structuring.’
‘They really get private clients and the needs of private individuals. They are certainly my go to team for trust law and private client work in Cayman.’
‘Andrew Miller is a legendary Cayman trust lawyer who knows its trust law inside out. I have been using him for over 20 years.’
‘Andrew Miller is known for his experience and strength in this sector. He is very passionate and caring about his clients.’
Work highlights
Carey Olsen
‘Knowledgeable, relatable, and commercial‘ partner Bernadette Carey spearheads the trusts and private wealth practice at Carey Olsen, whose diverse client base regularly look to the team for trust structuring and restructuring, wealth management arrangements, contentious trusts matters, and court applications. Carey has helped grow the firm’s offering in this area across both the Cayman Islands and the BVI; her advisory practice includes succession planning and wealth structuring, as well as general estate planning for the next generation, while on the contentious side she is accomplished in multi-party litigation and arbitration. Graham Stoute maintains a broads trusts practice, and at senior associate level Sarah-Jane Hall was joined by Katie Turney, who was hired from Wedlake Bell LLP in September 2023.
Practice head(s):
Bernadette Carey
Other key lawyers:
Graham Stoute; Katie Turney; Sarah-Jane Hall
Testimonials
‘The go-to team for anything related to digital assets/technology, bitcoin, IPOs etc.’
‘Graham Stoute and Bernadette Carey have provided us with useful and well-researched legal counsel over a number of years.’
‘Bernadette Carey IS knowledgeable, relatable, and commercial. She is able to understand issues and relay them in layman’s terms.’
Conyers
Commended by clients for its 'breath and depth of knowledge', Conyers' private client and trust team acts for individuals, families, and corporate clients, including trustees and private trust companies. Inheritance structuring, private investment structures, and inter-generational asset transfers are all in the wheelhouse of the broad practice, which is led by 'highly astute and knowledgeable lawyer' Robert Lindley. Wesley O’Brien excels in complex cross-border structures and regularly assists with the establishment and reorganisation of trusts and related succession planning structures.
Practice head(s):
Robert Lindley
Other key lawyers:
Wesley O’Brien
Testimonials
‘Great and strong team!’
‘Robert Lindley gives excellent and practical advice.’
‘The breath and depth of knowledge balanced with their approachability and constant attention to service excellence.’
‘Robert Lindley is an extremely personal, highly astute and knowledgeable lawyer who you definitely want to have in your corner. He is an expert in his filed with strong commercial awareness.’
‘Wesley O’Brien is extremely diligent and pays very close attention to the details. He has a great ability to step back and look at the bigger picture.’
Work highlights
- Advised beneficiaries in respect of Cayman litigation before the Court of Appeal and Privy Council relating the trustee’s funding arrangements.
- Advised a family office for an ultra-high net worth family on trust structuring and family governance.
- Advised the trustee of a Cayman Trust on disclosure requests and restructuring of the trust and its underlying corporate structure, including navigating tax and family governance issues.
Collas Crill
Collas Crill assists with cross-border wealth structuring matters and trust litigation involving Cayman Islands stakeholders, and is particularly well regarded for its knowledge on STAR trust and foundation companies legislation, which the team drafted. Practice head Andrew Peedom has experience in trust litigation before the Privy Council and the Grand Court of the Cayman Islands, and his practice also spans general commercial advisory work. Sally Peedom is the other key figure to note, specialising in both non-contentious and contentious trust disputes and wealth structuring matters.
Practice head(s):
Andrew Peedom
Other key lawyers:
Sally Peedom
Testimonials
‘Andrew Peedom is considered, responsive & analytical.’
‘The team is proactive, effective, and professional, which we believe are their strongest capabilities.’
‘The team is always available and willing to collaborate proactively and help with any requirement in a timely manner, which is very important to us.’
‘Highly qualified team that is approachable.’
‘I have worked with Sally Peedom at Collas Crill on an ongoing matter for a numbers of years now. I have found her to be thorough and very responsive. She also fully explains actions that are recommended and any shortfalls that should be considered. Overall she is knowledgeable and effective.’
Key clients
Ocorian Trust (Cayman) Limited
Charles Russell Speechlys
Macfarlanes
Taylor Wessing LLP
Aleman, Cordero, Galindo & Lee (and its fiduciary)
Cayman National Corporation
Enyo Law LLP
Jasmine Trustees Limited
The R&H Trust Co. Ltd
Saffrey Trust (Cayman)
Trident Trust Company (Cayman) Limited
Zedra Trust Company (Cayman) Limited
Zedra Trust Company (Suisse) SA
Citco Trustees (Cayman) Limited
Work highlights
- Advising a trustee based both in Cayman and Switzerland on a €300m claim ongoing in Monaco (and with parallel Guernsey proceedings) arising from the alleged exploitation of and undue influence upon a vulnerable settlor.
- Advising the beneficiaries of a number of Cayman trusts holding $100m in assets on applications by the trustee to liquidate various trust assets to pay trust liabilities.
- Advising on the $100m estate of an UHNW former US citizen who had moved to Cayman for tax purposes and who made a number of loans to third parties shortly before her death.