Hall Of Fame

Next Generation Partners

Dispute resolution in Gibraltar

Hassans

The litigation team at Hassans stands out for its responsiveness, offering a ‘sensible and pragmatic’ approach to commercial litigation for a stellar clientele of private individuals, local and international companies, financial institutions and public bodies. The team is noted for its well-established expertise in negligence and insolvency claims, as well as mediating complex international disputes. Lewis Baglietto KC leads the team, a reputed specialist in international commercial disputes, maritime law and administrative law. Gillian Guzman KC acts in sensitive employment, equalities, clinical negligence and child-care cases, whilst Daniel Feetham KC leads in insolvency matters. Moshe Levy and Samuel Marrache handle high value, complex commercial disputes and Darren Martinez is a key contact for commercial, construction and crypto-currency matters.

Practice head(s):

Lewis Baglietto KC


Other key lawyers:

Gillian Guzman KC; Daniel Feetham KC; Gilbert Licudi KC; Darren Martinez; Moshe Levy; Samuel Marrache; Claire Pizzarello


Testimonials

‘Diligent professionals who are available to engage at every key moment. ’

‘Gillian Guzman KC and Claire Pizzarello: Dynamic team who are on point with all aspects of the law. Sensible and pragmatic advocates who hold their own in Court. They deliver.’

‘An impressive team. Probably the only true commercial disputes practice in Gibraltar, and certainly one of the largest, if not the largest, disputes teams in Gibraltar. Responsive, and good quality lawyers.’

‘Moshe Levy is an accomplished litigator – pragmatic and straightforward.’

‘Samuel Marrache is a real star – very bright and a pleasure to work with.’

‘It’s the largest firm in Gibraltar so there are capabilities across all industries. I deal with multimillion-pound litigation so the team I work with is very partner led – the partners I do instruct are excellent. The relationship we have is one of collaboration, the thought process and strategy evolves within the lawyer/client team, and our voices are heard at every stage. They are modern in their approach.  Other firms can draft a fantastic essay, but in fast moving litigation, we need movement at a quick pace which the team delivers. ’

‘Daniel Feetham KC and Darren Martinez: Both are excellent communicators – they respond to emails within an hour or two, and are on the telephone whenever I call. Stand out for me is their extremely collaborative approach – whilst they are both hugely experienced, they invite comments and ensure clients feel part of the process. Despite his profile and experience, Daniel is extremely down to earth which, coupled with his excellent legal mind, makes him very easy to work with. Darren is always “on the ball”, with excellent attention to detail. ’

‘I have found the Hassans disputes team to be a group of very highly talented, approachable and reliable lawyers. The team shows a real ability to work well as part of a large multi-national team of co-counsel, contributing appropriately-judged advice on law and strategy, keeping the rest of the team fully appraised of developments, and being responsive to requests for assistance. The quality of their advocacy in the Gibraltar courts, particularly that of Lewis Baglietto KC, is very high.’

Key clients

Republic of Kazakhstan


The Swedish Club


Caterpillar Finance Services UK Ltd


The Minister for Justice


Newline Underwriting


Gefion Insurance


Motor Insurance Bureau


Gibraltar Financial Services Commission


Gibtelecom Ltd


Entain Plc


WHG International


Work highlights


  • Arbitrated a US$350m claim made against the Government for breach of contract.
  • Represented SNBNY Holdings Limited, the ultimate indirect owner of virtually the entire share capital of Safra National Bank of New York, and others, in a claim for declarations that certain corporate actions were valid and effective.
  • Defending Entain PLC and Alvar Financial Services Limited in relation to a claim in the amount of between £23 million and £40 million brought against them by Mr Robert Tchenguiz, as well as in respect of their counterclaim of circa. £9,000,000 against Mr Tchenguiz.

ISOLAS LLP

Praised as ‘client focused, combining legal expertise with a focus on business objectives’, ISOLAS LLP‘s recent caseload encompasses contentious public sector, cryptocurrency, and employment matters. The practice is jointly headed by Neil Costa, Samantha Grimes, Mark Isola, and James Montado, and Grimes is notably experienced in Employment Tribunal claims, Isola is a key port of call for the Gibraltar Health Authority, while Montado often handles civil litigation. Costa is lauded as a ‘highly intelligent and professional individual’, Danielle Victor is proficient in insolvency disputes, and Nicholas Isola is a key support. Other notable practitioners include David Garcia and Kyle Bautista.

Practice head(s):

Neil Costa: Samantha Grimes: Mark Isola: James Montado


Other key lawyers:

Danielle Victor; Nicholas Isola; David Garcia; Kyle Bautista.


Testimonials

‘The team at Isolas LLP is client focused, combining legal expertise with a focus on business objectives. The team has an ability to provide high-level legal advice and practical solutions that help us successfully resolve any challenges which may arise across multiple areas.’

‘Neil Costa and his team deliver a highly personalised, hands-on approach. As clients we, are not just treated as case files—we are seen as long-term partners taking the time to understand our challenges and goals, providing solutions that align with our legal needs.’

‘At all times, Neil Costa has demonstrated that he is a highly intelligent and professional individual, who always displays an excellent grasp of the legal and administrative issues surrounding the areas we rely on him for advice. I have also been very impressed by his availability and flexibility.’

‘Having worked with Neil Costa for the last four years, his wealth of knowledge on the public sector is constantly apparent, having served in His Majesty’s Government as an Honourable Minister, including as the Minister for Social Security. This has brought an invaluable understanding of the relevant policies, procedures, and of course legislation that apply to the public service.’

‘Neil Costa is an asset to Isolas LLP, and I have no hesitation whatsoever in recommending Neil to anyone who may require his services.’

‘Neil Costa: for the extensive experience, knowledge, understanding and excellent professional and interpersonal skills he brings in abundance. ’

‘Quick to respond to queries. They always provide sound advice promptly. The team is friendly and personable.’

‘I have worked with Neil Costa and his team and have always found them to be helpful and professional. Between them they cover a very wide range of skills and expertise, in particular when it comes to assisting me in re-drafting legislation.’

Key clients

Kingstar UK Ltd


Mansion (Gibraltar) Ltd


Director of Public Prosecutions for Gibraltar


His Majesty’s Government of Gibraltar


Work highlights


Signature Litigation LLP

The boutique firm Signature Litigation LLP is highly regarded for its cross-border capabilities, acting in a wide range of litigation and arbitration matters across the banking, civil fraud and manufacturing sectors. Team lead Elliott Phillips is renowned for his ‘incisive legal mind and court charisma’, leveraging extensive experience in global commercial litigation and contentious trust disputes. International arbitration expert Lucy Keane is qualified in four jurisdictions, specialising in international trade, construction and shareholder disputes. Other key contacts include Colin Grech and ‘veritable star in the making’ Paul Grant .

Practice head(s):

Elliott Phillips


Other key lawyers:

Lucy Keane; Colin Grech; Paul Grant


Testimonials

‘The firm’s strength is its ability to draw from a wide range of expertise and resources. Being a UK law firm gives them an edge over local law firms especially when dealing with UK private client matters and issues.’

‘Very personable and responsive. Excellent local knowledge and insight.’

‘Exceptional team that understands clients’ needs and tailors their services and advice accordingly.’

‘Elliott Phillips grasps complex matters and supports you every step of the way.’

‘Elliott Phillips leads the Signature Litigation team from the front with an incisive legal mind and court charisma in spades. He is ably assisted by a strong team of associates and support staff, including the committed, capable and clever Paul Grant – a veritable star in the making.’

‘The Signature Litigation team stand out for the quality of their offering across the board. While not as large as some of the other firms in Gibraltar, the Signature Litigation team easily matches – and in many respects out-performs – their larger rivals. Signature Litigation is also able to draw on expertise and support from its network of other offices, which gives them a further edge over the Gibraltarian competitors.’

Colin Grech showed a good knowledge of the law, commercial awareness and approach to difficult matters. He has been extremely approachable and always available to discuss matters with us.’

Key clients

PwC – as Liquidators of Castle Trust Management Services Limited


Entain Holdings (Gibraltar) Limited


John Sherwood


Discovery Global LLC


Gibfibre Limited


RTI Limited


Attijariwafa Bank


Family of the Late Robert Bates


Michael Edwards (the former founder of MCE Insurance) and his son Julian Edwards (Chief Executive Officer in relation to the UK broker MCE Insurance Limited)


UK Police Superintendents Association


Work highlights


  • Representing Gibfibre Limited in numerous matters, including in the first of its kind, billion-dollar litigation under new competition legislation against Gibtelecom Limited and Rockolo Limited.
  • Representing PwC in an application to the Supreme Court of Gibraltar for the appointment of Joint Liquidators of Castle Trust and Management Services Limited (CTMS).
  • Representing RTI Limited in LCIA Arbitration against OWH SE i.L (formerly VTB Bank (Europe) SE) concerning the parties’ rights and obligations in respect of Margin Calls under the ISDA Master Agreement which became a live issue following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Triay Lawyers Ltd

The dispute resolution practice at Triay Lawyers Ltd is well-equipped to represent clients in a wide range of complex matters, notably insolvency, personal injury and medical negligence, employment and commercial litigation. The team is helmed by Charles Simpson, who harnesses a strong reputation in commercial litigation and private client disputes. He is joined by co-leads Freddie Vasquez KC, a specialist in construction law and landlord and tenant matters, personal injury expert Simon Triay and Raymond A Triay ,  a leading figure in local admiralty matters. Dhiraj Nagrani and Sebastian Triay are also key contacts.

Practice head(s):

Charles Simpson; Freddie Vazquez KC; Simon Triay; Raymond A Triay


Other key lawyers:

Dhiraj Nagrani; Sebastian Triay


Key clients

Grant Thornton Gibraltar


Grant Thornton UK


PWC


IBEX Insurance


The Hideaways Club Limited


Barclays Bank


CHUBB


Argus Insurance


Masbro Insurance Services


Terra Raf Trans Traiding Limited


QBE Insurance Group Ltd (t/a British Marine)


Administrators of Elite Insurance


Credit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank


Maritime Mutual Insurance (NZ) Limited


Work highlights


  • Acting for Freddie White in his capacity as liquidator of EIC Plc (Enterprise insurance Company Plc) in relation to a substantial claim against Mr Andrew Flowers, a former director of EIC and also EY Limited.
  • Acting as Lead Solicitor to the inquiry in relation to the retirement of the former Commissioner of Police.
  • Acting on behalf of Terra Raf in relation to substantial commercial disputes.