The disputes team at Mourant is ‘capable of handling the most complex matters,’ with a practice that takes on matters ranging from trust to commercial litigation, insolvency-related issues and a variety of regulatory proceedings. Team lead Abel Lyall is noted for his expertise in both trust and commercial disputes, frequently appearing for trustees and other fiduciaries. Jeremy Wessels is a contentious trusts specialist, sought after by HNW beneficiaries in litigation against trustees or other family branches, while Gordon Dawes’ practice spans commercial and regulatory disputes. Chantal Barrett maintains a broad practice, with a particular niche in D&O and other insurance coverage litigation. Benjamin Manchak, who is admitted in the US, England & Wales and Guernsey, represents trustees and beneficiaries in multi-jurisdictional proceedings. John Greenfield joined the team in late 2025.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Highly intelligent, perceptive, thorough and incisive advice.’
‘Mourant is a full service firm capable of handling the most complex matters.’
‘Gordon Dawes is excellent. He is very responsive, has an in-depth understanding of the legal and tactical issues involved in a case and gives thoughtful, well-rounded and extremely sound advice. He is also a very able trial advocate, he understands what issues will play well with the court and he deploys his tactical and legal knowledge effectively and skilfully. He inspires confidence!’
‘The team are all fabulous. Chris Edwards leads the matter very well, and Benjamin Manchak has been really excellent day-to-day. He gives good advice and has been really responsive and helpful in driving forward the Guernsey advice we need to assist us in acting for our mutual client in English litigation.’
‘Mourant is my go-to dispute resolution team on the island - they have highly practical lawyers who make complex matters seem straight-forward.’
‘Abel Lyall and Ben Manchak are both leading litigators in Guernsey.’
‘Chantal Barrett has been an invaluable member of our extended team over the last 12 months and her availability and valued advice has been a huge asset to our firm. Gordon Dawes has provided his experience and wide reaching knowledge in a timely and proactive manner.’
‘Jeremy Wessels is a superstar of the offshore trusts litigation world. I love working with him because he is just streets ahead on strategy as well as on the law. Ben Manchak is an up-and-coming star in his team.’
Key clients
- Orbitus
- Saffery Champness
- EFG Private Bank
- Butterfield Bank and Trust
- PraxisIFM Group/Nerine Group
- Grant Thornton
- GFSC
- Apex
- Intertrust
- Teneo
- Leonard Curtis
Work highlights
Represented Grant Thornton as liquidators of JJW Limited.
Advised the trustee of the EBT of the Stobart Group (now Esken) in relation to a High Court claim issued by a former Esken director for unlawful means conspiracy.
Acted for a former non-executive director in an appeal of regulatory proceedings brought by the GFSC in connection with the collapse of the Providence Fund in 2016.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
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Leading partners
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Leading associates
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Chantal Barrett
Benjamin Manchak
Practice head
Abel Lyall
Other key lawyers
Christopher Edwards; Sandra Duerden; Chantal Barrett; Benjamin Manchak; Gordon Dawes; Jeremy Wessels; John Greenfield