Contentious trusts, insolvency proceedings and a broad spread of commercial disputes form the bedrock of Bedell Cristin‘s litigation practice, which also handles regulatory, asset recovery and enforcement matters. ’Really excellent litigator’ Alasdair Davidson leads the group, acting for a range of financial service providers and fiduciaries in commercial and trust matters. Davidson also sits as a Lt Bailiff of the Royal Court. Jon Barclay specialises in financial services disputes, including matters that cover both civil and criminal issues. Emma Hill joined the firm from ONTIER LLP in December 2023, bringing expertise in disputes centred on digital assets.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Top drawer, commercially minded dispute resolution team. Reliable, efficient, and value-for-money advice. More than holds its own with the other leading firms.'
- 'Alasdair Davidson is really smart and practical. Calm, well-organised approach, and shapes good outcomes for the clients. Has a good reputation with the courts.'
- 'Alasdair Davidson is a sound lawyer, practical and pragmatic. Just the person you want on your team.'
- 'Jon Barclay is an extremely strong litigator. He is very considered and a strategic thinker, a good tactician with shrewd judgement. He is also very personable and works well with clients as well as counsel, a true team player.'
- 'Alasdair Davidson and Cassie Wade are very good, responsive and work well together.'
- 'Alasdair Davidson is a really excellent litigator - definitely one of the stand-out practitioners in Guernsey. He gives clear, thoughtful advice that is to the point and delivered concisely and intelligibly.'
- 'Excellent offshore profile, with one of the strongest Guernsey practices. The partners are real experts in their field.'
- 'Alasdair Davidson is fabulous, Abigail Houghton is an associate to watch.'
Key clients
- Geneva Trust Company (SA)
- Pilatus PTC
- Cherry Godfrey
- Saffery Champness
- Grant Thornton
- Kingsley Napley
- JT Group
- Guernsey Home Loans (Kent and Reliance Building Society)
- E&Y
- Imperium
- Macfarlanes
- Trustee of the Madoff Estate
- Azets
- Adil Popat
- Teneo
- Sarnia Home Loans
- Stewarts Law LLP
- Credit Suisse Trust
- Hansard Trust
Work highlights
- Defended claims brought against the former CFO of JPO Ltd by liquidators with sums sought in excess of $1bn.
- Pursued claims for Geneva Trust Company in the ongoing Investec v Glenalla matter, involving the first case in Guernsey concerning insolvent trusts.
- Represented JT in its appeal against the regulatory finding that the two dominant telecoms providers in Guernsey conspired to rig the roll-out of 5G technology.
Lawyers
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Alasdair Davidson