Ogier‘s private wealth team stands out for its ability to set up complex, cross-border wealth management structures, dovetailing with the firm’s disputes team when contentious matters arise. Matthew Guthrie heads the Guernsey team, acting for UK, US and Middle Eastern-based HNWIs and their families in relation to the structuring of their trusts and succession planning. Gavin Ferguson acts for trustees and charities on the full spectrum of trust and foundation law. Catherine Moore’s practice covers non- and semi-contentious trust matters, including inter-beneficiary disputes, while Chris Hards‘ wheelhouse includes trust, foundation and will and estate planning law matters. Sophie Denman is well versed in the structuring and operation of multi-jurisdictional trusts, including those holding digital assets.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • 'Outstanding, cohesive team that works well under pressure to deliver on the tightest timescales on the most complex of cases. No query is too big or small, and you feel like you are valued as a client.'
  • 'Considered, strategic advice given that is easily digestible. A real benefit that they have.'
  • 'Catherine Moore and Matt Guthrie - excellent. Ogier is a first class law firm for high-net-worth and ultra-high net worth individuals and professional services.'
  • 'All round great individuals with tried and tested experience in the matters we need advice on. Really good market understanding and networks across the world, particularly in the Middle East and South America.'
  • 'Catherine Moore is extremely responsive and practical. Our go-to contact for initial advice and to act as a sensible local sounding board for any issue. Chris Hards is excellent and surely destined for great things. Really impressive on his feet with clients in the most technical and bewildering legal conundrums.'
  • 'Matt Guthrie is truly valued for his commercialism, pragmatism and market knowledge, as well as his collaborative approach in solving difficult problems. He is a genius.'
  • 'No other firm is currently achieving Ogier's current combination of top level technical skills, acute commercial judgement, and ready availability when we need them. They clearly work very hard indeed but will always make time for us.'
  • 'Matt Guthrie is absolutely first class. A very keen mind who is able not only to provide excellent legal advice, but to engage with and understand our commercial imperatives. He is very level-headed and calm in a crisis.'

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Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Matt Guthrie

Other key lawyers

Gavin Ferguson, Catherine Moore, Chris Hards, Sophie Denman