Viberts advises clients on a variety of property matters, including landlord and tenant issues, property developers and lenders. The practice is led in tandem by James Lawrence, who maintains a broad practice encompassing both commercial and residential property transactions, and Paul Harben, who focuses predominantly on the commercial market, advising on the acquisition and leasing of office and retail spaces. Emily Paris-Hunter qualified as a Jersey advocate in 2024, focusing on leasing and sub-leasing matters and also advising in relation to infrastructure developments. July 2023 saw the return of Philip Livingstone to the firm as a consultant, advising on property disputes and property issues tied to wills and succession planning.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • 'The team is very responsive, easy to talk to and provides clear and concise advice when asked.'
  • 'Paul Harben and Emily Paris-Hunter are very good and are very easy to work with. They provide clear and concise advice when asked and will give an opinion which is needed.'
  • 'Our experience with Viberts has always been favourable. We have used them on four occasions to handle commercial leases and property sales. On each of these occasions we have been dealt with promptly, with personal visits to our offices to see "hands on" what some of our issues were that needed to be addressed.'
  • 'We'd like to pay particular thanks to Paul Harben, who always goes the extra mile, Emily Paris-Hunter, who is always quick to grasp my concerns and can manage to eloquently put them into the contract with a minimum of words, and to James Lawrence - a good egg!'
  • 'Specialists in commercial property matters. Highly experienced, speed of action, attention to detail and knowledge of the commercial property market. Up there with the Channel Islands' best.'
  • 'Paul Harben is experienced, knowledgeable and has a smile for everyone. Emily Paris-Hunter understands the market, listens to the client and no delays.'
  • 'Viberts are very unique in a way that they adapt to each client's needs. Having dealt with several Law firms on the island, Viberts have to date provided me with the best service.'
  • 'The real estate team not only has technical knowledge but also can share this in a way that allows non-technical people to understand why certain aspects have been included or excluded.'

Key clients

  • Andium Homes Limited
  • Falles Holdings Limited
  • JMEC Renovations Limited
  • Byron and Claire Khawaja
  • Collins (Properties) Limited
  • ANHP Limited

Work highlights

  • Advised Falles Holdings Limited on a new long FRI lease in its flagship premises on the Esplanade, as well as a new lease of Longueville Garage.
  • Assisted Fenice Limited with all work in relation to the acquisition, development and subsequent re-structuring of the associated finance of their large mixed use city-centre site.
  • Advised Andium Homes Limited in respect of its development of 249 new residential units on Ann Street, St. Helier, including the transfer of property and parking rights to the Public of the Island.

Lawyers

Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

James Lawrence, Paul Harben

Other key lawyers

Emily Paris-Hunter, Philip Livingstone