Private client, trusts and tax

Carey Olsen

Acting for HNWIs, family offices and trustees alike, Carey Olsen advises on matters tied to the establishment and restructuring of Jersey-based trusts. The department is also frequently instructed on contentious matters arising out of the actions of trustees. Practice head Alexa Saunders supports clients in both semi- and non-contentious matters, including the setting up of trusts and philanthropic vehicles, and subsequent restructurings. Robert Dobbyn is also able to assist with such matters, acting for a client base spread across Europe and the Middle East. Contentious matters are the domain of Andreas Kistler, who represents plaintiffs and defendants in breach of trust and professional negligence hearings. Keith Dixon is noted for advising on succession and estate planning issues, with Stephen Fitzgerald focusing on pension and employee benefits-related trust structures.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

'The personable nature of the team makes it easy to introduce private clients and their advisors to CO.'
'Like many offshore law firms, Carey Olsen offers an impressively wide range of services, but the quality of the services makes them a stand-out offering. Their practitioners are experienced and responsive, so the advice is good and well presented.'
'The members of Carey Olsen’s private client, trusts and tax team are among the most highly trained, well experienced and responsive lawyers I have ever had the good fortune to work with over my career.'
'There appears to be a very good relationship between the offices in different jurisdictions, which enables them to provide joined-up advice.'
'Robert Dobbyn is a pleasure to deal with. He is knowledgeable and practical.'
'The team is responsive, dynamic and combines competence with warmth and a sense of humour. I particularly appreciate their ability to adapt and collaborate in a culturally sensitive way on international work, given my Middle Eastern client base.'
'Rob Dobbyn is an example of someone with whom I have worked: he is responsive, engaging and a joy. Competence is a given. It's those extra qualities that make him stand out.'
'I work closely with Alexa Saunders, who is a superb lawyer. I have the highest regard for Andreas Kistler on the contentious side.'

Work highlights

Acted for the protector and the professional advisor of a Jersey law trust in proceedings concerning the protector's decision to remove the current trustee and appoint a new trustee in their stead.
Acted for the beneficiary of a Jersey will trust in connection with a challenge to a tax liability that has arisen in France and the validity of the trust on grounds of lack of certainty.