Appleby's dispute resolution practice leads on prominent litigation matters on the Isle of Man and is often instructed on novel and international cases. Group head Mark Holligon oversees the practice and is highly experienced in corporate insolvencies and fraud and negligence claims, and Charles Davies is a well-regarded court advocate in commercial cases. Demonstrating the bench depth of the team, Caren Pegg is an employment litigation specialist who also represents private clients, Keira Gore represents HNWIs alongside major business clients, Claire Corkish leads on shareholder disputes, and Erin Trimble-Cregeen is a private client specialist. Greg Chambers also assists on contentious corporate matters.
Dispute resolution in Isle Of Man
Appleby
Responsables de la pratique:
Mark Holligon
Autres avocats clés:
Charles Davies; Caren Pegg; Keira Gore; Claire Corkish; Erin Trimble-Cregeen; Greg Chambers
Les références
‘The strongest group of lawyers on the island by far, they work collaboratively as a team and with foreign counsel. A star in the making, Keira Gore is a formidable advocate who never leaves a stone unturned.’
‘Well established & loyal team, bringing a breadth of experience in their field. The team has been invaluable in guiding us through trust litigation, showcasing their pragmatism, accessibility, collaborative spirit, and ability to challenge effectively when needed helping us navigate the twists and turns of litigation to a successful outcome.’
‘Appleby has a brilliant team of offshore specialists. Keira Gore is an excellent advocate and extremely user friendly.’
Principaux clients
Royal Bank of Scotland International
Isle of Man Government
Moorgate Industries (UK) Limited
Receiver and manager of Montpelier (Trust & Corporate) Services Limited
Douglas Corporation
HSBC Bank
IFGL
Betsson Group
Deloitte LLP
Principaux dossiers
- Acting as lead counsel to the court-appointed manager and receiver of a local trust and corporate service provider following litigation brought by the local regulator.
- Acting for a private trust company in proceedings brought by a settlor’s widow for a distribution of 1/3 of a £200m trust fund.
- Instructed to represent Moorgate Industries UK Limited in relation to the cross-border liquidation of Global Steel Holdings Limited.
Cains
Marshalling the strengths of a deep and experienced team of advocates, Cains' dispute resolution practice is often found in high-value, cross-border corporate disputes. Practice head Robert Colquitt has led on notable corporate and liquidation disputes on the Isle of Man, Peter Clucas represents clients spanning from major financial institutions to HNWIs, and veteran Robert Long has a track record of success for clients in banking and insurance. Tara Cubbon-Wood is active in commercial and trust disputes alike, and Charles Williams has experience in insolvency and debt recovery matters. Former First Deemster David Doyle CBE assists on a range of contentious matters.
Responsables de la pratique:
Robert Colquitt
Autres avocats clés:
Peter Clucas; Robert Long; Tara Cubbon-Wood; Charles Williams; David Doyle CBE; Emily Johnson; Jorden Rafferty-Gough
Les références
‘A very strong team all the way through from partner to junior level, regarded as one of the best, if not the best, litigation practice in the Isle of Man.’
‘Peter Clucas is a great team leader, with very good judgment. Tara Cubbon-Wood is a really excellent lawyer, on top of all the detail. Charlie Williams and Jorden Rafferty-Gough are also extremely good.’
‘First rate Isle of Man litigation firm – very long established on the island and able to draw on experience of a number of heavy commercial cases.’
Principaux clients
BCI Ltd
Excalibur Almaz & Otrs
Barclays Bank Plc
Friends Provident International Limited
HSBC Bank Plc
Isle of Man Assurance Limited
CKM Consultants
Principaux dossiers
- Advising IOM Assurance Limited on the sale of long-term insurance business to RL360 Life Insurance Company Ltd, successfully seeking the IoM Court’s sanction for the scheme of arrangement to implement the same.
- Representing Friends Provident International Limited in defending a multi-claimant action filed in the Isle of Man High Court by 336 claimants seeking damages for alleged implied misrepresentation and breaches of duty arising from the issue of certain financial products.
- Provided ongoing representation of Barclays Bank PLC in defending claims brought by a security provider and its parent company against the bank and four other defendants.
DQ
DQ's advocates have experience at all levels of the High Court, and advise on matters spanning from insolvencies, partner and shareholder disputes to global trust and estate litigation matters. Employment law specialist Leanne McKeown heads the practice and regularly leads on breach of confidence and directors' duties matters. Mark Emery's broad practice covers injunctive proceedings, trust disputes and enforcement orders, and is often instructed by global clients for advice on novel points of law. Joshua Quinn advises on civil and commercial law disputes, while Amelia Quinn joined the firm in February 2025.
Responsables de la pratique:
Leanne McKeown
Autres avocats clés:
Mark Emery; Joshua Quinn; Amelia Quinn
Les références
‘The team provides a very professional service, quickly getting to understand the nature of the problem and identifying a solution and way forward by calling on the most appropriate member of the team.’
‘Approachable, engaging and understanding. We have worked with Mark Emery on a number of occasions, and he has provided a professional service and advice to assist us with a number of matters.’
‘DQ is fully immersed in the Isle of Man legal world and provides crucial expertise into all areas of Isle of Man legal processes, alongside standards of professionalism which are of the highest order. They are friendly, down to earth and approachable.’
Principaux clients
Zedra Trust Company (Isle of Man) Limited
US Department of Justice
Cayman National Bank (Isle of Man) Limited
Santander International
Equiom (Isle of Man) Limited
Ramsey Town Commissioners
BLS1 Ltd
Principaux dossiers
- Acting for the directors of Falmouth Developments Limited and Oakmayne Properties (Regeneration) Limited in defending a claim related to allegations of fraudulent breaches of directors’ duties in the context of a multi-million pound property development at Cornwall Terrace, Regent’s Park, London.
- Acted for the appellant, BLS1 Ltd, in overturning a decision at first instance from the Isle of Man VAT and Duties Tribunal in an appeal concerning the supply of sleeping accommodation in London in circumstances where it is an equivalent to a hotel, the “reduced value rule” and statutory construction of the Isle of Man Value Added Tax Act 1996.
- Struck out a claim issued against two Isle of Man directors.
Keystone Law
Keystone Law‘s unique approach as a firm strengthens its dispute resolution practice, with specialists across a range of disciplines, and the department is often instructed by major London and international law firms on complex multijurisdictional disputes. The group draws upon Andrew Marshall, who takes charge of commercial matters ranging from shareholder disputes to employment claims, and Andrew Langan-Newton advises on trust, land and property litigation. Gillian Christian left the firm in May 2024.
Autres avocats clés:
Andrew Marshall; Andrew Langan-Newton
Les références
‘Ability to view complex challenges holistically and balance the risks and objectives from multiple perspectives and move towards a pragmatic solution.’
‘Andrew Marshall is available, calm and insightful.’
‘Andrew Marshall is professional and efficient.’
Principaux clients
HNW Lending Limited/Joabla Ltd
D4 Doors Limited
Principaux dossiers
- Acted for HNW Lending Limited and Joabla Ltd in a claim against Vannin Healthcare Holdings Limited, Oliver Van Veen, Sally Oliver and Petrus Van Veen.
- Acted for D4 Doors Limited in a claim against its former director as a result of her misappropriation of the company’s assets.
Whittles Law Limited
Whittles Law Limited was founded in 2024 and brings a range of extremely experienced litigators to the dispute resolution practice. Firm director Gillian Christian, who joined from Keystone Law in May 2024, is a trust dispute specialist who also has a track record of success in class action lawsuits and corporate and commercial disputes, and Claire Foden assists on a range of disputes. Moreover, the department can employ the experience of a number of consultants in Lindsey Bermingham, an expert in financial service regulatory concerns, and contentious employment law specialist Rachel Berry.
Responsables de la pratique:
Gillian Christian
Autres avocats clés:
Claire Foden; Lindsay Bermingham; Rachel Berry
Les références
‘Enthusiastic and pragmatic team who are consistent in their approach.’
‘Worked closely with Gillian Christian and Claire Foden on a number of matters. The team consistently demonstrates a pragmatic approach to matters providing guidance, honest feedback and guidance. From my experience with Gillian she is always thoroughly prepared for court, demonstrating an exceptional ability to think on her feet. Her articulate and compelling delivery in court makes her a formidable advocate. She is a force to be reckoned with and someone you definitely want on your side for any litigious matters.’
‘The company offers diverse and relevant skills, knowledge and experience within the offshore arena and therefore can support our business and clients. The react quickly, invoice appropriately and always offer support virtually or face to face.’
Principaux clients
Farrer & Co LLP
Contractor Services Group
Cavendish Trust Company Limited
IQEQ Limited
FRP Advisory (Isle of Man) Limited
Odin Fiduciaries
DWF LLP
Principaux dossiers
- Acting for the claimants in the largest ever class action on the Isle of Man, with 1600 claimants having lodged claims totalling more than £270m.
- Acting for the claimant in relation to the winding up of one of the largest property and construction firms in the Isle of Man.
- Acting for the beneficiaries of a significant Isle of Man trust in a successful appeal to set aside the Court’s judgment on a surrender of trustee discretion/Section 61 case.
Advocates Smith Taubitz Unsworth Ltd
Dedicated solely to litigation, Advocates Smith Taubitz Unsworth Ltd focuses on commercial litigation and regulatory concerns alike. The group is led by the experienced advocate Vicki Unsworth, whose broad practice covers matters under the Proceeds of Crime Act, freezing orders, asset disputes, and a range of other contentious civil and commercial claims, as well as Darren Taubitz whose practice spans cases concerning road traffic offences to white-collar crime. Lydia Mulligan was promoted to director in January 2025, and Victoria Watson qualified as an Advocate in December 2024 and assists with litigation.
Responsables de la pratique:
Vicki Unsworth; Darren Taubitz; Lydia Mulligan
Autres avocats clés:
Victoria Watson
Les références
‘Vicki Unsworth is a no-nonsense litigator who gets the job done efficiently and with directness, which gets results.’
‘Astonishing energy levels and really commercial and sensible advice.’
‘Vicki Unsworth and Darren Taubitz have created a really thriving and energetic team. They are very client focused. They’re also very focused on training and getting the best out of the newer lawyers.’
Principaux clients
Sondica Inc
DWF Claims
MRP International Limited
VTB Bank
Cornerstone Architects
Liberty Global Group
Begbies Traynor
Sulby Collaborations Limited
Illumination International LLC
JNS Gaming Limited
Principaux dossiers
- Achieved the discharge of a restraint order issued under the Proceeds of Crime Act, involving £45m for a Chinese national who appears to have been racially profiled.
- Secured disclosure following the issuance of a property freezing order against a local e-gaming company.
- Advising Sondica Inc in relation to a negligent misstatement, negligence and misfeasance in public office claim against Isle of Man Government and a UK property consultancy firm as part of a tendering process.
Athena Law
Athena Law is a dispute resolution boutique that focuses on a broad range of corporate and trust matters, and is often instructed or asked for Isle of Man legal advice by global clients and international law firms. The practice is headed by experienced litigator Chiva Samani, who leads on contentious, high-value contentious matters for HNWIs, asset-holding companies and financial institutions, with recent work spanning breaches of contract and fiduciary duty, shareholder disputes, and corporate structure liquidations.
Responsables de la pratique:
Chiva Samani
Les références
‘Chiva Samani is a very good litigator that is good on her feet.’
‘Chiva gave us immediate and competent advice on a very practical level. She was accessible and personable.’
‘Chiva Samani – a one woman powerhouse! Nimble, flexible, thorough and resourceful – I don’t know how she does it. A wonderful lawyer who is both a safe pair of hands and endlessly imaginative and resourceful in looking for solutions to any dispute.’
Principaux clients
Direct Investments Limited
BCL Solicitors LLC
Walkers (Europe)
Directors of New Earth Recycling and Renewables (Infrastructure) Plc
Shareholder Group in MIR Limited
Nectrus Limited
DAC Beachcroft
Begbies Traynor
Group Eleven (IOM) Limited
Principaux dossiers
- Assisting a sanctioned client in defeating an application to wind up a multi-million-dollar fund and securing the appointment of receivers in its stead.
- Representing minority shareholders in the first IOM unfair prejudice claim relation to wide-ranging disclosure to be given by the subject company.
- Advising and assisting directors of a £250m fund in relation to disqualification proceedings.
Humphrey & Helfrich
Humphrey & Helfrich‘s dispute resolution team is active in litigation for local authorities, advising on public law and statutory obligations, and acting for commercial clients on a range of contentious matters in industries spanning financial services, property, and ship management. The practice is led by Oliver Helfrich, who represents private clients, corporations and contractors. Jessica Cocker regularly appears before tribunals on commercial property matters, and Joe Burrows focuses on clinical negligence and personal injury matters.
Responsables de la pratique:
Oliver Helfrich
Autres avocats clés:
Jessica Cocker; Joe Burrows
Les références
‘Since day one I have been kept informed and treated with the utmost understanding and care, which I am incredibly grateful for.’
‘Joe Burrows has been dealing with my case for over two years now and has always made me feel at ease during this ongoing, stressful time. He is very understanding of my medical situation and issues within my daily life, and I feel able to contact him with any concerns should I need to which I feel is important.’
‘Throughout the six years we have been working with H&H we have dealt with a number of individuals, primarily Oliver Helfrich and Jess Cocker, and at all times we have found them to be honest in their advice and approachable for any questions not understood by us, which were always handled in a clear and concise manner, and which could then be easily explained to the shareholders.’
Principaux clients
Majestic Management Limited
Sherwood Limited
Beaumanx Property Limited
Conister Bank Limited
Marlborough Court Limited
The British Association of Shooting
Tower Insurance
Affinity (Isle of Man) Limited
IOM Pharmacy Contractors Association
Castletown Commissioners
British Triathlon
British Cycling
Peel Town Commissioners
Isle of Man Enterprises
Principaux dossiers
- Acted for Majestic Management Limited in an application to the Rent and Rating Appeals Tribunal to vary 94 long leases in a residential apartment development.
- Challenged the decision of a public healthcare provider to charge a foreign national resident in the Isle of Man over £103,000 in hospital fees for a serious medical condition, and secured free healthcare for client moving forward.
- Acting for the liquidator in the creditors’ voluntary liquidation of Comfort Jet Aviation Limited.
Kneale Advocates
Kneale Advocates is a dispute resolution boutique, with recent experience in civil litigation including trust disputes, divorces and wills and probate matters, as well as in contentious international financial regulatory matters. The practice is led by Ashley Kneale, who is regularly instructed by London-based law firms, and represents clients in the High Court. Advocates Louise Byrne and Lisa Gawne also contribute to the contentious capabilities of the firm.
Responsables de la pratique:
Ashley Kneale
Autres avocats clés:
Louise Byrne; Lisa Gawne
Les références
‘Boutique firm. Specialists in their field – civil litigation, family, wills and probate. Made up of very big hitters and leading lawyers on the Isle of Man. Approachable, personable, empathetic and highly knowledgeable. Driven by providing a quality service to their clients.’
‘Louise Byrne is the leading family lawyer on the Isle of Man. She specialises in HNWIs and asset tracing. Empathy and high quality service drives her on a daily basis. Ashley Kneale is a leading light in complex civil matters, specialising in international matters. Modern, bright and engaging firm led by Ashley Kneale.’
‘Small team but with a significant reach. Involved in significant matters, often with an international dimension. Agile and responsive. Super collaborative on multi-jurisdiction matters.’
Principaux clients
Aerodynamics Limited
Larus Limited
Isle of Man Police Federation
Yellowstone Limited
Principaux dossiers
- Defending Aerodynamics Limited in an application by the claimant for a proprietary injunction and pre-action disclosure.
- Advising Larus Limited upon various defamatory statements published on a large online platform, including the commencement of High Court proceedings.
- Assisting Yellowstone Limited, whose client had been debanked.
M&P Legal
M&P Legal's dispute resolution team is particularly experienced in contentious personal injury and medical negligence matters and also has capabilities in complex commercial and trust litigation. Practice head Damian Molyneux represents private clients in civil litigation and advises boards of directors, local authority bodies and corporate service providers on dispute prevention and resolution, and Michael Mudge has led on high-value trust and estate disputes and on matters concerning financial service regulations.
Responsables de la pratique:
Damian Molyneux
Autres avocats clés:
Michael Mudge
Les références
‘The team has been consistent and delivered the work in a timely and professional manner.’
‘Damian Molyneux is readily available with prompt advice and is prepared to state when advice sought is outside his area of expertise.’
‘All the team members that I had any dealings with were so polite, easy to talk to and understand. I wouldn’t hesitate to use this firm again if needed.’
Principaux clients
Kennedys
PwC
Unite the Union
Medical Protection Society
Mishcon de Reya
Grant Thornton
Financial Services Authority
Atla Group (Isle of Man)
Generali Global
Black Grace Cowley
Department of Health & Social Care
Principaux dossiers
- Continue to advise Grant Thornton as joint liquidators in respect of the winding up and interim administration of a large trustee and corporate services provider.
- Advising Black Grace Cowley as to potential negligent investment advice given to the board of directors when effecting shareholder protection policies.
- Advised the Department of Health & Social Care on the settlement of a spinal injury clinical negligence claim.
Maher Law
Maher Law is a boutique dispute resolution firm founded in January 2024, led by the highly experienced litigator Tom Maher. The practice represents clients in trust disputes, insolvencies, regulatory enforcement proceedings and contentious employment matters, and Maher has a track record of success in chancery litigation. Adam Killip is a consultant who also handles chancery matters, and Corinne Stanfield brings dispute experience from the Attorney General’s Chambers.
Responsables de la pratique:
Tom Maher
Autres avocats clés:
Adam Killip
Les références
‘Tom Maher is very personable and provides a personal service’
‘Timely responses and excellent availability and really understands business.’
‘Tom Maher has excellent commercial awareness; when he speaks or writes, the Deemster listens and reads, as does the other side. Tom is top class. He has years of experience and provides KC service. Tom is a great strategic thinker that matches and exceeds the best KCs. He understands your case and is with you every step of the way.’
Principaux clients
FRP Group
Cavendish Trust
Boal & Co Group
Pay Retailers Group/Open Payment Technologies Limited
SolutionsHub
Mischon de Reya
Fieldfisher
Eximia Group
Principaux dossiers
- Advised FRP as liquidators of Broadsheet LLC in successfully defending appeal by a former liquidator against his removal.
- Advised the trustee in the bankruptcy of Pramod Mittal, in relation to a disputed $347m proof of debt in the liquidation of Global Steel Holdings Limited.
MannBenham Advocates Limited
MannBenham Advocates Limited acts for clients spanning financial and corporate service providers, senior executives and trade unions, and is particularly strong in employment disputes. Christopher Webb has led on corporate litigation including insolvencies and shareholder disputes, as well as on regulatory matters, and Chris Grimson is a key point of contact for legal expense insurers.
Responsables de la pratique:
Christopher Webb
Autres avocats clés:
Chris Grimson
Les références
‘A diligent approach and the ability to provide both practical and technical advice with speed and clarity on specific issues in the Isle of Man.’
‘Chris Webb is an excellent lawyer with a great command of the detail of the case.’
‘The experience, personnel and the ability to handle the high profile and valuable trust and corporate litigation that arises in the Isle of Man.’
Principaux clients
Hillberry Trust Company Limited
Tekinvest
Principaux dossiers
- Advising Hillberry Trust Company Limited in relation to a dispute with a former director.
- Acted for a client in an employment dispute between the managing director of an oil and gas company and the board.
Simcocks
Capable of carrying out high-value commercial litigation with expertise at the local and global levels, Simcocks leads on an array of contentious matters for corporate clients and HNWIs. The dispute resolution team is led by Chris Brooks, who represents private clients on matters concerning international sanctions, breaches of confidence, and asset recoveries. Elizabeth Simpson is a corporate disputes specialist who leads on cross-jurisdictional contentious matters, Caroline Jennings employs her family law experience on disputes, and Winston Taylor acts on criminal negligence matters.
Responsables de la pratique:
Chris Brooks
Autres avocats clés:
Elizabeth Simpson; Caroline Jennings; Winston Taylor
Les références
‘Respected and good practice on the Isle of Man, capable of handling major disputes.’
‘The Simcocks dispute resolution team under Chris Brooks is top-tier. Their unique strength lies in combining expert legal knowledge with genuine client understanding. They prioritise finding the right resolution, not just any win, and maintain clear, consistent communication at all times throughout lengthy legal processes.’
‘Chris Brooks has been a trusted adviser to our business for multiple years, he always makes time to listen to our concerns and issues while thoroughly researching our options to resolve the issue we face.’
Principaux clients
Baccarat/Morland Limited
Much Better
MIR Limited
Nereo Management Limited
Child and Child/Blue Azurite Limited