Leading Associates

Firms To Watch: Dispute resolution

Kneale Advocates was formed by Ashley Kneale, former head of the dispute resolution team at Quinn Legal. The team has recently acted on a number of trust disputes and matters relating to the Proceeds of Crime Act 2008.
In 2024, Tom Maher established litigation boutique Maher Law, which supports clients with chancery litigation and regulatory enforcement work. Maher has proven litigation experience and has been involved in numerous high-profile disputes.

Dispute resolution in Isle Of Man

Appleby

Complex disputes are a mainstay of Appleby‘s disputes practice, and the firm has excelled in matters involving multiple jurisdictions and novel points of law. Christopher Cope is a well-respected insolvency litigator, and Charles Davies advises on challenging company and trust disputes. Among other claims, group head Mark Holligon is well-versed in fraud claims and asset tracing matters; Caren Pegg assists with the full spectrum of commercial litigation; and Claire Corkish is an experienced litigator who also advises on take-over and transfer schemes. As a STEP member, Erin Trimble-Cregeen focuses on trust disputes, and Keira Gore is praised as ‘an excellent and reliable solicitor‘.

Responsables de la pratique:

Mark Holligon


Autres avocats clés:

Christopher Cope; Caren Pegg; Charles Davies; Claire Corkish; Keira Gore; Erin Trimble-Cregeen


Les références

‘The team makes Appleby the go-to firm for trustees and trust corporations involved in disputes in the Isle of Man.’ 

‘Mark Holligon’s leadership helped ensure a client-focused approach to the matter, ably assisted by Erin Trimble-Cregeen.’

‘An organised and efficient team who know their local market exceptionally well.’

Principaux clients

Royal Bank of Scotland


Moorgate Industries


Receiver and Manager of Montpelier Services


Douglas Corporation


HSBC


IFGL


Swagelok Isle of Man


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 the settlor’s widow for a distribution of 1/3 of the £200m trust fund.
  • Instructed to represent Moorgate Industries concerning a high-profile, very high-value cross-border liquidation.

Cains

Cains has extensive Isle of Man court experience and has been involved in some of the island’s most complex and high-value disputes. Seth Caine is well known for his expertise in insolvency and trust litigation; Peter Clucas has general commercial dispute expertise as well as specialist knowledge of proceedings to approve corporate schemes; and Robert Long has significant experience in insolvency matters, complex disputes, and asset tracing issues. Lindsey Bermingham bolsters the firm’s white-collar crime offering, and Robert Colquitt is experienced in ADR. Both Tara Cubbon-Wood and Charles Williams are active in high-value commercial litigation.

Responsables de la pratique:

Robert Colquitt


Autres avocats clés:

Robert Long; Lindsey Bermingham; Peter Clucas; Seth Caine; Paul Freeman; Tara Cubbon-Wood; Charles Williams; Emily Johnson


Les références

‘Peter Clucas is an excellent partner, he has good judgment and is a great team leader.’

‘Tara Cubbon-Wood is a standout managing associate, who is smart, organised and generally an excellent person to work with.’

‘I have experience of working with recent addition Paul Freeman who is an astute and experienced lawyer.’

Principaux clients

Barclays Bank plc


Friends Provident International


Owners of Polsie MV


Principaux dossiers


  • Representing Friends Provident International in defending a multi-claimant claim before the Isle of Man High Court.
  • Advising two defendants in connection with complex, longstanding litigation involving multiple jurisdictions.

Athena Law

Athena Law is a notable boutique litigation practice with a focus on commercial and trust disputes. The firm has established a reputation for excelling in complex litigation, including claims pertaining to regulations, asset tracing issues, and injunctive relief. Chiva Samani is active in cases involving novel points of law and is praised by clients as 'a superb, savvy, and dedicated advocate'.

Responsables de la pratique:

Chiva Samani


Les références

‘Chiva Samani is a superb, savvy, and dedicated advocate. She never gives less than 100% and is meticulous in preparation. She covers a broad practice and is particularly noted for complex litigation and trusts law.’

‘Boutique commercial disputes firm with an ability to be agile and remain light on its feet, serving the offshore banking market in Isle of Man.’

‘Chiva Samani drives the business and she has an excellent grasp of everything with which she gets involved. She is very driven and applies a great deal of logic and finesse in her dealings in court.’

Principaux dossiers


  • Advised the minority shareholders of a fintech company in an unfair prejudice and breach of duty claim.
  • Advised and defended a Cypriot company in a multi-jurisdictional trust dispute.

DQ

DQ regularly acts for clients at all levels of the Isle of Man judiciary system. Fraudulent breaches of director duties, complex e-disclosure processes, injunctions and Norwich Pharmacal applications are all common facets of Leanne McKeown‘s varied workload, while Mark Emery advocates for clients across a broad range of commercial disputes. Both Joshua Quinn and Jessica McManus frequently advise on complex and high-value litigation.

Responsables de la pratique:

Leanne McKeown


Autres avocats clés:

Mark Emery; Joshua Quinn; Jessica McManus


Les références

‘Level of expertise is outstanding, swiftly contactable straight through to the right person.’

‘Mark Emery was a pleasure to deal with, immediately understood the issue and gave clear and concise suggestions for action.’

‘Leanne McKeown heads the dispute resolution team and is an excellent advocate – her particular expertise is employment law but she has developed into an experienced and impressive all-rounder. Practical advice is a strength.’ 

Principaux clients

Zedra Trust Company


BLS1


Cayman National Bank


Santander


Arragon Jaguars


Equiom


Principaux dossiers


  • Representing the appellant in a complex two-day appeal in the Staff of Government Division against the Isle of Man Treasury.
  • Acting for the directors of Falmouth Developments and Properties in defending a multi-million-pound claim related to allegations of fraudulent breaches of directors’ duties.
  • Acting for Zedra as trustee in proceedings issued in the Isle of Man by English bankruptcy trustees of a deceased settlor’s Estate.

Keystone Law

Keystone Law attracts praise for its litigation expertise. Gillian Christian is a leading trust litigator with particular expertise regarding Manx trustee cases. Andrew Marshall is a key name regarding Proceeds of Crime Act proceedings, while Rachel Berry has acted on several high-value claims involving personal injury issues, will disputes, and insolvencies. Andrew Langan-Newton is active across commercial and trust disputes.

Autres avocats clés:

Gillian Christian; Andrew Marshall; Rachel Berry; Andrew Langan-Newton; Claire Foden


Les références

‘Any client would be thrilled to obtain this level of service and would be satisfied that they have a brilliant team on board.’

‘Andrew Marshall is brilliant – the magic combination of a deep understanding of the law, huge tactical and strategic common sense, and a superbly clear focus on how to achieve the best result for his clients.’

‘Keystone’s team is capable, motivated, and responsive. They are involved in many of the big disputes in the Isle of Man.’

Principaux clients

HNW Lending Limited and Joabla


Beneficiaries of the Erlich Settlement-Yacht and RBSI Claims


Receivers of the Axiom Legal Financing Fund


Y & A Group LP


Principaux dossiers


  • Acting for HNW Lending in a claim against Vannin Healthcare Holdings.
  • Acting for a client regarding an Application brought by the Liquidator of Broadsheet LLC.
  • Defending license holders against regulatory actions by the FSA.

BridsonHalsall Advocates

BridsonHalsall Advocates undertakes a significant amount of civil litigation concerning trusts, contentious probate issues, and estate matters. On the commercial side, the firm also assists with professional negligence claims, contract disputes, and claims alleging breaches of fiduciary duties. Andrew Bridson has conducted cases at all levels of Manx Courts, as well as before the Gambling Supervision Commission. Richard Halsall and Peter Russell are also key names to note, and Claire Clampton handles family-related claims.

Responsables de la pratique:

Andrew Bridson; Richard Halsall; Claire Clampton


Autres avocats clés:

Peter Russell


Principaux dossiers


  • Acting for a personal representative in obtaining a ruling under Section 61 of the Trustee Act 1961.

Humphrey & Helfrich

As well as assisting with wider commercial litigation, Humphrey & Helfrich is active in government and local authority work, advising on public sector matters including planning, licensing, and statutory obligation issues. Oliver Helfrich is an experienced Manx Advocate whose knowledge of Isle of Man government departments has benefitted clients seeking advice concerning the exercise of statutory powers, while Helen Helfrich has considerable experience in contractual and statutory matters.

Responsables de la pratique:

Oliver Helfrich


Autres avocats clés:

Mark Humphrey; Helen Helfrich


Les références

‘Humphrey & Helfrich strike the perfect balance of maintaining the qualities of a personal service of a local firm whilst bringing the skillset one would expect from a larger corporation.’

‘Oliver Helfrich demonstrates exceptional skill and diligence whilst navigating complex matters and assisted in a complicated regulatory dispute where his arguments will likely shape future updates to regulatory guidance for the wider community.’

‘Professional attitude to clients. Extremely helpful.’

Principaux clients

British Triathlon


British Cycling


Peel Town Commissioners


Castletown Town Commissioners


Isle of Man Enterprises


Port Erin Commissioners


Southern Civic Amenity Board


Hartford Homes Limited


Affinity Group


Shimmin Wilson


CM Partners


Fortress Group


GJ Ingham & Sons


Sterling Business Solutions


Chapman Brothers


Isle of Man Assurance


Principaux dossiers


  • Acting for the liquidator in the creditors’ voluntary liquidation of an IOM jet-owning company.
  • Acting in a High Court claim for removal of restrictive covenants concerning a high-profile, multi-million-pound development.
  • Handled an application to the Rent and Ratings Appeal Tribunal to vary the terms of residential long leases in a prestigious complex.

M&P Legal

M&P Legal has a notable reputation in disputes concerning liquidations, personal injury claims, and medical negligence cases. The team is also actively growing its private client and regulatory capabilities. Damian Molyneux has advised on negligence and personal injury matters, as well as high-value insolvency claims. The practice also benefits from the expertise of Michael Mudge, who handles various civil and commercial disputes.

Responsables de la pratique:

Damian Molyneux


Autres avocats clés:

Michael Mudge; Amelia Quinn


Les références

‘The team are quick to respond to queries and provide advice and assistance.’

‘Damian Molyneux and Michael Mudge provide sound and practical advice.’

Principaux dossiers


  • Advised a private individual in respect of a catastrophic personal injury arising from a motorcycle accident.
  • Advised joint liquidators in respect of allegations of fraud and/or professional negligence.
  • Advising a large insurer client on various personal injury claims.

MannBenham Advocates Limited

MannBenham Advocates Limited houses a notable disputes practice, which counts large trade unions and legal expenses insurers on its client roster. Christopher Webb spearheads the department, providing litigation and ADR experience, and Chris Grimson excels in personal injury, employment, property and consumer litigation. Jacqui Owens advocates in high-stakes commercial litigation and often assists pension providers with regulatory issues.

Responsables de la pratique:

Christopher Webb


Autres avocats clés:

Chris Grimson; Jacqui Owens


Les références

‘The team are, as you’d expect, incredibly well informed, confident and engaging which has a remarkably calming impact on their clients when dealing with stressful situations.’

‘Chris Webb particularly has the most amazing ability to take a situation and, within a couple of sentences, remove the heat and make it appear manageable.’

‘We appreciate their willingness to think along with us.’

Principaux clients

Hillberry Trust Company


Royal Bank of Scotland International


A.Williams & Co


Ultrazonic.com


Tekinvest


Manx Co-Operative Society


Callister Construction


Quanta Services


Riverside


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising Ultrazonic in relation to a contract dispute concerning the provision of PPE.
  • Advising Hillberry Trust Company in relation to a dispute with a former director.
  • Advising an entrepreneur concerning a shareholder dispute.

Simcocks

Simcocks is highlighted for its expertise in local and international litigation. Team head Chris Brooks oversees a varied caseload, including matters involving assets impacted by Russian sanctions. Caroline Jennings supports the team’s family law practice, with extensive expertise in contentious divorce matters. Elizabeth Simpson ‘is an outstanding commercial litigator’.

Responsables de la pratique:

Christopher Brooks


Autres avocats clés:

Elizabeth Simpson; Louise Byrne; Caroline Jennings


Les références

‘Excellent responsive service, commercially focused. Very client-focused.’

‘Excellent commercial litigators, especially Elizabeth Simpson. Elizabeth is an outstanding commercial litigator.’ 

‘Louise Byrne was knowledgeable, highly skilled and experienced, honest and trustworthy. She provided a professional service, promptly delivered with kindness and understanding.’ 

Principaux clients

Baccarat/Morland


Much Better


Nereo Management


Child and Child


Wilton


Principaux dossiers


  • Defending a group litigation brought on behalf of over 600 claimants.
  • Prevented the immediate winding up of a multi-million fund owned partly by sanctioned individuals.

Advocates Smith Taubitz Unsworth Ltd

Advocates Smith Taubitz Unsworth Ltd is a specialist litigation practice, assisting with high-value commercial litigation, personal injury claims and matrimonial cases. Vicki Unsworth is ‘an extremely talented and tenacious litigator’ who acts in a litany of civil and commercial claims. Darren Taubitz ‘is a powerhouse of an advocate’ whose caseload spans criminal defence work, including white-collar crime proceedings.

Responsables de la pratique:

Vicki Unsworth; Darren Taubitz


Les références

‘Really excellent client care. Very focused on the practical outcomes for clients.’

‘The team has magnificent strength in depth, and their approachability, client care and understanding is second to none. They fight exceptionally hard for their clients.’

‘Darren Taubitz is a powerhouse of an advocate. Tenacious, articulate and exceptional with clients.’

Principaux clients

Sondica Inc


DWF Claims


MRP International


VTB Bank


Cornerstone Architects


Liberty Global Group


Begbies Traynor


Sulby Collaborations


Illumination International LLC


JNS Gaming


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Illumination International LLC in successfully obtaining a Worldwide Freezing Order against a Manx Company.
  • Advised a local gaming company concerning Restraint Orders placed over the Company as a result of allegations of money laundering.
  • Advising Sondica Inc in relation to a negligent misstatement, negligence and misfeasance in public office claim against Isle of Man Government.