DEPARTMENT PROFILE

Hassans

General Business Law

16 ranked lawyers

Band 1

Gibraltar

Global 2022 View ranking table

chambers review

department information

Ranked Lawyers

Chambers Review

Chambers Research is conducted by 200 Research Analysts, across 200 jurisdictions and provides nearly 6,000 rankings tables. Annually we collect hundreds of thousands of responses from clients, the majority via in-depth interview. Learn more about our methodology.

What the team is known for

Hassans occupies a prominent position in the Gibraltarian legal landscape and boasts a team that includes high-profile individuals who are considered market leaders in various sectors, including insurance, gaming and fintech. The law firm assists with regulatory and corporate matters for asset managers or other companies seeking to adapt following Brexit, and it has experience in the listing of bitcoin ETFs on the Gibraltar stock exchange. The team negotiates real estate sales, lease agreements or development contracts for developers of residential projects. The firm's disputes team has a similarly broad remit, which ranges from the management of employment disputes and family law cases through to high-profile administrative appeals or insolvency proceedings. In addition to its varied work on behalf of private sector clients, Hassans is often selected by Gibraltar public bodies to handle policy drafting mandates.

Notable practitioners

Anthony Provasoli is a key figure in the firm's fintech team. He is recognised among market commentators as an active contributor to developments within the fintech sector.

Daniel Feetham earns considerable praise for his capacity to handle complex litigation and arbitration mandates. Several of his recent key cases raised issues regarding EU law, including in relation to the enforcement of state aid rules. He also advises clients on insolvency matters. "He has a fantastic intellect," notes one interviewee, while another states: "He is extremely bright and comes up with out-of-the-box ideas."

Gillian Guzman QC is best known for her work on family law disputes, including care proceedings. She also assists with contentious employment law matters. One source says that Gillian Guzman is "down to earth and approachable." "She is a strong and compassionate advocate with a very clear understanding of the law," notes another interviewee, adding: "She is proactive, responsive and on top of matters."

Clients say that Ian Felice is "approachable and pragmatic, and in negotiations he is definitely a person who contributes to reaching a deal that is sensible for both parties." He has experience in banking sector M&A deals and in high-value lending transactions.

Highlight mandates for Isaac Levy include assisting public sector clients as borrowers with high-value lending mandates and advising corporate clients on restructurings.

James Lasry heads the firm's funds practice. In addition to his advice to asset managers on regulatory issues relating to the marketing of funds across Europe, James Lasry stands out for his policy drafting work on behalf of the Gibraltar government.

James Levy QC has long been considered a star individual in the Gibraltar legal market. He earns specific praise for his tax law knowledge and for his financial services sector expertise.

Interviewees describe Lewis Baglietto QC as a "well-respected and trusted" figure with experience in top-end commercial and maritime disputes. He advises on disputes arising from oil spillages or collisions, as well as acting on the enforcement of foreign court decisions in Gibraltar. "He will always go the extra mile for anything you need," states one market commentator.

Michael Castiel is a consultant at Hassans and plays a supporting role on various corporate and tax structuring mandates. Interviewees note that "if you have a particularly knotty point he will be involved."

Hassans' real estate department head Nicholas Howard enters the rankings as a result of strong praise from clients for his handling of varied transactional mandates. He has assisted with the development and sale of significant residential projects in Gibraltar. He also assists with lease negotiations. Sources say that "he knows the local property legislation inside out."

Nigel Feetham QC moves up to the top tier of the rankings in recognition of his reputation as one of the best insurance sector specialists in Gibraltar. He assists with portfolio transfers and acts on the redomiciliation of insurance companies. "His specialisation is insurance, and he is absolutely cracking in that area," states one source. "There is a kind of authority and gravitas in what he says," notes another interviewee.

Interviewees report that Peter Montegriffo QC is an "outstanding, practical adviser," noting: "He sees through the noise and gets on with things." He stands out for his gaming sector practice, assisting public bodies with policy advisory mandates and acting for private gaming companies on commercial topics.

Tim Garcia often advises on international tax issues arising from the redomiciling or liquidation of multinational corporates.

Valerie Holliday attracts attention for her experience advising on matters in the financial services sector. "When I need legal assistance in working with the regulator, Valerie Holliday is one of my top choices," says one source.

Vikram Nagrani has a broad practice that ranges from corporate structuring mandates or finance transactions through to advisory topics relating to the regulatory changes. "It seems like, whatever we want to do, he always has a good grasp of the legislation," states one source, adding: "He always gives good options and advice on what possibilities you have."

Department Information

This content is provided by Hassans.

Overview

Hassans has been providing legal advice locally and cross borders since 1939 and is the largest law firm in Gibraltar. We are a full service firm with specialisms in corporate, M&A, commercial, financial services, insurance, litigation, funds, gaming, property, private client, tax and shipping law.

Hassans aims to deliver a service consistent with old world values of customer care whilst constantly evolving to embrace new world technology to meet the urgency that today’s world demands. We do this by combining professionalism with pragmatism so our clients get what they need, when they need it. We build and value, long term relationships with our clients.

The partners at Hassans are trusted advisers to clients both locally and overseas who seek legal guidance in a fast-moving, multi-jurisdictional world. Though rooted in Gibraltar, the firm has an international clientele in key jurisdictions around the world, with many assignments involving cross-border advice.

Three quarters of the firm’s work is related to international clients with many clients using Gibraltar companies and trusts to structure their fiscal, fiduciary or investment requirements. The firm enjoys strong links with major multinationals, financial institutions, banks, legal and accountancy firms worldwide.

The firm’s international clients come from the US, the UK, Israel and Europe (in particular Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Spain and Portugal).