This content is provided by Chambers. Learn more about our methodology
Lennox Paton is a "top firm," say market insiders. "They have lots of good clients on their books and are one of the most clear and insightful teams in terms of their advice and the solutions they can offer the clients." The team assists private and institutional clients with a broad range of trust matters. Its expertise also includes handling complex cross-border estate planning matters involving Europe, the USA and the Far East.
"They are a top Bahamian firm and one of the few who do really good work for private clients," say sources. "They are very good and have a number of sophisticated and intelligent lawyers," adds one interviewee, and another comments that "technically they are very good and are responsive to clients' needs."
Notable practitioners
Arthur Seligman , head of the firm's trust and foundations group, is a "very sophisticated lawyer and well connected within trust and banking industry," says a peer, adding: "He has great judgement, is very reliable and deals with everything in a way that the client is always happy." Market insiders also note that "he is very good on the legal side - he is excellent at drafting, you can rely on him for a lot of documentation," further commenting: "He is really reliable, very responsive to clients' needs and a safe pair of hands."
Brian Simms QC is "one of the strongest players out there," says a London barrister, describing Simms as a "forceful advocate." One of Simms' peers says: "He is rightly seen as one of the leading counsel. He is very knowledgeable and clearly loves the law, which is great because he's looking for innovative solutions. He is very user-friendly, responsive and a pleasure to work with." Another comments: "He is a very strong litigator and one of the best lawyers for contested matters. He can handle trust disputes very well." Market insiders further note that "his appreciation of the commercial realities is impeccable and he can balance those with the theoretical legal rights."
Michael Paton is "certainly one of the best lawyers in the Bahamas," notes a fellow practitioner, adding: "The market holds him in the highest regard." A market insider says Paton is "extremely knowledgeable and has a wide breadth of experience. He has a high-level legal expertise but always understands the bottom line from a commercial perspective." Peers particularly comment: "He will have a real following in the market, and both clients and onshore lawyers will turn to him for Bahamas-related advice. He is very good, especially for investment funds and the financial aspects of trusts."
