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Serle Court is highly renowned for its extensive expertise in offshore trust matters, and has comprehensive knowledge of an ensemble of jurisdictions including the Channel Islands, the BVI and the Cayman Islands. The set offers further expertise in Asian jurisdictions. Its barristers are frequently instructed by firms from across the globe. Members continue to act in some of the most substantial cases in offshore jurisdictions, including Wong v Grand View in Bermuda. An instructing solicitor says: "The breadth and depth of knowledge and experience is incredible. From the senior juniors to the KCs, they only seem to get better as experience increases." Another source describes the calibre of barristers as "the cream of the crop in the area of trust disputes. The barristers are dealing with the most complex matters and I thought they were the best of the best."
"The clerks are very responsive. They will always be happy to offer recommendations for suitable counsel if my chosen counsel isn't available. Their recommendations are spot on and commercial in terms of rates."
"The clerks at Serle Court are brilliant. In particular, Dan Wheeler, senior clerk, is amazing and just a brilliant character who instils confidence."
"Nick Hockney is a very senior clerk. He's incredibly approachable, has good communication skills and you know where you stand with him. It's a pleasure to work with him."
Steven Whitaker is the head clerk.
Jonathan Adkin KC
Jonathan Adkin KC is highly regarded in the area of contentious trust work, with additional experience in civil fraud, insolvency and partnership matters. His expertise is sought after for non-charitable purpose trust and company matters, including shareholder disputes. He is called to the Bar in Gibraltar, Bermuda and the Cayman Islands. "He is very modern in his approach. He is both collaborative and hands on." "He is my go-to man in the Cayman. He is always at the top of my list because he is a real heavyweight with detailed knowledge of the area." "He is a really smooth, persuasive advocate who commands the room."
Dakis Hagen KC
Dakis Hagen KC has a strong reputation for handling international trust, fraud and asset-tracing matters. He regularly appears in Bermuda and Jersey, as well as the Caribbean jurisdictions. Hagen is highly experienced in regulatory proceedings and is noted for his skill in handling trustee applications and jurisdiction challenges. "Dakis' in-depth knowledge of trust law is incredible. He is patient with lawyers working with him who are not specialists." "He is exceptional on his feet, a pleasure to deal with and very responsive whilst being incredibly busy. " "He is a very smooth and capable silk. He makes everything very easy. He is very knowledgeable and works very hard. A wonderful asset to any team."
Philip Jones KC
Philip Jones KC advises on the whole range of offshore matters, including investment fund litigation, trust disputes, fraud and tax avoidance. His clients include high net worth families and company directors. He has been called to the Bar of the BVI, the Cayman Islands and the Isle of Man. "He is a very calm advocate who is extremely pleasant to appear against." "Philip Jones is a great advocate. He is both gentle and a good technical lawyer."
Philip Marshall KC
Philip Marshall KC demonstrates strong credentials in asset recovery and civil fraud cases, and has additional strength in restructuring and insolvency disputes. His clients include international banks and high-profile directors. Marshall has appeared or advised in courts in jurisdictions including the Channel Islands, Hong Kong, Bermuda and the BVI. "He is absolutely a standout performer." "He has a robust attitude and works extremely well." "Philip Marshall is an advocate who will really fight for his clients."
Richard Wilson KC
Richard Wilson KC enjoys a strong reputation in traditional and commercial chancery litigation, and has particular expertise in trusts, probate and partnership disputes. His practice also encompasses private international law. Although particularly noted for his presence in the Channel Islands, he has also appeared for clients in Gibraltar, the Cayman Islands and the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court. "Richard Wilson is exceptionally strong and very easy to work with." "He's just brilliant. We love the fact he's amazing with the clients as he can communicate really complicated legal issues in a way they can grasp immediately." "Richard Wilson is an exceptional advocate. He is a leading trusts silk at the height of his powers, and is one of the go-to silks for highly complex cases."
Elizabeth Jones KC
Elizabeth Jones KC excels in complex, multi-jurisdictional litigation and has in-depth expertise in company and commercial law generally. Her areas of expertise include financial services, contentious trust matters and civil fraud cases. She regularly advises on disputes in the Channel Islands and is also called to the Bar of the BVI. He has been engaged in significant proceedings in Bermuda and the Bahamas.
Emma Hargreaves
Emma Hargreaves is frequently instructed by top solicitors in complex offshore trust disputes. She has acted in several high-profile cases, both as sole counsel and led by notable silks across the Channel Islands, Bermuda and the Cayman Islands. "Her written advocacy and preparation of skeleton arguments is very impressive." "Emma Hargreaves is amazing. She is a real backbone of the team and her ability to digest information, store it and access it when it is needed is incredibly impressive."
Nicholas Harrison
Nicholas Harrison has experience of practising in Bermuda, the Bahamas, the BVI, Jersey and the Isle of Man, among other jurisdictions. He has had notable roles in several high-value, cross-jurisdictional disputes. His work in this area predominantly focuses on alleged fraudulent misappropriation and breach of trust litigation.
Ruth Jordan
Ruth Jordan offers noteworthy expertise in a range of offshore commercial work, including investment disputes and litigation arising out of environmental proceedings. She is particularly adept at handling litigation in the Bahamas. "Ruth Jordan is a very good lawyer and has a lovely courtroom manner. She is a strong advocate."
John Machell KC
John Machell KC has a wide range of offshore expertise, regularly handling major trusts cases as well as general commercial disputes. He has significant experience acting for appellants. He is frequently sought out by clients in Jersey and the Cayman Islands. "John Machell has a very good advocacy style. He is polite but persuasive." "He is good with difficult clients. He has an authoritative and calm demeanour about him." "He is very knowledgeable and is an expert on partnership disputes."
Matthew Morrison
Matthew Morrison acts in a range of offshore cases, including fraud, trusts and liquidation disputes. He regularly appears before courts in the Cayman Islands and the Bahamas. "Matthew Morrison is a very capable barrister and provides user-friendly advice in a timely fashion." "He has a straightforward courtroom manner and good advocacy skills." "Matthew Morrison thinks outside the box and is extremely client-friendly."
Giles Richardson KC
Giles Richardson KC is a key player in contentious international trusts cases, who has acted for both trust companies and personal trustees in places as far-flung as the Channel Islands, the BVI and St Kitts & Nevis. He specialises in real estate-focused trust funds and regularly acts for fund liquidators. "Giles Richardson has provided stellar counsel." "He is very clever, very experienced, and advised the right strategy for our case." "Giles Richardson is brilliant in both traditional chancery work and high net worth disputes. He is personable when dealing with clients and has got a good way of putting them at ease."