Cains
UK Guide 2025
About
Managing Director: Robert Colquitt
Number of directors: 6
Number of other fee earners: 20
Contacts:
Banking & Finance: Tim Shepherd, Scott Leonard-Morgan
Corporate & Commercial: Tristan Head, Scott Leonard-Morgan
Litigation: Rob Colquitt, Tara Cubbon-Wood
THE FIRM Established in 1899 and headquartered in the Isle of Man, Cains is a leading independent offshore law firm at the forefront of maintaining the Isle of Man as a premier international finance centre.
A full-service commercial law firm, the expert team of legal specialists work across various disciplines advising clients from both the Isle of Man and around the globe on banking and finance, corporate and commercial, employment and data protection, litigation, property, regulatory and restructuring and insolvency legal matters.
Proven skills, international industry expertise and in-depth knowledge combine to ensure the team can handle the most demanding, complex and innovative instructions from a broad range of local and international clients including global banks, financial institutions, multi-national enterprises, regulatory bodies, in addition to public and private companies.
PRINCIPLE AREAS OF WORK
Banking & Finance: Cains’ banking and finance team has a widely acknowledged and long-standing reputation for providing market-leading legal services to international banks, global financial institutions, alternative lenders, aircraft and ship owners and various borrowers. The team regularly advises on complex multi-jurisdictional commercial real estate, acquisition, project and asset finance matters, capital markets including debt issues and securitisations, bilateral and syndicated loans and derivative transactions and sales of performing and non-performing loan portfolios.
Corporate & Commercial: Corporate and commercial matters are the foundation of Cains’ legal offering and the specialist team, which is one of the largest in the Isle of Man, is renowned for dealing with the most complex and noteworthy corporate transactions with a particular focus on mergers and acquisitions, corporate restructurings, joint ventures, capital markets and investment funds, for a diverse portfolio of local and international organisations including Fortune 500 companies. Employment: Cains’ employment specialists provide expert legal advice to clients at every stage of the employment “life cycle” from recruitment, through all aspects of the working relationship, to cessation of employment and post-termination concerns. With close governmental ties the team is regularly instructed to assist clients new to the Isle of Man by providing re-location assistance, including advice on employer registrations and immigration and work permits.
Data Protection: Cains’ data protection team represents clients on the full spectrum of contentious and non-contentious data privacy and information rights issues. Familiarity with key Isle of Man sectors and the particular challenges enables its lawyers to provide comprehensive, relevant, and valued insights on topics including GDPR, data governance, record retention, impact assessments and transfers of personal information.
Listing Services: Cains Listing Services Limited (CLSL) is a Category 1 and 2 Member of The International Stock Exchange (TISE), approved to act as Listing Agent and Sponsor in relation to the listing of bonds and equities on the TISE. Cains’ team offers exceptional levels of corporate listings experience, having advised both domestic and international clients on debt and equity listings across international recognised stock exchanges including the main market of the London Stock Exchange, AIM, NASDAQ, EASDAQ, Frankfurt, NYSE, HKEX, SGX-ST, Dublin, LuxSE, JSE and Warsaw.
Litigation: Cains’ leading litigation department has unrivalled experience representing a broad range of clients across the full spectrum of contentious and non-contentious work and is widely recognised for its expertise in both international and domestic cases, including high-value and complex insolvency, commercial, corporate, asset tracing, fraud and trust litigation cases. The highly skilled team regularly provides financial services and regulatory advice to clients and can assist with white collar prosecution and defence work.
Property: Cains’ property team provides expert and comprehensive legal advice on all aspects of commercial and residential property transactions including property acquisitions and sales, leases, loan structuring deals, commercial real estate restructuring and refinancing arrangements. The team regularly works with UK, Irish and offshore financial institutions, as well as local and international investors, developers, retailers, manufacturers and utility companies.
Regulatory: Cains’ multi-disciplinary regulatory team has experience in advising on the full spectrum of regulatory and compliance matters relevant to businesses operating in or from the Isle of Man, including providing up-to-date guidance and advice on all aspects of financial services regulation including licensing and authorisation, risk management and compliance, anti-money laundering and data protection. The team works alongside government bodies and industry associations to help shape the Isle of Man’s regulatory frameworks and policies.
Restructuring & Insolvency: Cains’ restructuring and insolvency team has been extensively involved in both the contentious and non-contentious aspects of the largest and highest profile commercial restructuring and insolvency matters in the Isle of Man. The team regularly advises on restructurings effected via schemes of arrangement, debt restructurings (including debt for equity swaps), corporate rescues and insolvencies of financial institutions and corporate debtors. Members of the team have particular expertise in working with on-shore law firms and other restructuring and insolvency specialists, to structure and implement recovery and, where necessary enforcement, processes, at times utilising Isle of Man law purpose trusts to hold distressed assets.
Ranked Offices
Provided by Cains
- DouglasFort Anne, South Quay, Douglas, Isle of Man, UK, IM1 5PD
- Web: www.cains.com
- Tel: +44 1624 638300
- Fax: +44 1624 638333
- View ranked office
Cains rankings
Articles, highlights and press releases
29 items provided by Cains
Management Changes at Cains
Tara Cubbon-Wood promoted to Director
We are delighted to announce the promotion of Tara Cubbon-Wood, Managing Associate in our Litigation team.
Cains advises Isle of Man Assurance Limited on the sale of its wealth book of business.
Cains advises Isle of Man Assurance Limited on the sale of its wealth book of long-term insurance business to RL360 Life Insurance Company Limited
Cains strengthens Employment team with new appointment
Leading Isle of Man Law firm, Cains, has continued to enhance its employment and data protection practice with the recent appointment of Ruby Roberts.
Cains advises Travelodge on first Isle of Man hotel
Cains’ top tiered commercial property team are pleased to have advised popular UK hotel brand Travelodge, on its agreement for lease to open its first hotel in the Isle of Man.
Cains advises STM Group on £35.6 million acquisition.
Cains’ top tiered corporate and litigation teams are pleased to have advised multi-jurisdictional financial services group, STM Group PLC, on the sale of its entire issued share capital to Jambo SRC Limited ‘Bidco’ for £35.6 million.
Cains continues growth with double appointments.
Cains has continued to enhance its corporate and litigation practices with the recent appointments of Richard Kniveton and Benjamin McGee.
Gambling Supervision Commission Enforcement Policies Go Live.
On 01 July 2024 the Isle of Man’s Gambling Supervision Commission (“GSC”) revised enforcement-related policies came into effect. This followed an outreach session in June, with the enforcement policies now forming part of the GSC’s regulatory framework.
Director Steven Quayle named Isle of Man’s leading Aviation and Yacht Lawyer in Spear’s Magazine.
Director and head of Cains’ shipping and aviation legal practice, Steven Quayle, has been recognised in Spear’s Magazine’s new Legal Index 2024 as a “Recommended Aviation & Yachts Lawyer” – the third consecutive year he has been ranked.
Mark Twain once said “Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter” – except in the employment context!
Equality Series: Gender Reassignment.
Section 8(1) of the Equality Act 2017 (the “Act”) defines the protected characteristic of gender reassignment which confers legal protection in certain situations including the workplace.
Equality Series: Gender Reassignment.
Section 8(1) of the Equality Act 2017 (the “Act”) defines the protected characteristic of gender reassignment which confers legal protection in certain situations including the workplace.
Equality Series: Marriage and Civil Partnership.
Legal protection for marriage and civil partnership in an employment context was first introduced by the Employment (Sex Discrimination Act) 2000.
Equality Series: Disability Discrimination.
Disability is one of the protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2017 (the “Act”), which addresses both work and access to goods and services. The object of the legislation is to remove barriers to full participation in society and promote equality of opportunity.
Equality Series: Pregnancy and Maternity.
This article focuses on the issues faced by employers when employees have, or allege that they have, been discriminated against on the grounds of “pregnancy and maternity”, being one of the nine protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2017 (the “Act”).
Equality Series: Sexual Orientation.
“Sexual orientation” is one of the nine protected characteristics defined in the Equality Act 2017 (the “Act”).
Equality Series: Sex Discrimination.
It sounds like an easy difference to spot and address in terms of employer policies and practices but the concept of “sex” as a characteristic is broader than you might think initially for the purposes of discrimination law.
Regulator Enforcement action: is it proportionate, reasonable and necessary?
An illustration from two recent cases in Guernsey: Domaille, Clarke & Hannis[1] and Trevor Kelham[2]
Equality Series: Race Discrimination.
In this article we consider the protected characteristic of “race”. Under the Equality Act 2017 it is unlawful to discriminate against, harass or victimise an employee because of their race or because of the race of someone they are connected with.
Equality Series: Religion or belief discrimination: key points.
The Equality Act 2017 (the “Act”) protects employees, prospective employees, workers and anyone contracted to perform work personally from discrimination, harassment and victimisation because of a protected characteristic.
Double celebration as Cains marks 125 years leading the legal landscape with IFC award win.
Leading independent Isle of Man law firm, Cains, is delighted to announce it is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year and, to launch the celebrations, they were crowned ‘Law Firm of the Year – Isle of Man’ at the Citywealth International Financial Centre (IFC) Awards 2024 in London on 24 Jan.
Equality Series: What does discrimination mean?
“Discrimination” is a term which implies a difference – in treatment or impact. As mentioned in our previous article, the Isle of Man has laws to protect against unlawful discrimination in both employment and as regards access to goods and services.
Equality Series: Case summary of Mincher v Manx Care.
A landmark decision – and first definitive ruling – of the Isle of Man Employment and Equality Tribunal (the “Tribunal”) regarding the interpretation and application of section 7 (Disability) and section 11 (Religion or Belief) of the Equality Act 2017 (the “Act”).
Introduction to the Equality Act 2017: Protected Characteristics.
The Equality Act 2017 (the “Act”), which received Royal Assent on 18 July 2017, deals with discrimination comprehensively and in respect of both employment and the provision of goods and services, known as the "protected characteristics".
Cains adds Paul Freeman to litigation practice.
Leading Isle of Man Law firm Cains has further strengthened its top-tier litigation team, which now totals 12 lawyers, following the appointment of Paul Freeman.
Cains adds Paul Freeman to litigation practice.
Leading Isle of Man Law firm Cains has further strengthened its top-tier litigation team, which now totals 12 lawyers, following the appointment of Paul Freeman.
Cains adds Paul Freeman to litigation practice.
Leading Isle of Man Law firm Cains has further strengthened its top-tier litigation team, which now totals 12 lawyers, following the appointment of Paul Freeman.
Growth continues for Cains with double appointment.
Leading Isle of Man Law firm Cains has continued its growth with the recent appointments of associate Jorden Rafferty-Gough and trainee associate Rhys Westwell.
New Managing Director to take the helm at Cains.
Leading independent Isle of Man law firm, Cains, has announced succession changes to its management structure, with current director Tim Shepherd taking on the role of Managing Director.
Management Changes at Cains
Tara Cubbon-Wood promoted to Director
We are delighted to announce the promotion of Tara Cubbon-Wood, Managing Associate in our Litigation team.
Cains advises Isle of Man Assurance Limited on the sale of its wealth book of business.
Cains advises Isle of Man Assurance Limited on the sale of its wealth book of long-term insurance business to RL360 Life Insurance Company Limited
Cains strengthens Employment team with new appointment
Leading Isle of Man Law firm, Cains, has continued to enhance its employment and data protection practice with the recent appointment of Ruby Roberts.
Cains advises Travelodge on first Isle of Man hotel
Cains’ top tiered commercial property team are pleased to have advised popular UK hotel brand Travelodge, on its agreement for lease to open its first hotel in the Isle of Man.
Cains advises STM Group on £35.6 million acquisition.
Cains’ top tiered corporate and litigation teams are pleased to have advised multi-jurisdictional financial services group, STM Group PLC, on the sale of its entire issued share capital to Jambo SRC Limited ‘Bidco’ for £35.6 million.
Cains continues growth with double appointments.
Cains has continued to enhance its corporate and litigation practices with the recent appointments of Richard Kniveton and Benjamin McGee.
Gambling Supervision Commission Enforcement Policies Go Live.
On 01 July 2024 the Isle of Man’s Gambling Supervision Commission (“GSC”) revised enforcement-related policies came into effect. This followed an outreach session in June, with the enforcement policies now forming part of the GSC’s regulatory framework.
Director Steven Quayle named Isle of Man’s leading Aviation and Yacht Lawyer in Spear’s Magazine.
Director and head of Cains’ shipping and aviation legal practice, Steven Quayle, has been recognised in Spear’s Magazine’s new Legal Index 2024 as a “Recommended Aviation & Yachts Lawyer” – the third consecutive year he has been ranked.
Mark Twain once said “Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter” – except in the employment context!
Equality Series: Gender Reassignment.
Section 8(1) of the Equality Act 2017 (the “Act”) defines the protected characteristic of gender reassignment which confers legal protection in certain situations including the workplace.
Equality Series: Gender Reassignment.
Section 8(1) of the Equality Act 2017 (the “Act”) defines the protected characteristic of gender reassignment which confers legal protection in certain situations including the workplace.
Equality Series: Marriage and Civil Partnership.
Legal protection for marriage and civil partnership in an employment context was first introduced by the Employment (Sex Discrimination Act) 2000.
Equality Series: Disability Discrimination.
Disability is one of the protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2017 (the “Act”), which addresses both work and access to goods and services. The object of the legislation is to remove barriers to full participation in society and promote equality of opportunity.
Equality Series: Pregnancy and Maternity.
This article focuses on the issues faced by employers when employees have, or allege that they have, been discriminated against on the grounds of “pregnancy and maternity”, being one of the nine protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2017 (the “Act”).
Equality Series: Sexual Orientation.
“Sexual orientation” is one of the nine protected characteristics defined in the Equality Act 2017 (the “Act”).
Equality Series: Sex Discrimination.
It sounds like an easy difference to spot and address in terms of employer policies and practices but the concept of “sex” as a characteristic is broader than you might think initially for the purposes of discrimination law.
Regulator Enforcement action: is it proportionate, reasonable and necessary?
An illustration from two recent cases in Guernsey: Domaille, Clarke & Hannis[1] and Trevor Kelham[2]
Equality Series: Race Discrimination.
In this article we consider the protected characteristic of “race”. Under the Equality Act 2017 it is unlawful to discriminate against, harass or victimise an employee because of their race or because of the race of someone they are connected with.
Equality Series: Religion or belief discrimination: key points.
The Equality Act 2017 (the “Act”) protects employees, prospective employees, workers and anyone contracted to perform work personally from discrimination, harassment and victimisation because of a protected characteristic.
Double celebration as Cains marks 125 years leading the legal landscape with IFC award win.
Leading independent Isle of Man law firm, Cains, is delighted to announce it is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year and, to launch the celebrations, they were crowned ‘Law Firm of the Year – Isle of Man’ at the Citywealth International Financial Centre (IFC) Awards 2024 in London on 24 Jan.
Equality Series: What does discrimination mean?
“Discrimination” is a term which implies a difference – in treatment or impact. As mentioned in our previous article, the Isle of Man has laws to protect against unlawful discrimination in both employment and as regards access to goods and services.
Equality Series: Case summary of Mincher v Manx Care.
A landmark decision – and first definitive ruling – of the Isle of Man Employment and Equality Tribunal (the “Tribunal”) regarding the interpretation and application of section 7 (Disability) and section 11 (Religion or Belief) of the Equality Act 2017 (the “Act”).
Introduction to the Equality Act 2017: Protected Characteristics.
The Equality Act 2017 (the “Act”), which received Royal Assent on 18 July 2017, deals with discrimination comprehensively and in respect of both employment and the provision of goods and services, known as the "protected characteristics".
Cains adds Paul Freeman to litigation practice.
Leading Isle of Man Law firm Cains has further strengthened its top-tier litigation team, which now totals 12 lawyers, following the appointment of Paul Freeman.
Cains adds Paul Freeman to litigation practice.
Leading Isle of Man Law firm Cains has further strengthened its top-tier litigation team, which now totals 12 lawyers, following the appointment of Paul Freeman.
Cains adds Paul Freeman to litigation practice.
Leading Isle of Man Law firm Cains has further strengthened its top-tier litigation team, which now totals 12 lawyers, following the appointment of Paul Freeman.
Growth continues for Cains with double appointment.
Leading Isle of Man Law firm Cains has continued its growth with the recent appointments of associate Jorden Rafferty-Gough and trainee associate Rhys Westwell.
New Managing Director to take the helm at Cains.
Leading independent Isle of Man law firm, Cains, has announced succession changes to its management structure, with current director Tim Shepherd taking on the role of Managing Director.