Mourant trusts team scores highly in the Chambers High Net Worth Guide 2022

Mourant, a law firm-led professional services firm, has achieved a Band 1 position in the latest Chambers and Partners High Net Worth (HNW) Guide for Offshore Trusts in Jersey.

The team is praised as "astute and commercially pragmatic" as well it being noted that "It's a strong and long-established team of lawyers."

The firm's Guernsey practice maintained its Band 2 position, including feedback that "They have the skill, expertise and a depth of awareness on technical and complicated matters. They have the ability to draw on knowledge from a diverse pool of highly competent colleagues, who together can work as a team to provide top-quality service and advice." 

In total, seven Mourant lawyers covering the Channel Islands and the Caribbean have been ranked in the trust and private client practitioner tables.

Mourant Senior Partner and leading trust litigator, Jonathan Speck is ranked in the highest category as a Star Individual, by the Guide. He is described as a "standout" lawyer. Another source describes Jonathan as a "heavyweight" with one source noting "if you had a new trust point being developed in the courts, you would use him." 

Mourant Head of International Trust & Private Client, Edward Devenport is ranked as a Band 1 lawyer who is described as a "professional team leader, focused on client needs and someone who builds excellent interpersonal relations." 

Joint Global Practice Leader for Litigation, Bruce Lincoln, is recognised as a trusts litigator who represents high net worth individuals and trustees in complex multi-jurisdictional matters, while Senior Associate Chiara Mundy is named as an Associate to Watch and is described as a "trusted pair of hands and our go-to lawyer".

In Guernsey, Partner Christopher Edwards is noted for his litigation expertise, including in trust litigation. An interviewee said "He is our first point of contact for contentious matters. He has great knowledge and has assisted us with very sophisticated disputes." 

Gillian Kennedy-Smith is recommended as Up and Coming with sources impressed by her ability to handle complex matters and her client service. One source says: "She is able to master the details while always keeping an eye on the bigger picture. She is technically very impressive," and another interviewee notes: "She has an excellent commercial approach to complex matters." A market commentator adds: "She is personable, approachable and provides advice in an understandable way."

London based Tony Pursall is also recommended for BVI and Cayman law. He advises on non-contentious trusts matters, including administration and structuring.  A source says: "He's a long-experienced and highly effective practitioner. He is a very, very effective and knowledgeable lawyer."