Global head of restructuring and corporate recovery and head of the Guernsey dispute resolution team Mathew Newman has been named Litigation Lawyer of the Year at the Citywealth IFC Awards.
Mathew regularly acts on the major insolvency and commercial litigation cases in Guernsey, including currently acting for the joint administration managers of the Providence Group. This is a high profile engagement, with the Group having been operated as a Ponzi scheme both in the UK/Channel Islands, the US and Asia, and a negligence claim is currently ongoing in the Guernsey court against the Group's auditors. Mathew is also regularly instructed in complex, high value shareholder disputes, together with contentious trusts and regulatory/proceeds of crime matters.
Alongside his market-leading practice, Mathew's entry focussed on his leadership style and the culture he nurtures in his team, including his investment in the careers of his team members. He contributes to the firm's CSR efforts, including acting pro bono for local charities and other individuals or organisations that would not normally have access to legal support.
The Guernsey dispute resolution team has experienced significant growth in recent years, now with four partners and nine qualified fee earners together with two trainees and a paralegal, with more fee earner recruits in the pipeline for 2021.
Global managing partner Edward Mackereth said: "This is fantastic recognition for Mathew who plays a key role in life at Ogier, both with his leadership of the global restructuring and corporate recovery team and his local leadership of the Guernsey dispute resolution team. Mathew combines first-class legal expertise with a clear appreciation of the importance of culture to support and empower his team, and this award is thoroughly well-deserved."
Global head of dispute resolution Marc Kish said: 'Mathew is very highly respected by clients and peers alike. He is particularly well known for his technical skills and strategic thinking, and his ability to communicate clearly and thoughtfully.'
Mathew said: "I'm delighted to receive this recognition from Citywealth. I couldn't be prouder of how the local team and wider group have worked together to make sure we continue to provide an exceptional service to our clients, while also providing each other with support as we continue to deal with varying lockdown situations. I'd like thank the team for their continued work, and all clients and contacts who have recommended me."