Walkers' Global Private Capital & Trusts ("PC&T") Group has seen promotions in the influential Chambers & Partners High Net Worth Guide for 2021 across its British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Guernsey and Jersey practices, with clients describing them as "visionaries" in the market and being "miles ahead" of its competitors.
Walkers' Cayman Islands team maintained its Band 1 ranking and, for the first time, its BVI team was also recognised as having a Band 1 practice; it is the only offshore law firm to be ranked Band 1 in both the BVI and the Cayman Islands. One referee described the BVI team as being "very capable" while another lauded the Cayman team for its "high quality work" and ability to deal with "huge amounts of complexities across fintech, capital markets, funds and classic private client work."
Meanwhile in the Channel Islands, Walkers' PC&T team in Guernsey were promoted to Band 2 and were described as offering "excellent service to clients" and having a "great knowledge of trust law." Jersey's team, who maintained their Band 2 ranking, were highlighted for their "effort to build relationships" with clients and "very collaborative group."
The following members of the PC&T practice were highlighted by Chambers & Partners:
David Pytches, BVI & Cayman Islands: "I found him to be a phenomenal lawyer. He is very practical and can relate well with clients." Another local interviewee says Pytches is "very diplomatic," adding that "he can softly get something to where it needs to be with everyone remaining happy and involved." An offshore trusts expert mentions Pytches' Cayman and BVI expertise, noting that he "knows both jurisdictions really well."
Lucy Diggle, Cayman Islands: she "very usefully can cover aspects of both the contentious and non-contentious sides of offshore trusts," reports a source. A local adviser says Diggle is "brilliant" and has a "great personality," adding that she is "someone who will embrace something, take it away and figure it out," and a barrister reports that she has a "wide experience of trust litigation," adding that "she is an extremely valuable person to have on any litigation team."
Monique Bhullar, Cayman Islands: "is "incredibly creative and just really, really clever," adding: "Monique is fiercely bright." Another source says: "She is personable, technically strong and very responsive."
Nigel Sanders, Jersey: "is absolutely phenomenal," and another source adds: "He is quite clearly a real trust expert."
Rajah Abusrewil, Guernsey: "is extremely knowledgeable and commercial," adding: "her advice is client-focused and practical, with a clear emphasis on solving the problems before the client realises that they exist. She's a delight to work with." An interviewee adds: "She is straightforward, concise, friendly and always approaches everything with gusto and her unique sense of humour. She gets straight to the heart of the issue and does so in a practical and commercial manner."
Robert Dobbyn, Jersey: "is technically excellent, he is commercial and he always comes up with creative and imaginative solutions to problems." Another source reports that "you can go to him with practically anything, from the small to the very complex," and a third source says he "goes the extra mile for clients; he is really focused on getting the best resolution."
Shelley White, Cayman Islands: "is a star in the litigation firmament. She was a barrister in London and continues to have a very successful litigation practice in Cayman." Another source says White is "incredibly sharp" and adds: "She is quite good at sensing what the client needs at various points, whether it is the big picture or a deep dive into the detail."
Rupert Morris, Guernsey: "is technically excellent and able to analyse the most complex of situations and distil it into intelligible chunks," says one interviewee; another says that "the advice that Rupert gives is well thought out and concise."
Sevyn Kalsi, Jersey: "is very easy to deal with. He is a good commercial thinker and he is very responsive. He is also very personable and quick to build a rapport with clients." Another source adds that Kalsi "is very attuned to the client's needs - he is very focused on getting the right solution for the client," and is "very practical."
Rupert Morris, who leads the Guernsey Private Capital & Trusts team, said: "We are delighted to see this recognition for our team after a year that has had its challenges, and particularly pleased to see a consistent pattern in the client quotes about our very high standards of client service, which we have worked very hard to maintain and improve during the pandemic."
In the BVI, lead partner David Pytches added: "To enter the BVI market with a strong Band 1 ranking is a reflection of our collective experience and capabilities. We know our clients and their needs."
Walkers' PC&T team spans the globe with lawyers on the ground in the BVI, Cayman Islands, Guernsey and Jersey, who collaborate closely with colleagues in London, Dubai, Hong Kong and Singapore. Because of its strategic locations, Walkers is able to consider factors such as language barriers and time zones, and address them by choosing what's most appropriate and convenient for the client. All 10 of Walkers' offices are accredited as a STEP Employer Partner, a partnership that supports the professional development of its team members in the trusts and estates industry.