Pamela Doherty qualified as a Solicitor in Scotland in 2003 and has acquired substantial experience in all aspects of commercial property work including property development, investment acquisitions and sales, leasing and portfolio management, corporate support, restructuring/insolvency and banking and development finance transactions. Pamela also brings knowledge in specialised areas such as construction and development, planning, property taxation, forward funding and purchasing arrangements, property joint ventures, and overage and profit sharing arrangements.

Pamela previously worked for Pinsent Masons (and prior to their merger, McGrigors) in Glasgow for over seven years and has worked on numerous high profile transactions in Scotland. She was awarded Signet Accreditation in Commercial Property by The WS Society, Edinburgh and is also a Notary Public.

Pamela will be based in Mourant Ozannes' Jersey office.

Gavin Renault, Property practice area manager at Mourant Ozannes in Jersey said: "We are very pleased to welcome Pamela Doherty as a senior associate in our property team. She brings with her a wealth of experience in the sector from which we can all benefit, and which will add a new perspective to the service we already offer clients."

Commenting on her appointment, Pamela Doherty added: "I am delighted to be joining such a respected and experienced team. Mourant Ozannes' property practice has an excellent reputation and I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to its growing success."

Protected characteristics

Not all forms of discrimination will be prohibited from the date of implementation of the Law. Race will be the first characteristic to be protected with other characteristics such as gender, age and disability being phased in in future years. Discriminatory acts on the grounds of race will be prohibited in a number of areas including employment, partnerships, vocational training, voluntary work, education, provision of goods, facilities and services and in respect of the disposal and management of premises. All organisations potentially affected by the Law will need to ensure that they and their employees and/or members are familiar with their responsibilities and obligations under the Law.

Enforcement

The Employment Tribunal will become known as the Employment and Discrimination Tribunal when the Law comes into force and it will be responsible for hearing complaints about acts of discrimination that occur in all areas, whether in the workplace or elsewhere. As with existing employment claims, there will be the ability for complaints to be referred for conciliation or mediation.

If the Tribunal finds that a complaint of discrimination is proved, it may do any, or all, of the following:

1. make an order declaring the rights of the complainant and the respondent;
2. order compensation up to a maximum of £10,000 for any financial loss suffered and up to a maximum of £5,000 for hurt and distress, subject to an overall limit of £10,000; and
3. recommend that the respondent takes certain action within a specified period of time for the purpose of reducing the adverse effect of the act of discrimination on the particular complainant.

Liability for acts of employees

The Law makes an employee personally liable for acts of discrimination committed in the course of employment and also makes an employer liable for acts of discrimination carried out by its employees. It does not matter whether or not the employer knows about or approves of those acts. However, employers who can show that they took all reasonable steps to prevent their employees from acting unlawfully will not be held liable. Employers must, therefore, be proactive in ensuring that they have adequate policies in place dealing with discriminatory behaviour and should provide training and guidance to employees as to expected standards.

We would be very happy to assist you and your business in respect of the Law and its wider impact. In particular, we will be providing training over the coming months to prepare business and staff in respect of their obligations and responsibilities.

If you have any queries in respect of the Law or would like to discuss training opportunities, please contact Helen Ruelle or Carla Benest.

Once the news was announced, Paul Christopher, managing partner of Mourant Ozannes Hong Kong, was interviewed by WealthBriefingAsia and Asian Private Banker for his expert opinion on the matter. He said that it is extremely good news for individuals, companies and businesses who pay tax in Hong Kong and who invest in Guernsey (and vice versa) and that the DTA provides certainty on important areas of taxation. In particular clarity is provided on the tax efficient nature of dividends from Guernsey companies that are paid to Hong Kong residents. Setting out specifically when taxes will and will not be applied provides certainty of outcome and therefore should  create opportunities for business in both jurisdictions.  

To read the full articles, please click on the links (subscriptions required)

WealthBriefingAsia

Asian Private Banker

A prestigious annual regional event, this two-day summit on corporate law attracts over 350 delegates. This year's panel sessions will cover topics affecting Asia Pacific such as: management, corporate governance and expanding investments in emerging markets, and obstacles faced by Chinese companies as they increase their outbound investment.

Click to download the event brochure. 

On announcing the awards, Tim Prudhoe, chair of the judging panel, said: 'Mourant Ozannes are able to call upon a breadth of expertise amongst a team whose members are the envy of the offshore world.'

Morven McMillan, head of Mourant Ozannes' International Trusts & Private Client practice in the Cayman Islands, said, 'this is a tremendous accolade for the team and an endorsement of our ethos which is to provide clients with exceptional service through an integrated international trusts and private client practice covering both contentious and non-contentious matters across all our jurisdictions. I am very honoured that we should win the first STEP Caribbean Legal Team of the Year award.'

Douglas Close, global head of Mourant Ozannes' International Trusts & Private Client practice, added, 'I am delighted that our integrated approach has been recognised, together with the strength of our global team.'

The STEP Caribbean award follows a week after the naming of Mourant Ozannes as Offshore Law Firm of the Year by Chambers Europe.

The conference takes place over three days at the St Kitts' Marriott resort, with Sir Dennis Byron, President of the Caribbean Court of Justice, as guest speaker at the opening dinner on 5 May 2013.

From left to right: George Hodgson, Deputy Chief Executive of STEP Worldwide; Morven McMillan, head of Mourant Ozannes' International Trusts & Private Client practice in the Cayman Islands ; John Lawrence, Deputy Chairman of STEP Worldwide.

The letter of request route, developed by the Jersey and English Courts over the past decade is based on the consensus that Jersey does not have an equivalent modern insolvency procedure that would achieve the same result as an administration. Unfortunately, in his reasoned judgement of 12 April 2013 Mann J. perceived that the Jersey Court's request could only be respected where a formal insolvency proceeding had been opened in Jersey and the English Court's role is not to provide a substitute for another jurisdiction's deficiencies.

We are now pleased to report that the decision of Mann J. was overturned on appeal on 1 May 2013 so it is business as usual. We will be reporting on the Appeal Court's judgment as soon as the reasons are published.

Chambers Europe, published last week, compiles independent research on the legal industry and rates firms according to feedback from clients and peers. Mourant Ozannes is the only firm in the Channel Islands to be ranked in band one for property law in both Guernsey and Jersey.

The teams received excellent feedback from those interviewed, with sources stating, "Its lawyers are among the best on the Island", "Extremely efficient, responsive and friendly" and "The team is thoroughly responsive and makes things happen." Individual lawyers at Mourant Ozannes also received recommendations and praise from clients, in particular highlighting their availability, thoroughness, responsiveness, proactivity and genuine interest in clients' businesses.

Kate Dewsnap, Head of Commercial Property in Guernsey said, "The publication of the Chambers and Partners directory is a key date in the calendar and how we are ranked is a true representation of the views and experiences of both our clients and peers. We are thrilled that our clients have provided such excellent feedback, which has led to Mourant Ozannes being ranked as the leading property practice in the Channel Islands."

Gavin Renault, Property Practice Area Manager in Jersey said, "We pride ourselves in the care we take on every matter our team works on, and the feedback we have received from the directory research reflects the satisfaction of our clients, whether we've worked with them on residential conveyancing, commercial property work or providing planning advice."

Chambers and Partners has been researching the legal profession in Europe since 1999, identifying the leading lawyers and their clients. Its directory is acknowledged and respected for independent and objective reporting. Chambers Europe provides in-depth analysis of legal markets in 51 jurisdictions.

Guernsey Managing Partner Jessica Roland and Associate Nathalie Chandler are taking part in the 30/30 Challenge for the second and third year running respectively. The event, which is co-ordinated by Ian Brown's Cycles, is a commitment to ride their bikes for at least one hour every day between 27 April and 26 May. Jessica Roland said: 'Nathalie and I took part in the challenge last year and it was terrifically rewarding and quite daunting at the same time. We enjoyed it so much we decided to repeat the experience this year and, as well as finding our sponsors we aim to raise more money for Les Bourgs by doing a static cycle outside the Post Office on 20 May from 12:30 to 2:30pm. We did the same thing last year and it was very successful so we're hoping for generous support again. It's not most people's idea of an ideal lunch, but it's great fun and a very worthy cause.'

Only 56 cyclists will take part in the 30/30 challenge, and the event culminates in the Rock to Rocque cycle ride which is for families and attracts thousands of entries.

Both cyclists have 'justgiving' donation account set up and more information about the event, the participants and how to sponsor them can be found at www.lesbourgshospice.org.gg/fundraising-events. 

The Chambers Europe Awards 2013 honour those firms that have stood out for the excellence of their work during 2012-13. These awards are amongst the most prestigious for the legal industry and Mourant Ozannes has previously won the Offshore Award in 2009 and 2011, which means the firm has now won this accolade more times than any another offshore law firm.

The award was collected on behalf of Mourant Ozannes by Simon Felton, Managing Partner London. 

Chambers Europe noted: "Few can match this firm for its breadth of abilities and almost unparalleled roster of big-name clients. It leads the market in key areas such as corporate and finance, property, investment funds and dispute resolution. It attracts enthusiastic endorsements from clients, who are quick to highlight the firm's strength in depth, cross-border capabilities and consistently high standards of service. It is a top choice for complex mandates."

The news comes on the same day Mourant Ozannes was named Offshore Law Firm of the Year at the HFM Europe Awards.

Jonathan Rigby, Global Managing Partner for Mourant Ozannes said: "Our vision is to be consistently recognised as the leading law firm offshore so it is very pleasing indeed to receive two awards for excellence on the same day and to have won the Chambers Award every other year since 2009." 

The event took place in London's Grosvenor House Hotel on April 25 2013, and was co-hosted by Miriam Gonzalez of Dechert and Chambers Europe Editor Georgia Brooks.

Chambers and Partners is considered among the most prestigious directory publishers for the legal profession and Mourant Ozannes has consistently ranked among the top firms listed.

In the latest edition of Chambers Europe, Mourant Ozannes has achieved the highest number of top tier rankings in the offshore sector, recognising the firm's performance over the past year and taking into consideration expertise in different practice areas and jurisdictions. The firm also has more recommended lawyers in the directory than any other offshore firm and is the only law firm to achieve top rankings across the Channel Islands for its Litigation, Employment and Property practice areas. 

In Guernsey, Mourant Ozannes' Litigation practice stands alone in the top tier, as does the firm's Investment Funds practice in Jersey. Sources quoted in the directory describe the service received from Mourant Ozannes as: 'extremely efficient, responsive and friendly.'

Jonathan Rigby, Global Managing Partner of Mourant Ozannes, said: "I would like to thank our clients for the tremendous feedback they gave to the researchers which led to these top tier rankings. It is a wonderful accolade for all our staff to receive this recognition."

Chambers and Partners have been researching the legal profession in Europe since 1999, identifying the leading lawyers and their clients. Their Directories are acknowledged and respected for independent and objective reporting. Chambers Europe provides in-depth analysis of legal markets in 51 jurisdictions. 

Best Offshore Law Firm is the overall award in the legal services category. Last year Mourant Ozannes was named Best Offshore Law Firm for client service at the HFM Week US Hedge Fund Services Awards.

The award was collected by partner Robert Duggan, head of Mourant Ozannes' Cayman Islands practice in London, who said: "It is a great honour to receive the award for Best Offshore Law Firm at these awards, not only for the industry recognition of our market-leading practice which the award connotes, but also as a reward for the hard work of everyone in our talented team".

Ben Robins, Head of Funds for Mourant Ozannes globally added: "Our aim is to provide cutting-edge legal advice together with the highest level of client service and support, so to be named Best Offshore Law Firm at such a prestigious event, and from such a strong shortlist, is a very welcome endorsement of our services to the funds industry. It's a terrific accolade, not only for our funds practice, but for the firm generally."

The event, held on 25 April at the Hurlingham Club in London, was hosted by broadcaster and writer John Sergeant.

In what has become the must-attend trust and private client event in the Cayman Islands, attorneys from Mourant Ozannes' renowned International Trusts & Private Client (ITPC) team will be joined once again by other well known experts in the field to talk to delegates on an array of topics.

Morven McMillan, who heads the Mourant Ozannes ITPC team in the Cayman Islands will once again co-chair the conference with Shân Warnock-Smith QC. Other key speakers this year include: Joshua Rubenstein of Katten Muchin Rosenman in New York, Clare Maurice of Maurice Turnor Gardner in London, Graeme Kleiner of Speechly Bircham in London, Anthony Poulton of Baker & McKenzie in London and Steven L. Cantor of Cantor & Webb LLP in Miami.

They will join Mourant Ozannes' speakers Jonathan Speck, Shaun Folpp, Ed Devenport, Lucy Diggle and Christopher Edwards in what promises to be another fun and informative day.

The conference will be hosted once again in collaboration with Butterfield Trust (Cayman) Limited, while Rawlinson & Hunter will be hosting a conference speakers' dinner on the Thursday evening.

Butterfield's head of marketing and business development Brian Acton said:

"Butterfield is delighted to continue its support of the Mourant Ozannes International Trusts & Private Client Conference which creates an ideal opportunity to promote the jurisdiction and our capabilities with a comprehensive and varied programme which will be of interest to local and international delegates."

Conference founder and co-chair Morven McMillan noted: 

"We welcome the opportunity to build on the great success of the event in the last two years in promoting the jurisdiction as a centre of excellence in wealth management and in demonstrating the strength and depth of expertise in Mourant Ozannes' International Trusts & Private Client team. We are delighted to announce our programme and speakers for this year and look forward to welcoming our delegates to the conference in October."

Registration is now open. Event organisers have put in place an 'early-bird' registration offer. To take advantage of the early-bird savings with the fee at US$ 450.00, delegates must complete registration by 31 July 2013. All registration is online at www.mourantozannes.com/itpc2013

Since the start of the financial crisis corporate governance has been a key focus for both managers and investors in offshore investment funds. Equally, there have been a number of high profile cases relating to corporate governance failings, most notably perhaps in the Cayman Islands in relation to the Weavering Macro Fixed Income Fund ("Weavering") in respect of which damages were awarded against the fund's directors in the amount of US$111m.

Speakers from Mourant Ozannes, one of the World's leading offshore law firms, will provide insight into how corporate governance practices have evolved in recent years in the Cayman Islands and highlight some of the lessons learned from recent cases and blow ups. Mourant Ozannes act for the liquidators of Weavering and so will aim to give some firsthand incite into that judgment and its implications. They will also look at how scandals like AIJ may shape future fund governance structures. A Q&A session will follow the presentation at which the speakers will be happy to answer any follow up or related questions.

A Q&A session will be available to accommodate varying investment and investor interests.

Click for the full seminar programme.

In response to the criticism, the Minister for Social Security appointed Darren Newman (an independent employment law expert) to undertake a review of the Tribunal's decisions in the 2012 calendar year. The final report prepared by Mr Newman was presented to the States of Jersey on 16 April 2013. Among its conclusions were that:

• There is nothing to indicate that there is any fundamental problem with the way in which the Tribunal goes about its task.  
• There is nothing to indicate a general bias in the Tribunal's approach either towards the employer or the employee side.  
• Some small employers in particular are struggling with some of the basic principles of employment law. 
• It might be helpful for the Tribunal to provide a summary of the outcome of its decision at the beginning of each written judgment.

Click for a full copy of the report. If you would like to discuss any aspects of the report, do give us a call.

For enquiries and further information please contact:

Carla Benest
Senior Associate
T +44 1534 676 076 
carla.benest@mourantozannes.com 

The day-long event was held at the Old Government House Hotel in St Peter Port and featured discussions on a number of key themes around working with the world's wealthiest individuals.

The day was chaired by Keith Corbin of Nerine Trust Company and the keynote address was delivered by Guernsey's Chief Minister, Peter Harwood who told the distinguished audience that the time is now right for the Island to show confidence in the future, to build on its strong economic foundation and to continue working with international regulators to demonstrate that the finance industry is completely open and transparent on taxation matters.

Deputy Harwood told the forum: 'Guernsey has survived the global downturn and now government needs to work with the [finance] industry to facilitate its efforts to attract high net worth business to the island, by maintaining a stable, innovative and internationally reputable environment'.

As well as main forum sessions on how to preserve wealth during turbulent times, dealing with family disputes and succession issues and managing the press in crisis situations, there were breakout discussions on navigating the challenges posed by requests from other jurisdictions for tax information exchange agreements and the shift in attitude by onshore authorities towards offshore centres in relation to tax avoidance.

Among the speakers were internationally renowned experts who updated delegates on the latest changes and developments in the law and practices relating to managing the affairs of wealthy clients.

Douglas Close, Head of Mourant Ozannes Trust and Private Client practice said: 'This event is an opportunity for Guernsey's trust and private client practitioners to gain a unique insight into the latest issues and opportunities arising in the sector. The quality of the speakers is unparalleled and we were delighted with the attendance.'

The day-long event was held at Hotel L'Horizon in St Brelade and featured discussions on a number of key themes around working with the world's wealthiest individuals.

The day was chaired by Joe Donohoe, one of Jersey's leading private wealth management practitioners, and the keynote address was delivered by Joshua Rubenstein of leading New York law firm Katten Muchin Rosenmann LLP, who told the distinguished audience that although the climate remains challenging for international trust and private wealth management firms, Jersey will continue to be a market leader because of its innovative approach to product development, its fiscal and political stability and its willingness to be transparent and open with tax authorities around the world.

Among the sessions held throughout the day were discussions on how to deal with the risks arising from working with the world's super-rich, keeping up with the fast evolving Latin American markets and managing the challenges posed by dealing with the affairs of wealthy Russian and Middle eastern clients.

Among the speakers were internationally renowned experts who updated delegates on the latest changes and developments in the law and practices relating to managing the affairs of wealthy clients.

Douglas Close, Head of Mourant Ozannes Trust and Private Client practice said: 'This event is an opportunity for Jersey's trust and private client practitioners to gain a unique insight into the latest issues and opportunities arising in the sector. The quality of the speakers is unparalleled and we were delighted with the attendance.'

Mourant Ozannes held a similar event in Guernsey.

Barney is currently a group partner and head of the corporate and commercial practice at Appleby in Guernsey. Before joining Appleby, he spent five years in the Guernsey office of Mourant Ozannes. Barney specialises in investment funds, finance and general corporate work and has a proven track record of building and leading highly effective client focused teams. Legal directory Chambers Global 2013 lists Barney as a 'key individual' and reports that he is 'in demand' from clients for his 'commerciality and attention to detail'. 

Head of the Guernsey corporate practice, Gavin Farrell, said: "It's a real coup to welcome Barney back to Mourant Ozannes. His technical ability, coupled with his popularity with both staff and clients, makes him an outstanding addition to our corporate team. This is a significant lateral hire and is an example of Mourant Ozannes continuing to set the standard in the Guernsey legal market."

Guernsey Managing Partner, Jessica Roland, said: "Barney is an excellent lawyer with a well deserved reputation for going the extra mile to serve his clients. This move will further enhance our position as the leading law firm in the Channel Islands for investment funds and corporate work."

Mourant Ozannes has more top tier legal directory rankings in the Channel Islands than any other law firm and is the only firm in the International Financial Law Review with top tier rankings for its Finance & Corporate and Investment Funds practices in both Guernsey and Jersey.

Click to view the seminar flyer.

DPE II is the second fund for DPE Deutsche Private Equity (DPE), a leading German investment firm. DPE II has closed with approximately €350 million of capital commitments from approximately 20 institutional investors. DPE Fund II intends to invest in medium-sized companies with enterprise values of between €10m and €100m in Germany, Switzerland and Austria.

P+P Pöllath + Partners advised DPE as the lead law firm (advising in relation to German law), alongside Proskauer Rose LLP (advising on US and UK law), Canadian law firm Gowling Lafleur Henderson LLP (advising on Canadian law), the Luxembourg office of Arendt & Medernach (advising on Luxembourg law) and Mourant Ozannes (advising on Jersey law).

DPE II is the second fund for Deutsche Private Equity (DPE), a leading German investment firm. DPE II has closed with approximately €350 million of capital commitments from approximately 20 institutional investors. DPE Fund II intends to invest in medium-sized companies with enterprise values of between €10m and €100m in Germany, Switzerland and Austria.

P+P Pöllath + Partners advised DPE as the lead law firm (as to German law), alongside Proskauer Rose LLP (as to US and UK law), Canadian law firm Gowling Lafleur Henderson LLP (as to Canadian law), the Luxembourg office Arendt & Medernach (as to Luxembourg law) and Mourant Ozannes (as to Jersey law).

Spire is the second largest private hospital provider in the UK and runs hospitals across the country. The consortium of investors comprises Malaysia's Employees Provident Fund ("EPF"), affiliated investment funds of Och-Ziff Capital Management Group and Moor Park Capital Partners.

The aggregate price for the acquisition was £700 million including debt finance provided by Standard Chartered Bank. The acquired hospitals are to be leased back to Spire Healthcare Group operating under long leases.

The main Jersey transaction team was led by partners, Joel Hernandez and James Hill and assisted by senior lawyers, Kerill O'Shaughnessy, John Rochester, Jon Woolrich and associate, Matt Satchell. This team acted for the wider consortium as well as the financing elements and worked alongside Norton Rose and Deutsche Bank, Jersey. Standard Chartered were advised by Allen & Overy and the Spire Healthcare Group were advised by Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer.

Two additional teams at Mourant Ozannes led by partners, Ben Robins and Felicia de Laat, acted on specific aspects of the transaction and provided advice to specific consortium investors alongside Baker & Mackenzie and Ashurst.

Commenting on the transaction, partner Joel Hernandez said: "We are pleased to have worked with the consortium investors on the transaction. It was a complex deal and required various teams in four different time zones to work closely to meet the tight deadlines throughout. The ability of our firm to field three separate deal teams for this complex transaction demonstrates the strength and depth of Mourant Ozannes."

Partner James Hill added: "This particular sale-and-lease-back transaction has been cited as the first major sale-and-lease-back transaction undertaken since the financial downturn. We are delighted to have been involved in such a significant transaction with Moor Park, Och-Ziff and EPF."

The concerts offer talented young Guernsey musicians and the highly skilled teaching staff of the Guernsey Schools Music Service an opportunity to exercise their skills as performers and composers. The programme also provides a platform for visiting musical ensembles as varied as a wind quintet from Biberach, a versatile young choir from London, and an organ scholar from Trinity College Cambridge. Perhaps the most significant event is the concert given by the Baroque Band directed by Margaret Faultless, one of the UK's most accomplished musicians in the field of historical performance practice, at the culmination of a two-day course for local teachers and string players.

Programme organiser, Richard de la Rue, said: "Summer Music concerts are different and short! The music is varied between traditional and contemporary and we have several first performances to look forward to."

Mourant Ozannes' Guernsey Managing Partner, Jessica Roland, said: "We are delighted to sponsor this wonderful Summer Music programme in the setting of the refurbished Town Church. We have some outstanding talent in the island and with visiting performers too, there will be a varied programme for everyone to enjoy."

The first performance is on Saturday 6 April at 8:00pm - local music project Terra Nova featuring new pieces by Guernsey composers Lydia Pugh, Will Roberts and Jamie Keirle alongside works by Arvo Pärt and John Cage. Performers include Sebastian Grand and Tom Hicks.

Ms Starvis will be providing clients with advice on all aspects of commercial and residential property work, property finance matters, local licensing and property related regulatory matters. Ms Starvis has acquired an excellent reputation as one of the leading property lawyers in the Cayman Islands, having advised on property matters since being admitted to practice law in the Cayman Islands in 1996.

She is ranked as a leading lawyer for real estate in the Cayman Islands by numerous directories including the 2012 Legal 500 directory where she is described as having "broad real estate and secured lending experience". She has also been consistently ranked as a "Highly Recommended Lawyer for Property" in the PLC Which Lawyer? directory since 2006.

Ms Starvis, a Caymanian, is a Notary Public and has published numerous articles on property and property related finance topics as well as being a contributing author on Cayman Islands real estate topics to the PLC Cross Border Corporate Real Estate Handbook. 

She has chaired and participated in committees established by the Cayman Islands Law Society to review and make recommendations on draft property legislation. Ms Starvis joined Mourant Ozannes from the property practice of another major Cayman Islands law firm.

On joining Mourant Ozannes, Ms Starvis commented: "I am very excited about the opportunities for building Mourant Ozannes' Cayman Islands non contentious property practice and I am greatly looking forward to working with the Firm's already outstanding and well-respected contentious property and international trust and private client practice groups."

Neal Lomax, Managing Partner of Mourant Ozannes Cayman Islands, commented: 'We are delighted that Sonia has joined our growing Cayman Islands office in order to take the lead on our non-contentious property work. With Sonia's reputation and experience, she will be a real asset to the Cayman Islands practice."

The AIFMD seeks to create a harmonised regulatory regime which addresses the management and distribution of alternative investment funds within the European Union (EU), whether or not the funds or the managers in question are themselves established within the EU. As part of the new regime, AIFMD requires that non-EU member states (third countries) satisfy certain key requirements as a precursor to funds which are domiciled in, or which are managed by investment managers domiciled in, those third countries being marketed to investors in the EU.

Two preliminary hurdles which third countries must satisfy are:

1. The third country in which the investment manager and/or fund is domiciled must not be on the Financial Action Task Force's (FATF) list of non-cooperative jurisdictions.
   
   The Cayman Islands is not on the list of non-cooperative jurisdictions maintained by the FATF, and its anti-money laundering and anti-terrorist financing regime is one of the most stringent among leading international financial centres. 
    
2. The financial regulatory body in the relevant third country must have in place a cooperation agreement with its counterpart in the relevant EU member state in which it is proposed that a fund would be marketed.
   
   CIMA has been engaged in dialogue with the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) for over a year to seek agreement on the form of a memorandum of understanding which could be entered into between national regulators within the EU and those in third countries as a precursor to fully-fledged cooperation agreements being entered into. In parallel with these negotiations, CIMA has maintained open communication with the financial regulators in a number of key EU member states in connection with AIFMD (and other matters of mutual interest).

An additional requirement, which will only become relevant from 2015 when the EU passporting regime within AIFMD is extended to third country funds, will be for agreements for exchange of information for tax purposes to be in place between the relevant EU members state and the third country. The Cayman Islands continues to extend its network of tax information exchange agreements, both within and outside of Europe, and earlier this month CIG signed its 31st such agreement following settling terms with the government of Brazil; further agreements are in process and await signing. One third of the tax information exchange agreements which CIG has entered into are with EU member states - including, significantly, France, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom.

The changes to the Monetary Authority Law which the CIG has announced will enable CIMA to enter into memoranda of understanding and cooperation agreements with financial regulators in EU member states (as well as with ESMA). It is worth noting not only that CIMA's board of directors has approved CIMA's entry into agreements with the relevant EU regulators based on the ESMA model memorandum of understanding, and that these changes to the Monetary Authority Law simply pave the way for these agreements to be concluded, but also that ESMA has confirmed that it is currently in contact with non-EU authorities that are members of IOSCO (as CIMA is) and is continuing to negotiate cooperation arrangements with a view to having these in place before July 2013.

As the CIG and CIMA continue to implement the Cayman Islands' response to AIFMD, we will keep clients and contacts informed of material developments. Meanwhile, if you have any specific questions or concerns please contact any of the partners listed and they will be very happy to assist you.

ROBERT DUGGAN

Partner

NEAL LOMAX

Managing Partner, Cayman Islands

JAMES WAUCHOPE

Partner

JULIAN FLETCHER

Partner

ALEX LAST

Partner 

The cemetery walls were heavily overgrown with beach scaveola, sea grape branches, cockspur vine and other vegetation that was undermining the structure of this important heritage site. Volunteers also weeded and raked the sand around the graves to tidy up the site.

Morven McMillan, Mourant Ozannes partner, who joined the clean up operation, noted:

"Watler's Cemetery is an important part of the heritage of the Cayman Islandsand is particularly notable as one of the few cemeteries in the world where each grave has a house-like structure built on top of it. We were delighted to help the National Trust clear the site so that its historical significance can be properly assessed and of course, to help restore it as a place of contemplation, as befits a final resting place of former members of this community."

The National Trust is currently making a formal submission for the site to be included in the World Monument Fund's Watch List for 2014. The National Trust, which owns and cares for the property, hopes to raise funding assistance for socio-historical and archaeological research as well as technical investigation into its restoration and conservation.

Said Trust Historic Programmes Committee Chairman Andy Gibb: "Mourant Ozannes rose with admirable resolve to assist us in this important project. The National Trust relies heavily on volunteer support in managing our historic sites portfolio, and the team were more than up to the task at hand. Their cheerful determination to get stuck in was admirable, and we are very grateful for their assistance in getting this work done. "

Mourant Ozannes is happy to support education, environment and endeavour in the Cayman Islands, as well as ensuring the continuation of the vibrancy and strength of all the communities in which its lawyers and staff live and work. 

Photo: A group comprised of volunteers from Mourant Ozannes, the National Historic Programmes Committee of the National Trust, and the George Town District Committee

For the third consecutive year the My History Scrapbook is being funded by Mourant Ozannes, but for 2013 the initiative is being evolved to cater for a broader age group of Island children.

The My History Scrapbook is full of quests, games and fun facts to help youngsters engage with the Island's rich and varied heritage and culture, through the use of unique characters developed especially for Jersey Heritage. As well as supporting classroom learning, children can take their Scrapbooks along to the series of Discovery Days, also supported by Mourant Ozannes, where the information is brought to vivid life through living history characters and activities designed to help young Islanders understand more about our past and present. Themes this year include Discover Ice Age Jersey, Discover Ocean Adventures and Discover Swords and Soldiers.

More than 3,000 My History Scrapbooks are being delivered to Reception Class and Year 1 primary school pupils this week. To help Jersey Heritage manage this enormous logistical task, staff at Mourant Ozannes have volunteered to help out by undertaking the deliveries so that all Island 5 - 6 year olds receive their copy before they break for the Easter Holidays.

Helen Otterwell, Family Events Coordinator at Jersey Heritage said: "The My History Scrapbook and Discovery Days is one of our most successful initiatives, helping young Islanders engage with our heritage and build an understanding of how we have evolved over the centuries. We are really happy to be working with Mourant Ozannes again this year: their support has been vital to the success and continuity of the concept."

Daniel Birtwistle, Jersey Managing Partner of Mourant Ozannes added: "This is a fantastic education initiative, which goes from strength to strength. The My History Scrapbook is such a great way to explore Jersey's interesting heritage sites. The whole team at Mourant Ozannes is getting behind the initiative again this year and we are very proud to be associated with it."

New for 2013 is a heritage annual also supported by Mourant Ozannes, which is being developed by Jersey Heritage Head of Community Learning, Doug Ford. This exciting publication will be in the bande desinee style similar to the Tintin books and is aimed at the slightly older Year 2 - 6 children (7 - 11 years old). More than 4,000 annuals will be produced ready for the summer term and coinciding with the launch of an online education portal to assist with further learning.

Please read our lastest briefing  The Cayman Islands, Guernsey and Jersey announce intention to enter into FATCA Agreements with the US and the UK for more information.

The second in the Construction Council's Winter seminar series, sponsored by Mourant Ozannes, is to be held next Wednesday, 20 March.

The talk entitled 'Energy and Sustainability - The Future in Jersey', will be hosted by Mourant Ozannes' Helen Ruelle, who will be joined by experts Dr Louise Magris, Director of Environmental Policy, Dept of the Environment; Mike Waddington, Architect; Daren Malorey, Sustainable Energy Specialist and Julie Shingles, Head of Property, Channel Islands Co-operative Society.

The event is to be held at the Radisson Blue Hotel, 7:30am for 8:00am start. Click for more information and to purchase tickets.

Robert Shepherd has been elected as the firm's Senior Partner, taking over from Peter Ferbrache who stepped down from the role at the end of January. 

Jessica Roland has been appointed as the Managing Partner of the Guernsey office, taking over from Robert Shepherd who has held that position since 2005.

Jonathan Rigby has been re-elected for a further four years as Global Managing Partner.

These senior appointments follow an impressive year of growth for Mourant Ozannes, which now ranks as the third largest offshore law firm globally, according to the latest Offshore Survey results by legal publication The Lawyer. In 2012, the firm opened offices in Hong Kong and the British Virgin Islands, moved to new landmark premises in the Cayman Islands and secured more tier one legal directory rankings across its locations than any other firm. As a result of a strategic recruitment initiative, the firm's litigation practice became the largest in the offshore world.  

Robert Shepherd (46) who takes on the role of Senior Partner, joined the firm in 1999 from Clifford Chance in London. Robert is a litigation partner and is described in Chambers and Partners as "having been around the block a few times and shows immensely good judgement."

Jessica Roland (43) joined the firm in 1998 and is the head of the firm's employment practice, the only partner-led and tier one employment team in the Channel Islands. Jessica is described in the Legal 500 directory as "the leading employment litigator in Guernsey."

Jonathan Rigby (44) has led Mourant Ozannes as Global Managing Partner since 2008 and his election for a further four years is a vote of confidence by the partners in his strategic leadership of the firm. A source quoted in The Lawyer's Offshore Survey in February 2013 endorsed his leadership style: "In my view [Mourant Ozannes] has the most charismatic, dynamic senior management……you'll see the firm making significant advances." 

The transaction is expected to more than triple SLW's discretionary assets, creating a private client wealth manager in the UK with increased profitability, significant scale and market presence. SLW will acquire a high quality book of business, as well as a skilled and dedicated client-facing workforce, without any legacy operations or systems.

Standard Life Wealth (SLW), a subsidiary of Standard Life PLC and one of the UK's fastest growing discretionary fund management businesses, entered into an agreement with Newton Management Limited, a global investment management subsidiary of The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation, to acquire its private client division with assets under management of £3.6bn. 

The deal is expected to more than triple SLW's discretionary assets, creating a private wealth manager in the UK with increased profitability, significant scale and market presence. SLW will acquire a high quality book of business, as well as a skilled and dedicated client-facing workforce, without any legacy operations or systems.

The transaction is expected to complete in the third quarter of this year, subject to approval by regulators and deal conditions being satisfied.

Partner Ben Robins, Mourant Ozannes, said: "once Standard Life won the highly competitive tender to acquire the business, the transaction moved rapidly to exchange. The transaction required detailed Jersey fund advice and cross-Island regulatory advice. We were delighted to be able help SLW with such an important transaction."

Mourant Ozannes assisted lead UK counsel Dundas & Wilson by providing corporate advice on due diligence and transactional matters, and provided regulatory advice on funds and investment business matters. The Mourant Ozannes team included partner Ben Robins, Managing Associate Matthew Shaxson and Senior Associates Jon Woolrich, Victoria Cabot, and Sarah Huelin.

Hong Kong Partner Alex Last has been invited to participate at the HFMWeek Operational Leaders Summit Asia in Macau on February 26, 2013.

Alex, who has extensive experience in the structuring and establishment of investment funds, will join a panel discussion entitled Key global legal challenges: The post-Dodd Frank and AIFMD landscape.

An invitation-only event, the HFMWeek Operational Leaders Summit Asia is a two day event which is aimed at addressing the needs of hedge fund COOs and operational professionals in the region.

This is the third in a series of useful, business focussed, seminars presented by the IOD and covers topics relating to the increase in the number of high profile business failures where businesses may have operated strategies which were long obsolete or where the pressures of cost reduction have led to catastrophic failures in the supply chain. The seminar features a presentation from expert John Moody, an independent and specialist consultant on corporate governance, 

The session, which runs from 12:00pm - 2:00pm, includes a buffet lunch and will be chaired by Mourant Ozannes Guernsey Managing Partner, Robert Shepherd. Book your place here.

Date: Friday 22 February 2013
Time: 12:00pm - 2:00pm
Venue: The Old Government House Hotel, Guernsey

Mourant Ozannes' partner Gavin Farrell and senior associate Marcel Cariou assisted on all Guernsey aspects of the establishment and the registration of the Fund by the Guernsey Financial Services Commission, working with London law firm Norton Rose and Guernsey-based administration firm Ipes (Guernsey) Limited.

Ms Hylton, daughter of Anna Hylton-Dimson of Spotts Newlands, and the late Richard Hylton, first attended Triple C School after which she simultaneously pursued an ILEX Paralegal Certificate at the Institute of Legal Training and an Associate Degree in Literary Studies at the University College of the Cayman Islands. She was awarded a Top Student Award from the Institute of Legal Studies and graduated with Honours from the University College of the Cayman Islands. She then obtained her Bachelors of Law Honours Degree at Durham University and her Legal Practice Certificate at the College of Law, Moorgate, London. 

A 2009 to 2010 recipient of a Cayman Islands Government Overseas Scholarship, the 2006 to 2009 recipient of the UBS Fund Services (Cayman) Ltd Academic Scholarship and the Clifton Hunter Memorial Scholarship Fund, Ms Hylton was also the recipient of the Global Young Leaders Conference (Europe) Leadership Award 2004. Before undertaking her Articles of Clerkship with Mourant Ozannes, Ms Hylton took part in numerous shorter legal internships, including one at UBS Fund Services (Cayman) Ltd. An active and cultured young attorney, Ms Hylton enjoys cooking and creating recipes, training for and running half marathons, art, literature, photography and studying Caribbean culture. She serves as a Director of the Cayman Aids Foundation (CAF).

Ms Hylton has accepted a position as an Associate in Mourant Ozannes' Corporate Group. At her swearing in, she noted:

"I would especially like to thank the partners of Mourant Ozannes for extending to me the opportunity to undertake articles of clerkship with the firm and also for the opportunity to join the firm's Corporate & Funds Practice as an Associate. I would also like to thank each of my trainers for facilitating my training and for giving me work, thank you for providing me with your comments, words of advice, words of wisdom, stories and lectures, it is greatly appreciated. As I embark on this new journey, I have taken stock of what I have learned and achieved and, today, I promise to continue to do my best to provide clients with commercially aware and legally sound advice and I will strive to always uphold this honourable profession of which I am honoured and humbled to be a part of."

For Mourant Ozannes, attracting and cultivating Caymanian talent is of utmost importance to the continued importance of its Cayman offering. Managing Partner of the Cayman office Neal Lomax noted:

"We are very proud of Tracy and delighted that she has accepted our offer to join the Mourant Ozannes Corporate Group. She has a bright future ahead of her in the legal profession."

The seminar will be hosted by Mourant Ozannes Litigation Partner, Hector Robinson. Speakers will include Gail Johnson-Goring, Legal Counsel at CIMA who will look at The Scope of Regulatory Cooperation by CIMA with the SEC and other Regulators, and Tim Richards, Senior Associate from Mourant Ozannes' Litigation Group, who will look at the proposed Data Protection Bill and its likely impact. Meanwhile, Shearman & Sterling Partner, Adam Hakki, and his colleague, Counsel, Lindi Beaudreault, who together last year gave an extremely well received presentation, will this year provide an update on SEC enforcement actions involving fund managers and independent directors, and will suggest ways to structure disclosure documents so as to deflect SEC and investor criticism. Mr. Hakki and Ms. Beaudreault will be joined on their panel by Adam Reback, who is the Chief Compliance Officer for hedge fund manager, J. Goldman & Co., L.P. 

Ms Beaudreault noted: "We look forward to discussing with our Cayman colleagues the current landscape of enforcement cases, and impact of current cases on the way that business is being done and investor disclosures are being made."

With respect to fund managers, the panel will discuss trends in insider trading cases brought by criminal prosecutors, the U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission and other countries' securities regulatory authorities. The panel will review significant insider trading cases from 2012 and discuss ways these cases may change the way that business is being done. The panel will also discuss cases where advisers and administrators were charged for deviating from stated investment objectives, and cases triggered by SEC's Aberrational Performance Inquiry. With respect to independent directors, the panel will discuss charges the SEC has brought against former fund directors for purported fund valuation failures. The panel will also discuss structuring disclosure documents to maximize their liability protection and marketing value. 

Visiting speaker Adam Hakki has extensive experience representing clients in complex securities class action and shareholder litigation, as well as in civil and criminal investigations and cases brought by the Department of Justice, Securities and Exchange Commission, Commodities Futures Trading Commission, and state attorneys general, concerning disclosure, securities and insider trading, derivatives, commodities, financial products, financial reporting, accounting, ERISA, conflicts of interest, and major corporate transactions. Adam has been recognised for many years as a national leader in his field by leading client publications including Chambers USA and The Legal 500. 

Lindi Beaudreault, who was once a Senior Counsel in the SEC's Division of Enforcement, has a wealth of experience defending clients in complex government and SRO investigations and proceedings pertaining to securities, commodities, financial products, financial reporting, broker-dealers and hedge funds. Ms. Beaudreault also advises broker-dealers, hedge funds and other asset managers regarding regulatory compliance, disclosures and best practices. 

Adam J. Reback is the Chief Compliance Officer of J. Goldman & Co., L.P. ("JGC"), a multi-strategy hedge fund manager, based in New York, NY. Mr. Reback joined JGC in 2006 and has over sixteen years of experience in hedge fund, investment adviser, investment company, and broker-dealer compliance. Mr. Reback has primary responsibility for all Legal/Compliance and Regulatory matters at JGC, including the development, implementation and assessment of the firm's compliance programs. In addition, Mr. Reback oversees the Administration/HR, Operations, and IT Departments of the firm. Mr. Reback serves on the Board of Directors of The National Society of Compliance Professionals (NSCP), and is a member of the Managed Funds Association (MFA), Hedge Fund Association (HFA), SIFMA Compliance & Legal Society (SIFMACL) and is a founding member of The Alternative Investment Compliance Association (AICA). Mr. Reback is a regular contributor to various investment industry periodicals and a frequent speaker on a wide variety of topics relating to hedge fund, investment adviser and broker-dealer regulation and compliance. 

All three visiting speakers are based in New York.

Speaker and Mourant Ozannes Senior Associate Tim Richards is a commercial litigator in Mourant Ozannes' Cayman office. He has extensive experience with cases involving international banks, asset managers, hedge funds, receiverships and public sector corporations. His recent cases include the Ritz receivership related litigation, an international arbitration in Washington and an insurance dispute which is currently before the Cayman Islands Court of Appeal. Tim is also a return speaker from last year when he spoke on Cayman Islands derivative litigation.

Space for the complimentary seminar attendance is limited. To enquire about space availability contact: Nancy Kirkaldy-Barnard at Mourant Ozannes at 814-9133 or nancy.kirkaldybarnard@mourantozannes.com 

The 2013 seminars follow the success of the inaugural series, which took place last year, and begin with a seminar about employment law. 

The team of expert speakers for the employment seminar includes Mourant Ozannes' specialist employment lawyer, Advocate Helen Ruelle; David Witherington, Director at JACS; Malcolm Ferey, Chief Executive of the Citizens Advice Bureau and Tim Darwin, Operations Director at Normans. 

The seminar will examine a number of myths surrounding the island's employment legislation, including the actions that employers can and cannot take, as well as the use of certain employment documentation. In challenging some of the commonly held views of the employment law and providing guidance on often misunderstood areas of law and practice, the seminar aims to provide a clearer understanding of their options and duties. It will also help employers become pro-active with regard to applying the legislation to their businesses. 

During the session, Helen Ruelle will pose questions to the panel, challenge some of their views and will also invite the audience to pose any questions they have about employment law and its practical application. 

Helen Ruelle said, "Employment law is an often misunderstood area of law which can be daunting in some respects. We hope to dispel some myths and make the law more accessible for all employers. This seminar, and the questions it will raise, will form a fundamental pillar of learning and awareness and will allow employers to apply the law with confidence in their business, whatever their size." 

"Our members gave us excellent feedback regarding the planning debate in 2012, so it was an easy decision to run this programme of informative seminars. The expert panel really is second to none and everyone who attends will find the information very useful in the running of their business and maintaining good employee relations," said Martin Holmes, Chairman of the Jersey Construction Council. 

The first seminar is being held at the Radisson Blu Hotel on Thursday 21 February. Doors open at 7:30 am for an 8:00am start. 

Future seminars will cover Energy and Sustainability (20 March) and Health and Safety in the Workplace (25 April). 

Anyone wishing to attend should book tickets to one or more of the seminars using Eventbrite. 

Nicholas Fox and Mathew Cook will be appointed Managing Associate.

Mourant Ozannes Managing Partner, Jonathan Rigby said: "I'm delighted to announce these senior appointments. Not only are they well deserved but they continue to show the strength and calibre of individuals at Mourant Ozannes."

Amy Demetriou specialises in banking & finance and corporate and is based in the Jersey office. Amy completed her training contract with Simmons & Simmons in their London and Tokyo offices, and joined Mourant Ozannes in 2008.  

Andrew Peedom, based in Mourant Ozannes' Guernsey office, specialises in complex multi-jurisdictional commercial litigation. He has a broad range of commercial litigation and general commercial experience. He joined the firm in 2010.

Carla Benest, a Jersey Advocate, specialises in all aspects of contentious and non-contentious employment law with particular experience in employment tribunal claims, work place disputes, high value and complex dismissals and restructurings. She joined the firm's Jersey office in 2007.

Catherine Green has experience in a wide range of commercial litigation matters, including fraud, insolvency, contractual and regulatory matters. Catherine joined the firm last year after starting her legal career at New Zealand law firm Russell McVeagh and gaining further experience in London with Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP.

Kerill O'Shaughnessy joined Mourant Ozannes in 2009. Based in the Jersey office, Kerill has launched a number of real estate, hedge, private equity, mezzanine and debt funds and established a number of real estate investment structures, as well as assisting on a range of real estate fund restructuring and refinancing transactions. 

Lucy Diggle, who is a member of Mourant Ozannes' International Trusts & Private Client Group, specialises in both contentious and non-contentious trusts work. Lucy joined Mourant Ozannes in 2011 after qualifying with Cripps Harries Hall LLP in 2005 and working at Speechly Bircham LLP and leading City of London private client firm Charles Russell LLP, where her practice focused on complex multi-jurisdictional trusts and estate litigation.

Matthew Guthrie joined Mourant Ozannes in 2011, having previously worked in the Tax and Trust Group at Taylor Wessing LLP. Matthew specialises in advising trust companies and private clients on wealth management and asset protection structures and the use of trusts in commercial transactions. He is based in the Guernsey office.

Sonia Smith specialises in commercial property sales, acquisitions, leasing and development work, construction law, planning law and the Goods & Services Tax implications of Jersey property transactions. Sonia trained as a Solicitor with Jones Day in London (then Gouldens), and joined the Mourant Ozannes Jersey office in 2009, where she is a member of the pan-island commercial property team.

Nicholas Fox, who is currently on secondment to the firm's Hong Kong office, became a Managing Associate on 1 January. Nicholas has extensive experience in the fields of insolvency and financial services litigation, both in Cayman (where he is admitted as an attorney-at-law) and the BVI (where he is admitted as a barrister). Prior to his secondment, Nicholas worked on several of the largest insolvency and restructuring cases that are ongoing in the Cayman Islands at present.

Senior Associate Mathew Cook, a Jersey Advocate, becomes Managing Associate in the litigation practice of the firm's Jersey office. Mathew joined Mourant Ozannes in 2000 and advises on a range of commercial litigation matters, with a particular specialisation on regulatory and financial services issues and disputes. Mathew also advises on employment matters, with a particular focus on contentious matters.

The appointments are effective from 1 February and follow a year of considerable growth for the firm, which opened offices in the BVI and Hong Kong in 2012.

In a world where life expectancy is on the rise, and financial pressures on employees and employers are increasing, questions about retirement and older workers have become ever more challenging for employers. Should employees be allowed to work for longer? Is it reasonable to have a contractual retirement age, and what can you do if you want to amend a contractual retirement age? How should a contract be terminated on retirement, and what happens if an employee would like to continue to work beyond a contractual retirement age? What consideration should be given to pension entitlements? What is the impact on succession planning?

In answer to these questions and more, Mourant Ozannes' employment team is pleased to present an employer's guide to the thorny issue of employee retirement.

Jersey

Date: Tuesday 19 February
Time: 9am-10.15am
Venue: Mourant Ozannes Offices, 22 Grenville Street (a light breakfast will be provided)
RSVP

Guernsey

Date: Wednesday 20 February
Time: 8am-9.15am
Venue: OGH, Colborne Room (a light breakfast will be provided)
RSVP 

We look forward to welcoming you there. 

Four litigators have joined in the Cayman Islands: associates Alexandra Bethell and Amy Bond together with paralegals Tisha Cooper and Claire Doyle, two in Jersey; associate Katie Hooper and paralegal Katie Phillips, and five in Guernsey; associates Rhys Williams, Katherine Beach, Sally French, Chris Duncan and Robin Cowling.

Secondments within the Litigation practice have also led to senior associate Rocco Cecere moving to the Cayman Islands, associate Fleur O'Driscoll moving to the BVI and counsel Nicholas Fox moving to Mourant Ozannes' office in Hong Kong.

With 17 partners and a further 65 lawyers and legal assistants, Mourant Ozannes has the largest Litigation practice of any offshore firm. 

Jonathan Rigby, Global Managing Partner at Mourant Ozannes, said: 'We are pleased to have added such high calibre recruits and expanded further our Litigation practice. We pride ourselves on our values of client commitment and promoting excellence and, over the last year, the Litigation practice at Mourant Ozannes has delivered excellent results for our clients, dealing with their disputes in an efficient and effective manner. We will continue to invest in the Litigation practice to meet client demand and to ensure that we can continue to provide excellent levels of service.'

Date: Friday, 15 February
Time: 2-5pm Seminar; 5-7pm Cocktail Reception
Venue: The Westin Casuarina Resort, Grand Cayman

Complimentary Admission. 

At the same time the age old issues of divorce, succession and mistake continue to generate their own issues for practitioners.  

Mourant Ozannes and IBC have been working closely to bring you this unique outlook on the current state of play in the industry in advising the super-rich. Click for programme and registration details.

Ultra high net worth clients will be more concerned than ever to protect both their privacy and their wealth and will look to their trustees and advisers to achieve this. 

Mourant Ozannes and IBC's International Trusts and Private Client forum will provide a guide to what practitioners need to know to continue to service, grow and protect their UHNW client base in 2013 and beyond. Click for programme and registration details.

The students all recently completed internships with leading law firm Mourant Ozannes, gaining valuable insight into several legal practice areas including Funds, Finance and Commercial Litigation. As well as gaining an understanding of the legal work carried out by Mourant Ozannes in Cayman, the interns had an opportunity to work with the firm's corporate services, compliance and accounts departments to see how the business operates.

Mourant Ozannes is committed to supporting bright young talent in the Cayman Islands and offers internships to students who meet the firm's criteria.

Mourant Ozannes Cayman Managing Partner, Neal Lomax, commented: "Mourant Ozannes is committed to the development and progression of Caymanians. Our intern programme helps us to identify promising individuals who may be offered the opportunity to progress to our scholarship and articled clerk training programmes. We are pleased to be able to provide this experience to several students each year."

The interns were all A Level students about to begin their university studies or are already undertaking their degree studies. Each of the interns completed several weeks at Mourant Ozannes offices. Alicia Thompson is now at the Truman Bodden Law School, Asha Wilson is now at UCCI, Rashana Singh is at the University of Sterling in the Business and Social Studies honours degree programme, Taylor Clarke-Wint is studying Marketing at Southampton Solent University, Aaron DaCosta is at the University of Kent in an honours LLB programme, while Haymond Rankine has graduated from the University of Tampa with a Bachelors of Science with honours, in Business Management. Currently completing A-levels are Elizabeth Wauchope, who is at The Kings School Canterbury and Clare-Louise McGrath, at Cayman Prep & High School.

L-R Mourant Ozannes 2012-13 Interns Elizabeth Wauchope, Taylor Clarke-Wint, and Haymond Rankine, Cayman Managing Partner Neal Lomax, Alicia Thompson and Rashana Singh. (Missing from photo are Asha Wilson, Aaron DaCosta and Clare-Louise McGrath).

An application was also made for an order of the Royal Court of Jersey for the transfer of long term insurance business from FLAS and FLC to FLL in respect of business carried on by the transferors in or from within Jersey (and in line with concurrent Guernsey and UK applications), under Article 27 of and Schedule 2 to the Insurance Business (Jersey) Law 1996.

The law firm has developed a relationship with Cayman Islands Cricket Association (CICA) over several years and the renewed sponsorship deal, which is worth CI$5,000 annually, will help deliver coaching programmes for secondary school competitions, which attract teams of up to 15 teenagers from each of the eight schools in Cayman.

The sponsorship also assists CICA with specialist training sessions and a number of summer camps for the Under 15 National team who represent Cayman in competitions in other locations, such as the Bahamas.

Hector Robinson, Partner, Mourant Ozannes, said: "Mourant Ozannes is delighted to continue its support for young cricketers in Cayman. Grassroots sport is so important to the community and we are committed to nurturing it through targeted sponsorship initiatives such as this."

Ian Goodall, Treasurer of the Cayman Islands Cricket Association, added: "Our youth programme is a core element of what we do. Sport is a fundamental part of any community and enabling our younger members to develop their skills and confidence is so important. Without the support of sponsors such as Mourant Ozannes this simply would not be possible."

The CICA is responsible for the development and promotion of cricket both locally and internationally.

Cinven completed its acquisition of Mercury Pharma, the international speciality pharmaceutical company, in September 2012 for an enterprise value of £465 million. The acquisition was supported by debt financing provided by four banks; Jefferies, HSBC, Lloyds Bank and Mizuho. This was followed by its acquisition of Amdipharm, the family-owned international niche pharmaceuticals business, for a total consideration of £367 million. Amdipharm will be merged, over time, with Mercury Pharma. The combined group has an enterprise value in excess of £830 million, with revenues approaching £250 million and a portfolio of more than 200 drugs.

Leading international law firm Clifford Chance advised Cinven on matters of English law. The transaction involved Mourant Ozannes providing corporate, finance and funds legal advice to Cinven. 

The finance and corporate team was led by Partner James Hill, assisted by Associate Andrew Salisbury. The funds team was led by funds Partner Joel Hernandez, assisted by Senior Associate Alistair Horn and Associate Jonathon MacFeeters. 

Commenting on the deal, James Hill said: "We are delighted to have advised Cinven on another major acquisition, having advised them earlier in 2012 on the CPA Global acquisition. There were a wide variety of aspects to the deal, helping us to showcase our abilities as a leading offshore law firm."

Mourant Ozannes Jersey Managing Partner, Daniel Birtwistle worked alongside Hogan Lovells and William Fry advising BlackRock, the world's largest money manager, in the transaction. 

Daniel commented: "We have acted for BlackRock for a number of years and are very pleased to have been involved in such an important scheme. Mourant Ozannes dominates the offshore funds sector and the ability of the firm to advise both sides of this transaction reinforces its market leading position and reputation in this field."

Acting for RREEF, Mourant Ozannes Partner, Joel Hernandez, worked alongside Herbert Smith Freehills, Dillon Eustace, CMS Cameron McKenna and Field Fisher Waterhouse. 

Commenting on the scheme, Joel said:

"This transaction involved the merger of four Jersey regulated certified funds and gave rise to some complex challenges. The overwhelming support of the RREEF unit holders meant we were able to complete the deal and realise the scheme's benefits. This is a stand out deal and one that we are extremely pleased to be involved in."

Mr. Lomax made his remarks at the inaugural Cayman Alternative Investment Summit, held at the Ritz Carlton over two days at the beginning of November. Mourant Ozannes was a platinum sponsor of the event, which attracted powerful keynote speakers including former US President George W Bush and global entrepreneur, Sir Richard Branson.

Influential business leaders, strategic thinkers and investment specialists came to Cayman for the conference. As one of the co-chairs of the event Mr. Lomax told the audience that like most members of the Cayman Islands financial services community, he was no longer surprised, but nonetheless continually disappointed, by the failure of some journalists and commentators to carry out even the most basic research and fact-checking before publishing articles about Cayman. Mr. Lomax noted that the truth of the matter is that Cayman is at the forefront of shaping international standards for tax transparency. The jurisdiction has had stringent anti-money laundering legislation in place for many years and is committed to supporting global efforts to fight financial crime.

Mr. Lomax noted further that international financial centres like Cayman operate to access and pool capital from the international capital markets for reinvestment in onshore markets through the mechanisms of alternative investment funds, structured finance or reinsurance vehicles. Cayman provides a tax-neutral platform from which trillions of dollars move from international capital markets to the balance sheets of onshore financial institutions. Cayman also helps domestic and foreign investors in developing countries access the kind of efficient institutions that are necessary to drive growth but which are often unavailable locally. The concern is sometimes raised that international financial centres like Cayman may erode tax collections, divert economic activity, and otherwise burden nearby high-tax countries. However, a large body of economic research over the last 15 years has considered these issues and reached a very different conclusion. The essential feature of the offshore structure is that it does not add an additional layer of taxation which removes wealth and productivity from an economy. An alternative investment fund may be established in Cayman so that no tax is charged at the fund level. However, investors will still be subject to tax in their own jurisdictions on any increase in the value of their investments. Similarly, the investment manager, usually based in a major financial centre, will pay tax on the fees that it receives for managing the fund. Cayman has provided, and continues to provide, significant benefit to the global economy and does so in a manner that is well-regulated and in accordance with the highest standards of transparency.

Speaking after the conference, Mr. Lomax said: 'We are very proud to have been a major sponsor of this event which attracted some of the leading names from the alternative investment industry. The feedback we have received from attendees about the summit organization, content and venue has been overwhelmingly positive.'

The lecture focused on the Cayman Islands as a top domicile for fund vehicles  and the ability to hold on to this position based on advantages such as speed and cost of set up, no exchange control, tax neutrality as well as a reliable legal system and flexible regulatory supervision.

"I found James Wauchope's comprehensive overview of the investment funds industry very informative and stimulating," said Accounting student Ken Tibbetts. "Clearly, there are several good reasons why the Cayman Islands is a leader in international funds including its regulatory environment, political stability and the high level of expertise. I really enjoyed his discussion on some of the hot topics of the day such as the Court of Appeal's judgement in the Weavering Case and the questions it raised on the liability of independent directors and the far reaching implications of this ruling."

Neal Lomax, the Managing Partner of Mourant Ozannes in the Cayman Islands, is delighted for the firm to share legal knowledge with the educational institution, noting: "The partners at Mourant Ozannes all feel strongly that the academic chairship and legal lectures are a good way to support locally available tertiary education in the finance field. They enable a healthy level of connectivity and mentorship between our lawyers and the finance students at ICCI."

"James Wauchope's lecture on the nuts and bolts of the investment fund industry in the Cayman Islands, how it works and why it has prospered so well was incredibly informative. We really appreciate Mr. Wauchope sharing his expert knowledge on the financial services industry with our Business Law class," said International College president Dr. Tasha Ebanks Garcia. 

"I was honoured to be asked by Ms. Robbins to give this lecture" said James Wauchope. "It is always a pleasure to share knowledge and know-how and hopefully to demystify the nuts and bolts of the funds industry which is so important to the Cayman economy." he went on to say.

The transaction valued Feelunique.com, one of Europe's fastest growing online beauty retailers, at a head-line enterprise value of GBP26m. 

The cross Channel Island Mourant Ozannes team, led by Jersey Managing Associate Matthew Shaxson, worked alongside English counsel Olswang LLP. 

Aaron Chatterley, CEO, said: "We were very pleased with the effort and professionalism of Mourant Ozannes and how seamlessly Matthew's team worked with our UK counsel"

Schools have been invited to begin preparing for the Guernsey competition, which will take place at St James on Tuesday 29 January 2013. 

The Head of English in each school has received the Rules of the Competition and application forms so that both Intermediate and Senior teams can take part. 

The two winning teams will receive a shield awarded in memory of Raymond Falla and the overall winner will go on to take part in the District Final in Hampshire in March.

Mourant Ozannes Managing Partner, Robert Shepherd said: "Mourant Ozannes is delighted to be involved in sponsoring the Guernsey Youth Speaks Competition again this year. The art of public speaking is one of the key skills demanded of the legal profession and we are particularly pleased to be in a position to support Guernsey's young people to develop this discipline."

Steve Oliphant of Rotary Club of Guernsey added: "Youth Speaks is a National Competition organised by Rotary International in the British Isles. Preliminary competition is between teams at both up to age 16 years and under 18 years. Each team comprises three students; a chairman, a speaker and a proposer of a vote of thanks. I am sure that schools are already looking for students to make up their teams and talking about the topics they may choose to speak about. We at Rotary are looking forward to receiving their entries and I'm sure that we will once again have an exciting and intriguing competition in January."

For more information on the competition, please go to Rotary Club of Guernsey.

Date: Friday 30 November 2012
Time: 12 - 2pm
Venue: The Old Government House Hotel, Guernsey

The Mourant Ozannes team, led by Matthew Shaxson (Managing Associate), worked alongside English counsel Olswang LLP. 

Mourant Ozannes acted for members of TMF Group Jersey as trustees of a wholly-owned investment subsidiary of KWAP and worked alongside Berwin Leighton Paisner as lead UK legal counsel, CBRE Global Investors as property advisor and E&Y as tax advisor.

Since opening an office in Hong Kong in January this year, led by Hong Kong's Managing Partner at Mourant Ozannes, Paul Christopher, the team has worked hard to make a significant imprint in the Asia Pacific region. This was reflected by the overwhelming turnout of clients, partners and media with whom the team have engaged this year who attended the reception.

Paul Christopher commented, "It is with great pleasure that we were able to host an event to thank our clients, partners and journalists here in Hong Kong who have helped us build and enhance our presence in Asia. With the hard work of the team in Hong Kong, Mourant Ozannes is now truly on the map in this region and we are excited about how we will develop our offering. With a senior, credible team and a vision to be consistently recognised as the leading law firm offshore, we are keen to expand in Asia to capitalise on the demand we are experiencing in the region."

Photos from the evening can be viewed here.

The 2013 edition of the legal directory ranks law firms based on technical expertise and client service and the researchers who compile the listings have awarded Mourant Ozannes four top tier positions, more than any other Channel Island law firm.

Tier one rankings are significant because they demonstrate superior technical expertise and service excellence. The Chambers UK 2013 directory comments that Mourant Ozannes' lawyers "enjoy a reputation for being extremely thorough, responsive and well balanced in their opinions." 

Mourant Ozannes Jersey has top tier rankings in Corporate & Finance, Investment Funds and Dispute Resolution and in Guernsey is in a tier of its own in Dispute Resolution.

Guernsey Managing Partner Robert Shepherd said: "We are delighted to have maintained our position as the leading offshore law firm across the Channel Islands. Legal directories provide an important benchmark for the industry as they are based on independent research and client feedback. These results published in Chambers UK, underline our market-leading position and high levels of client service."

Jersey Managing Partner Daniel Birtwistle added: "I am delighted that Mourant Ozannes has maintained its top tier rankings. It is testament to the hard work of the team and our commitment to our clients."

Chambers has been publishing its annual directories of the legal profession for more than 20 years. With more than 130 full time researchers who interview thousands of lawyers and their clients around the world, its publications are considered to be amongst the most accurate and reliable reviews of the world's leading law firms and lawyers. 

The publication of Chambers UK 2013 follows recently announced top tier rankings for Mourant Ozannes in IFLR 1000 and Legal 500 UK.

The seminar will cover:

• the Security Interests (Jersey) Law 2012: taking security over intangibles;
• the draft Security Interests (Amendment) (Jersey) Law 201-: taking security over tangibles;
• registration and the Security Interests Register;
• possible future amendments relating to intermediated securities; and
• the precedent drafting exercise for the Jersey Bankers Association.

 Click for more information and booking form.

The guest speaker will be Shaun Folpp, a Partner from our BVI office, who led the proceedings in the Weavering action before the Cayman Islands Grand Court, which awarded damages against the directors in an amount of USD$111m and, more recently, the Court of Appeal.

What are the implications for directors and fund service providers?

The Court's decision in Weavering was the first of its kind, holding independent directors of a failed investment fund responsible for the fund's losses as a result of their failure to properly discharge their duties, notwithstanding the very wide and favourable indemnity provisions afforded to them within the fund's constitutional documents. The update explores the implications of the Weavering decision for funds and directors as well as the background to the case and related news and litigation.

Key areas of focus include:

• legal ramifications of the decision
• practical consequences
• scope of indemnity provisions
• directors' duties 
• regulatory implications 
• employment issues 

RSVP

Nicki Weetman
T +44 1481 739 307

The winners of the US awards, which were announced at a ceremony held in New York on Thursday 18 October, were recognised for outstanding performance from June 2011 to July 2012. Mourant Ozannes funds partner Julian Fletcher from the firm's Cayman Islands office collected the award on behalf of the funds team. 

The awards featured a number of categories that spanned the best and most cutting edge hedge fund service providers in the US marketplace, including the onshore and offshore legal, administration, accountancy, advisory, insurance and technology sectors.

The awards were judged by a panel of independent senior industry representatives who took into consideration financial progress, growth and innovation in order to put together a shortlist and identify the eventual winners of each category.

Neal Lomax, Mourant Ozannes' Cayman Islands Managing Partner, said:

"We are delighted to receive this recognition for our client service for the second year in a row from such a well respected hedge fund publication. It is testimony to the hard work and dedication of the funds team and our commitment to delivering exceptional client service."

At the awards event Lucy Guest of HFMWeek (L) and Tanya Beckett, business journalist with BBC World (R), with Mourant Ozannes' partner Julian Fletcher.

Mourant Ozannes is the only law firm in Guernsey and Jersey to be awarded a top tier ranking in all categories in the directory, in both Islands.

In Guernsey the guide says competitors describe Mourant Ozannes as outward facing and that its ranking reflects the view of the market. Gavin Farrell, John Lewis, Darren Bacon and David Moore were named as leading lawyers in the Guernsey office.

In Jersey Mourant Ozannes received acknowledgement for its dominant market position, which according to the report justifies its position at the top of the table. Leading lawyers recognised in the guide are Robert Hickling, James Hill, Jacqueline Richomme and James Ruane.

The listing for the firm's Cayman Islands office is also very positive, with clients commenting: "They are a real player in Cayman" and; "They always go the extra mile." Mourant Ozannes partners Neal Lomax, Richard de Basto and James Wauchope are named as leading lawyers in the Cayman Islands.

The publisher of IFLR reports that positive client feedback has led to Mourant Ozannes being ranked as a leading law firm in the Hong Kong 'Investment funds - offshore' section, just nine months after Mourant Ozannes established a Hong Kong office.

The IFLR rankings are compiled by dedicated specialist legal journalists based in the key centres of London, New York and Hong Kong and is the only publication of its kind to focus on the leading law firms for Corporate & Finance and Investment Funds practices worldwide.

Jonathan Rigby, Managing Partner of Mourant Ozannes, said: 'I am delighted that the hard work of our teams has been recognised by this ringing endorsement from our clients - the people who matter most to us.'

The independent research carried out by the analysts at IFLR is used to provide clients of law firms with objective, informative and easy-to-use rankings and profiles of the leading lawyers across the world. It is considered the definitive guide to the world's leading financial law firms in more than 120 markets.

Matthew said "We were very pleased to act for AIB Bank once again in this transaction and assist AIB in finding a good home for its investment management business".

Matthew said "We were very pleased to act for AIB Bank once again in this transaction and assist AIB in finding a good home for its investment management business".

Mourant Ozannes advises on the laws of four of the world's most important offshore financial centres: the BVI, the Cayman Islands, Guernsey and Jersey, from these locations and from offices in both Hong Kong and London. 

The firm's BVI office focuses on corporate, international finance, investment funds, investment business regulation, insolvency and litigation services.

Mourant Ozannes partner, Michael Williams, who has extensive corporate and banking experience and is a BVI qualified solicitor, is relocating to the BVI from the Channel Islands and is joined in the BVI by two new Mourant Ozannes' partners, Rachael McDonald and Shaun Folpp. 

Rachael McDonald, who specialises in corporate and finance work, joins Mourant Ozannes from Ogier in the BVI. Rachael has practised in the BVI for the last six years and is a BVI notary public. She has worked previously for Clifford Chance in London and Chapman Tripp in New Zealand. Rachael leads the global BVI corporate, banking and finance teams. Legal directory, Chambers and Partners notes that Rachael has "a strong reputation" in the BVI, with clients commenting that "she is excellent to deal with." 

Shaun Folpp joins Mourant Ozannes from Ogier in the Cayman Islands. Shaun worked previously as the head of commercial and chancery appeals at the Court of Appeal in London. Shaun leads Mourant Ozannes' BVI litigation and insolvency practice, and has extensive experience in both contentious and non-contentious insolvency matters, including acting for the liquidators in the Weavering Macro Fixed Income Fund case, as well as general commercial disputes. Client feedback published in Chambers and Partners notes that Shaun "excels in terms of the quality of his advice." 

Simon Lawrenson, head of Mourant Ozannes' BVI practice in Asia, said, 'We are seeing strong demand for our BVI legal services, particularly from our clients in Asia. Mike, Rachael and Shaun bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the BVI team and together we look forward to providing the exceptional client service Mourant Ozannes is known for."

The three Mourant Ozannes partners based in the BVI work closely with the BVI qualified lawyers across the firm and Mourant Ozannes is now able to provide BVI legal advice directly from the BVI and from our other offices in Asian and European time zones.

Mourant Ozannes Managing Partner, Jonathan Rigby, said "BVI is one of the world's leading offshore financial centres and we are committed to establishing a top tier practice in the Territory."

Mourant Ozannes' significant expansion of its BVI legal services is in line with the firm's vision to be consistently recognised as the leading law firm offshore. 

The merger brings together two long-established Jersey-based trust services businesses. The merged business comprises almost 100 directors and employees, making it one of Jersey's larger independent fiduciary services companies.

The Mourant Ozannes' team was led by Managing Associate Matthew Shaxson and Senior Associate Jon Woolrich. Matthew commented: "We are very pleased to have been able to assist Volaw achieve the merger. Indications are that there is scope for significant activity in the local mergers and acquisitions market in the near future as trust companies increasingly look to external investment or consolidation to achieve growth."

Robert Christensen, managing director of the combined Volaw group, said: "It had always been the desire of Volaw and Europlan to achieve a merger rather than one party acquiring the other. This gave rise to complex legal structuring issues which Mourant Ozannes took in their stride. The service provided by Mourant Ozannes has been excellent and we have enjoyed working with Matthew and Jon."

The 2012 legal directory rankings, which include feedback from clients and peers, backed up by independent research, show that Mourant Ozannes has excelled with more tier one rankings across the Channel Islands than any other law firm.

Tier one rankings are significant because they demonstrate superior technical expertise and service excellence. In Guernsey Mourant Ozannes has achieved a tier one ranking in six out of seven categories and in Jersey the firm has a tier one ranking in all eight categories, having moved up one level in Private Clients, Trusts and Tax.

Guernsey Managing Partner Robert Shepherd said: "We are delighted to have maintained our position as the leading offshore law firm. Legal directories provide an important benchmark for the industry as they are based on independent research and client feedback. These results published in Legal 500 UK, underline our market-leading position and high levels of client service."

Jersey Managing Partner Daniel Birtwistle added: "I am delighted that Mourant Ozannes has been recognised as the only firm in Jersey with a top tier ranking in all eight categories. It is testament to the hard work of the team and our commitment to our clients."

In London Mourant Ozannes has achieved a tier one ranking, with clients commenting that the firm "has created real traction in the offshore market and set the standard to which other firms need to aspire."

Legal 500 has been publishing its series of directories for more than 20 years providing comprehensive worldwide coverage of legal services providers in over 100 countries.

The merger brings together two long-established Jersey-based trust services businesses. The merged business comprises almost 100 directors and employees, making it one of Jersey's larger independent fiduciary services companies.

The Mourant Ozannes' team was led by Managing Associate Matthew Shaxson and Senior Associate Jon Woolrich. Matthew commented: "We are very pleased to have been able to assist Volaw achieve the merger. Indications are that there is scope for significant activity in the local mergers and acquisitions market in the near future as trust companies increasingly look to external investment or consolidation to achieve growth."

Robert Christensen, managing director of the combined Volaw group, said: "It had always been the desire of Volaw and Europlan to achieve a merger rather than one party acquiring the other. This gave rise to complex legal structuring issues which Mourant Ozannes took in their stride. The service provided by Mourant Ozannes has been excellent and we have enjoyed working with Matthew and Jon."

The teams achieved their remarkable feat last weekend in a combined time of just over 24 hours, with the Jersey to Guernsey leg swum in 11 hours 40 minutes 37 seconds and the team from Guernsey reaching the Jersey coast in 12 hours 20 minutes. It's thought to be the first time ever that the Jersey to Guernsey direction leg has been completed.

The Jersey team of Craig Swart, Thomas Morgan, Henry Brandts-Giesen, James Ruane, Simon Gould, and Giles Corbin left Plemont after sunrise at 7:07am on Saturday morning. Each team member swam for one hour stints punctuated by in-water high five handovers. Conditions were slightly choppy with wind over tide and also misty but the conditions became almost perfect glassy smooth by 1pm, with Giles Corbin, whose idea it was to undertake the challenge, eventually touching land in a small rocky cove just north of St Martin's Point at 6:47pm around sunset. None of these swimmers wore wetsuits.

The Guernsey team of Sam Williams, James Le Gallez, Sandy Ozanne, Paul Waldron and Mark Torode from Mourant Ozannes, joined by David Honey (Guernsey), Jersey triathlete Dan Halksworth and James Briggs, a trainee doctor at the Jersey General Hospital, started their attempt from Jerbourg at 6:03am, finally reaching Grosnez in Jersey at 6:23pm that evening.

Both teams encountered jellyfish in local waters. The Channel Islands Airsearch plane, Lion's Pride, used our prior coastguard notification as an exercise in conjunction with the lifeboat crew in spotting swimmers in the water, which made several low passes over the swimmers.

The attempt was organised to raise money for the Jersey Stroke Association and the Guernsey Stroke Association and the success was hailed by Jonathan Rigby, Global Managing Partner of Mourant Ozannes who said: 'This is a remarkable achievement by two fantastic teams. To be the first to complete a simultaneous swim between the Islands in each direction, while raising funds for two very important charities, is something of which we can all be very proud.'

The attempt would not have been possible without the support crews from both Islands, which included guard boats and kayakers to ensure the swimmers remained on course and safe at all times (see editors' notes for details).

Due to the weather dependent nature of the challenge, sponsorship was only opened shortly before it took place. Pledges are still being encouraged for these worthy charities, and should you wish to do so please email Giles Corbin in Jersey, giles.corbin@mourantozannes.com or Mark Torode in Guernsey, mark.torode@mourantozannes.com or make a cheque out to the Jersey Stroke Association or the Guernsey Stroke Association and post it respectively to Giles Corbin at 22 Grenville Street, St Helier, Jersey JE4 8PX or Mark Torode at PO Box 186, 1 Le Marchant Street, St Peter Port, Guernsey GY1 4HP.

The Chief Justice has had an illustrious career spanning decades in his home country Jamaica, as well as in the Cayman Islands, and has spoken and lectured at many international fora. Mr. Smellie was appointed Chief Justice of the Cayman Islands in June 1998. He is an Honorary Bencher of Grays Inn, London, an Honorary Fellow with the Institute of Advanced Legal Studies at the University of London, a Patron of the Commonwealth Law Journal of Oxford University Press, an Honorary Fellow at the Institute of Advanced Legal Studies at the University of London, and holds an Honorary Doctor of Laws from Liverpool University.

Chief Justice Smellie has overseen a number of fundamental reforms to the court system of the Cayman Islands, including the establishment in November 2009 of a Financial Services Division of the Grand Court, which allows for cases in this division (up to 70% of all commercial cases in the jurisdiction) to move through the system in a more streamlined and timely manner.

Morven McMillan, Head of Mourant Ozannes' Cayman Islands International Trusts & Private Client team, said: "We are honoured to have the Chief Justice leading our day as keynote speaker. We are very much looking forward to welcoming the Chief Justice, along with all of our other expert speakers and delegates to the conference on 5 October and hearing the ways in which the Cayman Islands courts make a key contribution to the economic strength of these Islands." 

The Mourant Ozannes' International Trusts & Private Client Conference will take place on Friday 5 October at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Grand Cayman, and will bring together a number of renowned guest speakers and Mourant Ozannes' own expert lawyers from the Cayman Islands, Guernsey, Jersey and London. The conference is being hosted in collaboration with Rawlinson & Hunter and Butterfield, with CIBC Bank and Trust Company (Cayman) Limited sponsoring the keynote address. The delegate fee is US$500 with discounts available for multiple bookings. Delegates are invited to register on our dedicated conference page.