Collas Crill's BVI and Cayman teams are once again recognised in the 2022 Chambers Global Guide, a global directory of top lawyers and law firms compiled through in-depth client and peer research.
This year the firm maintained or improved its rankings across the board, with some teams and individuals appearing in the directory for the first time.
Collas Crill's dispute resolution team in the BVI is ranked for the first time in band 4, and noted to be 'punching well above its weight because of high quality of its work product and the speed and efficiency with which that is delivered.'
BVI Managing Partner and head of corporate, finance and funds Ellie Crespi is listed as 'Up and Coming' and cited as 'a go-to lawyer in the jurisdiction', 'very responsive and very experienced in finance matters.'
In Cayman, the firm's real estate team is ranked for the first time by Chambers. The band 3 team was described as being 'very knowledgeable and results-oriented' with 'the ability to meet seemingly impossible deadlines without compromising the quality and accuracy of the finished product.' Head of the team Gina Berry maintains her individual ranking in band 2.
Cayman Senior Associate Natalie Bell was ranked as 'Up and Coming' in investment funds. The directory particularly highlights her experience advising on fund formation, fund finance and fund restructuring work, with one interviewee describing her as a 'go-to figure in this space'.
The dispute resolution team maintains its band 4 ranking and is described as the 'go-to team in the Cayman Islands' with 'excellent depth at both the senior and junior levels and offer a quick and responsive service.'
Cayman Managing Partner and head of dispute resolution Stephen Leontsinis, moves up to band 3 with particular mention of his experience of liquidations, restructurings and white-collar fraud mandates. One interviewee notes: 'Stephen is a phenomenal advocate who is very astute, commercially minded and results-driven. His knowledge of the Cayman market and all its main players is second to none.'
Partner Rocco Cecere receives his first individual ranking, band 5, and receives strong praise for his knowledge of Section 238 petitions on the dissenting shareholder side: 'Nobody knows Cayman Islands law better. Rocco always manages to put us several steps ahead of our opponents. He fights incredibly hard and effectively for us, but never loses sight of our commercial goals.' Partner Matt Dors remains 'Up and Coming', described as 'one of the emerging stars in litigation on the island' with many positive comments on his burgeoning insolvency and restructuring practice.
Ellie Crespi said: 'It's hugely gratifying to be recognised in this year's directory and my congratulations go to the team on their well-deserved breakthrough ranking in dispute resolution. Time has flown since joining the firm just 11 months ago, and it's been an absolute privilege to get to know my brilliant team and to further build our global network of clients and business contacts on island. We are gearing up for a big 2022 and I am very excited about what we will achieve with and for our clients, whom I thank for entrusting us with their business and giving generously of their time to endorse our work.'
Stephen Leontsinis said: 'This year's Chambers rankings demonstrate – through the endorsements of our clients and peers – our continuing growth in the Cayman Islands. This is recognition of the hard work of our people, the strong relationships we forge with our valued clients and the level of expertise we deliver across our markets. I'm honoured to be leading such a talented team as we continue to go from strength to strength.'
Group Managing Partner Jason Romer said: 'I'm delighted to see our brilliant Caribbean teams move up the rankings and, more importantly, to read through all the positive feedback from our clients and peers. This year's listings not only reflect our growing presence in both islands but also the calibre of our lawyers and our reputation as a firm that's easy to do business with. My congratulations to all.'
To view Collas Crill's rankings on the Chambers & Partners website, click here.
