Partner and Group Head of Appleby’s Private Client & Trusts practice, Carlos de Serpa Pimentel, achieved the highest Band 1 ranking with a source reporting that “he is extremely highly regarded by the international private client community and by the Cayman courts; he is a first-class lawyer.” Another source described him as “utterly unflappable,” adding: “I have never heard him be even mildly ruffled by being asked super-urgent and thorny questions.”
Partner and Group Head of the Private Client & Trusts practice in Bermuda, Vanessa Schrum also received a Band 1 ranking. “Her knowledge of trusts and her experience is really deep,“ commented one source, while another interviewee adds: “Her massive strength is her ability to connect with anybody in a very compassionate and understanding way.“ A third source enthuses: “She has the fastest turnaround time for queries I have seen. She is friendly, professional and competent. Her communication is always clear and easy to follow,“ adding: “She manages client expectations and timelines well. She is very client-centric.“
Other Appleby lawyers recognised in the rankings included Jersey Partners Fraser Robertson and David Dorgan. A peer says Dorgan is a “very safe pair of hands,” while a local fiduciary says: “He is very knowledgeable and experienced, especially around different cultural matters, which can make all the difference when working with international high net worth clients.”. A market commentator says: “Fraser Robertson does big trust disputes and is well known in this area. He is a name I would recommend if someone was looking for a Jersey litigator.”
Cayman Counsel Esmond Brown was listed as an “Associate to Watch,” while a local adviser says: “I find him good at handling tricky calls in difficult situations on the hoof.” Another source describes him as “extremely responsive and thorough, and a pleasure to work with.”
Bermuda Senior Associate Caljonah Smith is also listed as an “Associate to Watch,” with a source commenting that “She is an incredibly technical lawyer. She is excellent.” Another source says: “She is very pragmatic in her drafting and gets the job done. She is very client-friendly in her advice. She does not hit the client with chapter and verse, but gives pragmatic answers.”
In the Guide Appleby is praised for its “outstanding legal advice“ with an onshore interviewee commenting that “they are always really quick to get to grips with the issues.“ Another market commentator says: “Appleby are excellent, easily one of the best firms in the market,” while another source says: “They are technically astute and they have a solid understanding of matters. They turn matters around efficiently and you always feel comfortable reaching out to them. Whatever they do is done efficiently and to a high standard.”
Carlos de Serpa Pimentel, Group Head of Private Client & Trusts, commented: “We are extremely pleased to be so well recognised in the recent rankings from Chambers Global in their Chambers High Net Worth Guide 2021. These rankings are a reflection of the excellent abilities of our private client lawyers across our global team. It is thanks to their dedication and consistent hard work that Appleby has been continually highly ranked in this guide since it was first introduced.”
