Cains, has once again been recognised as one of the highest-ranked law firms in the Isle of Man for the 16th consecutive year, having achieved a Tier 1 status across seven practice areas within the 2024 edition of The Legal 500 UK.
In addition to the Tier 1 status Cains gained across its Banking, Finance and Capital Markets; Commercial Property; Corporate and Commercial; Dispute Resolution; Gambling; Insurance and Pensions; and Shipping and Aviation teams, 19 members of the Cains team gained individual recognition for their outstanding performance and praise from clients. The growing Employment practice was awarded a Tier 2 ranking.
Among the individual endorsements (some in more than one area of specialism), three lawyers maintained Hall of Fame status, nine of the team were recognised as ‘Leading Individuals’ (including four within the Banking, Finance and Capital Markets practice), two were named as ‘Next Generation Partners’ and a further five were hailed as ‘Rising Stars’.
The Legal 500 is one of the most highly regarded international directories for the legal industry and it grades law firms following a thorough and independent research process which includes feedback from 300,000 clients, private practice lawyers and in-house peers as well as the assessment of a law firm’s own deals and confidential matters.
Impressive client feedback described Cains as a “straight forward, easy to work with firm, they collaborate and bring their best resources in to support their clients needs. They deliver to agreed timescales and many times exceed them, and people are commercial in approach.” and a “long established firm well equipped to answer business related questions in quick fashion. The quality of advice is strong, plain text explanations underpinned by detailed analysis – a very practical oriented firm that makes dealing with them easy.”
Other accolades hailed Cains as “as good as any top 10 London firm: reliable, speedy turnaround.”
The recognition continued for the various practice area teams with Banking and Finance team, led by ‘Leading Individual’ Tim Shepherd, was praised for its “enviable reputation in the Isle of Man, built on solid expertise and excellent service levels.” Directors Tristan head, Scott Leonard-Morgan and Steven Quayle maintained ‘Leading Individual’ status, Stephanie Chew was classed as ‘Next Generation Partner’, while both Kirsten Porter and Matthew Wilkinson were named as ‘Rising Stars’
Managing associate and joint head of Cains’ Commercial Property department, Alex Poole-Wilson was named a ‘Leading individual’ and praised for his “keen eye for detail and a commercial mindset, very responsive to requests and deadlines.”, whilst managing associate Stephanie Chew was highlighted a ‘Next Generation Partner” and Holly McGarrigle ‘Rising Star’ status for their “approachable and knowledgeable manner with excellent attention to detail.”
Cains’ Litigation team, which is which is one of the largest and longest established practices on the Island was hailed as “first class and leaders in their field in the IOM” and “a practice with a wealth of experience who are a safe set of hands.” The team was featured prominently with Peter Clucas, Seth Caine and Rob Long again being named in the coveted Hall of Fame in that sector, with directors Robert Colquitt and Lindsey Bermingham ranked as “Leading Individual”, Tara Cubbon-Wood as Next Generation’ partner and Associate Charles Williams as ‘Rising Star’.
The Corporate and Commercial team was described as “very diligent and excellent in delivering legal services. We couldn’t recommend it enough.” They are a “straight forward, easy to work with practice.” Tristan Head was hailed as “excellent to work with, always delivering on time with comprehensive but succinct advice.’, whilst it was stated that Scott Leonard-Morgan was “diligent, commercial and puts the customers’ needs at the heart of the legal services that he provides.”
Clients also described Cains’ Employment team as “very professional and most importantly spend time making sure they understand the client’s needs. We really feel we have consultants who are trustworthy, collaborative and provide practical solutions to our business needs.’”
Tim Shepherd, Managing Director of Cains, said: “We are delighted with the recognition Cains has received in the latest guide. It is a true reflection of not only the depth of expertise we possess across our key practice teams but also a true reflection of the dedication, personal service and excellence of work we continue to provide to our clients.
“To receive such glowing testimonials from our clients and to be acknowledged as having some of the best legal minds on the Island underpins why we are and continue to be the legal practice of choice for many. I would like to thank our clients for providing outstanding feedback and our staff for their commitment and hard work.”
The full list of Cains’ Legal 500 UK leading individuals includes:
HALL OF FAME:
- Peter Clucas (Managing Director) – Dispute Resolution
- Seth Caine (Senior Consultant) – Dispute Resolution
- Robert Long (Consultant) – Dispute Resolution
LEADING INDIVIDUALS:
- Tim Shepherd (Managing Director) – Banking, Finance & Capital Markets
- Robert Colquitt (Director) – Dispute Resolution
- Tristan Head (Director) – Banking, Finance & Capital Markets, Corporate and Commercial, Insurance & Pensions
- Scott Leonard-Morgan (Director) – Banking, Finance & Capital Markets, Corporate and Commercial
- Alex Poole-Wilson (Managing Associate) – Commercial Property
- Jonathan Latham (Consultant) – Insurance and Pensions
- Lindsey Bermingham (Director) – Dispute Resolutions
- Steven Quayle (Director) – Banking, Finance & Capital Markets, Shipping and Aviation
- Mike Edwards (Senior Consultant) – Shipping and Aviation
NEXT GENERATION PARTNERS:
- Stephanie Chew (Managing Associate) – Banking, Finance & Capital Markets, Commercial Property and Corporate and Commercial
- Tara Cubbon-Wood (Managing Associate) – Dispute Resolutions
RISING STARS:
- Catherine Hamill (Consultant) – Banking, Finance & Capital Markets
- Kirsten Porter (Senior Associate) – Corporate and Commercial, Gambling
- Holly McGarrigle (Associate) – Commercial Property
- Matthew Wilkinson (Associate) – Corporate and Commercial
- Charles Williams (Associate) – Dispute Resolution
