Cains once again leads the Isle of Man law firms in the 2025 Legal 500 UK rankings, with 21 of the firms’ lawyers from across eight practice areas recognised for their outstanding performance with praise from clients.
This is the 17th consecutive year in which Cains has been named as one of the highest-ranked law firms in the Isle of Man having secured Tier 1 status across its Banking, Finance and Capital Markets, Commercial Property, Corporate and Commercial, Dispute Resolution, Employment, Gambling, Insurance and Pensions, and Shipping and Aviation teams.
Among the individual endorsements, some in more than one area of specialism, 3 lawyers maintained Hall of Fame status, 10 of the team were recognised as ‘Leading Partners’ (including 4 within the Banking, Finance and Capital Markets practice), two were named as ‘Next Generation Partners’ and a further 6 were hailed as ‘Leading Associates’. A further 3 lawyers were identified as key lawyers, recognised for their standout contribution to their respective practices.
The Legal 500 is one of the most highly regarded international directories for the legal industry. It grades law firms following a thorough and independent research process which includes feedback from approximately 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 “one of the largest and best respected law firms on the Island. A highly professional and respected team” and “knowledgeable, reliable, effective and efficient.”
Other clients hailed Cains as “very knowledgeable in their area of expertise, professional and proactive. Extremely approachable and helpful.”
The recognition continued for the various practice area teams where the Banking and Finance team, led by ‘Leading Partner’ Tim Shepherd, was praised for being “Friendly, approachable and easy to get in contact with” and “excellent response times, insightful advice.” Directors Tristan Head, Scott Leonard-Morgan and Steven Quayle maintained ‘Leading Partner’ status, while Stephanie Chew was classed as a ‘Next Generation Partner’, with Catherine Hamill named as a ‘Leading Associate’.
Managing Associate and head of Cains’ Commercial Property department, Alex Poole-Wilson was named a ‘Leading Partner’ and praised that his “integrity and professionalism were outstanding”. “Few lawyers in the field can compete with Alex’s attention to detail and experience in the commercial property arena”, whilst managing associate Stephanie Chew was highlighted as a ‘Next Generation Partner” and Holly McGarrigle as a ‘Leading Associate’ for their “excellent property knowledge and understanding of Isle of Man law as it relates to land issues.”
Cains’ Litigation team, which is one of the largest and longest established practices on the Island, was hailed as “highly regarded, both in the Isle of Man and internationally”, as well as “responsive and have a really good sense of what is important and what will be important in the years to come.” The team was featured prominently with Peter Clucas, Seth Caine and Rob Long again being named in the coveted ‘Hall of Fame’, and each of Directors Robert Colquitt and Lindsey Bermingham ranked as a ‘Leading Partner’. Managing Associate Tara Cubbon-Wood was selected as ‘Next Generation’ partner and Associate Charles Williams as a ‘Leading Associate’.
The Corporate and Commercial team was described as “very knowledgeable in their area of expertise, professional and proactive. They have been extremely approachable and helpful.” One client stated “I would recommend them without hesitation to colleagues that are looking for exceptional representation in the IOM.” Director Tristan Head was hailed for his “concise and commercial advice and demonstrating a wealth of understanding of the Isle of Man M&A process” and it was stated that Scott Leonard-Morgan “stands out for his responsiveness, usability and excellent knowledge of the IoM corporate landscape.” Senior Associates Matthew Wilkinson and Kirsten Porter were each recognised as a ‘Leading Associate’, with Kirsten Porter being hailed as “a pleasure to deal with.”
Achieving Tier 1 status for the first year, Cains’ Employment team was considered “knowledgeable, commercially minded, and solution-focused” and “very strong across the board in terms of employment law advice”. Katherine Sheerin was hailed as “an excellent and experienced employment law practitioner who is technically very strong, highly pragmatic and always responsive within relevant timeframes.”
The recognition continued for the Shipping and Aviation team, which retained its Tier 1 ranking. Led by ‘Leading Partner’ Steven Quayle, praised for being “an excellent lawyer, very well connected, particularly with the shipping registry in the Isle of Man, making them a definite go-to. The service levels are excellent, and all done in a very fuss-free style.” Clients hailed Associate Jess Whitley, who was named a ‘Leading Associate’ as “practical and honest”.
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 PARTNER:
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
Steven Quayle (Director) – Banking, Finance & Capital Markets; Shipping and Aviation
Alex Poole-Wilson (Managing Associate) – Commercial Property
Katherine Sheerin (Head of Employment and Data Privacy) – Employment
Mike Edwards (Senior Consultant) – Shipping and Aviation
Lindsey Bermingham (Consultant) – Dispute Resolutions
Jonathan Latham (Consultant) – Insurance and Pensions
NEXT GENERATION PARTNERS:
Stephanie Chew (Managing Associate) – Banking, Finance & Capital Markets; Commercial Property; Corporate and Commercial
Tara Cubbon-Wood (Managing Associate) – Dispute Resolutions
LEADING ASSOCIATE:
Catherine Hamill (Consultant) – Banking, Finance & Capital Markets
Kirsten Porter (Senior Associate) – Corporate and Commercial; Gambling
Matthew Wilkinson (Senior Associate) – Corporate and Commercial
Charles Williams (Senior Associate) – Dispute Resolution
Holly McGarrigle (Associate) – Commercial Property
Jess Whitley (Associate) – Shipping and Aviation.
