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Keith Robinson
Keith Robinson
Partner | Carey Olsen
JURISDICTIONS QUALIFIED IN
Ireland
Northern Ireland
England and Wales
Bermuda
TOP 3 AREAS OF EXPERTISE
Administration of estates and trusts
Dispute resolution
Asset protection
What has been the highlight of your practice over the past 12 months?
Building a reputation in the Bermuda market as the best trusts and estates litigator and the only true specialist.
What advice would you give rising stars/new lawyers in the private client world?
Put client service above all else and subject to this, make every effort to write for publications as often as possible and no less than twice per year.
What is your favourite quote?
“To err is human; to forgive, divine,” Alexander Pope.
Paraic Madigan
Paraic Madigan
Head of Private Client | Matheson
JURISDICTIONS QUALIFIED IN
Ireland
TOP 3 AREAS OF EXPERTISE
Asset holding structures
Personal and estate planning
Residency and domiciliation
What has been the highlight of your practice over the past 12 months?
I acted for the branch of family concerning the restructuring of offshore trusts, which involved a complex application for court approval. It was a highlight because it involved significant commercial and family sensitive issues in relation to a multi-generational structure. The court approved the proposal supported by our clients, in the face of trenchant opposition from another part of the family.
I acted for the board of a Lichtenstein foundation in negotiations with Irish Revenue concerning its treatment for Irish purposes. The historic funding of the foundation gave rise to complex issues of Swiss succession law, Lichtenstein law of foundations, and relied heavily on recent English case law which considered similar issues. The case was technically demanding and an acceptable outcome was reached.
What advice would you give rising stars/new lawyers in the private client world?
Be active in industry organisations. So many transformative developments are transnational in their origins and participation in these bodies, in addition to benefiting from the experience of colleagues in other jurisdictions, offers the best insight into emerging trends that quickly become accepted principles which affect client families.
Patrick Harney
Patrick Harney
Partner | Mishcon de Reya
JURISDICTIONS QUALIFIED IN
Ireland
England and Wales
TOP 3 AREAS OF EXPERTISE
Personal and estate planning
Asset holding structures
Tax
What has been the highlight of your practice over the past five years?
A key highlight of the last 5 years has been my elevation to Head of Private Client in 2016. I have overseen the growth of the private client partnership from 10 to 15, which adds significantly to Forsters' international and offshore private client capacity and complements the firm's already well established profile for onshore work.
I also oversaw the acquisition and integration of the London Private Client team from Gowling LWG.
What advice would you give rising stars/new lawyers in the private client world?
To be a rising star, it is imperative that at the earliest stage in your career you choose an area of specialism to gain recognition. To build a successful network, you must become known as an expert in your field.
What is your favourite quote?
“Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success,” Henry Ford.
Jeffrey Elkinson
Jeffrey Elkinson
Director | Conyers
JURISDICTIONS QUALIFIED IN
Ireland
England and Wales
Hong Kong
Australia
United States (NY, MA)
TOP 3 AREAS OF EXPERTISE
Dispute resolution
Contentious trusts
Trust restructuring
What has been the highlight of your practice over the past 12 months?
Sitting as a judge in the Supreme Court of Bermuda.
What advice would you give rising stars/new lawyers in the private client world?
Be patient and enjoy your work.
What is your favourite quote?
“You miss 100% of the shots you don't take,” Wayne Gretzky.
Siobhán Jey Laighléis
Siobhán Jey Laighléis
Associate | Conyers
JURISDICTIONS QUALIFIED IN
Ireland
England and Wales
Bermuda
TOP 3 AREAS OF EXPERTISE
Asset holding structures
Asset protection
Personal and estate planning
What has been the highlight of your practice over the past 12 months?
In the past year I have become quite involved with contentious trust work, which is not an area I had expected to be attracted to. But looking at things from that perspective is helpful when I cross back over to “the bright side” to advise clients on planning and structuring their affairs.
What advice would you give rising stars/new lawyers in the private client world?
First: Trust in your own judgment and have confidence that your opinion counts.
As Associates we tend to work behind the front line, but deep in the trenches of a case. It can be intimidating to voice contrary opinions when senior and prestigious colleagues are involved. I find it helpful to remember that trust advisory work, and strategies around potential or actual litigation, can be quite subjective and there is no solitary ‘perfect’ solution.
Secondly: Maintain strong collegial relationships - not least because it will make your working day more pleasant! It is invaluable to have reliable colleagues who are willing to make time when you reach out for pointers or a second opinion. It’s also a really gratifying feeling when the same happens in reverse.
What is your favourite quote?
“Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it,” Goethe.