Funds business ‘at the cutting edge’ merits particular mention in the Jersey entry and is said to be ‘keeping law firms busy’ since the introduction of streamlined expert funds regulation.
Notable trends are the growth of hedge funds and property funds, particularly the use of Jersey-based unit trusts in United Kingdom real estate acquisitions.
There is also a listing for employment law, following the introduction of the Island’s legislation on 1 July, which has created ‘a raft of work’ for lawyers reviewing terms of employment.
The Legal 500, now in its 18th year, claims to be the largest and most in-depth survey of the UK legal market, with analysis of more than 800 law firms and 150 sets of barrister’s chambers.
Research includes client references and a database of purchasers of legal services.
Assessors look at a range of criteria, including technical ability, capacity for the biggest transactions, market share, track record, reputation for handling complex deals, commitment to IT, and perception in the market.
This year’s six-page Jersey entry notes a ‘sharp divide’ in the market between firms committed to a Jersey base and those building a brand across other offshore jurisdictions.
The ‘dominant players’ with horizons stretching beyond Jersey include Ogier & Le Masurier and Mourant du Feu & Jeune, both having established offices in Cayman.
