February 2022

Lennox Paton ranked Top Law Firm by Chambers Global 2022

Chambers Global has released its 2022 guide, once again ranking Lennox Paton as Band 1 in each practice area (General Business Law: Banking & Finance and Corporate, Dispute Resolution and Real Estate). Lennox Paton’s individual lawyer rankings continues to increase, with 9 lawyers ranked in the guide this year.

Chambers Global is the leading international legal directory covering over 200 jurisdictions throughout the world. Rankings are based on interviews with clients and peers as well as firm submissions.

Chambers Global comments:

Sources acknowledge that “Lennox Paton is one of the strongest litigation firms in the Bahamas and indeed one of the most significant law firms on the island. They are renowned litigators and are regularly involved in the most high-profile cases.”

One client remarked: “They’re our go-to law firm and provide a good quality of service,” while another had high praise for its “prompt replies, accurate statements and proactive approach.”

Notable practitioners:

Brian Simms QC is highly esteemed in the Bahamas as one of the jurisdiction’s leading litigators. He draws particular acclaim for his work in the financial services sector, and has a wealth of experience handling disputes stemming from insolvency and liquidation proceedings. “His commercial acumen and gravitas are second to none.”

Michael Paton is one of the most experienced transactional lawyers in the Bahamas, having handled a wide range of M&A and finance work over the course of a career which has covered more than three decades. He is additionally noted for his sound grasp of investment fund launches and various commercial regulatory issues. “He’s an outstanding finance lawyer.”

Head of real estate David Johnstone maintains his standing at the fore of the Bahamas’ property market. He acts for a range of notable international developers, as well as lenders, on the development of commercial and residential property, hotels and resorts, marinas and other types of real estate. He additionally assists with sales, acquisitions, financing and regulatory compliance. “David Johnstone stands out for his consistency and reliability.” “He’s very experienced and very good.”

Metta MacMillan-Hughes QC handles a range of disputes, including those relating to tax, personal injury and insolvency, although her strongest reputation lies in the field of high-end matrimonial cases. She was appointed QC in December 2021. “Metta has a strong grasp of the subject matter and understanding of the law coupled with an unrivalled attention to detail and tenacious style while also remaining engaging and empathetic.”

Michelle Neville-Clarke handles a variety of M&A transactions, financing and securities matters, with further notable experience in investment funds. She is well regarded within the legal community in the Bahamas.
“She’s intelligent and quick-witted, which is what makes it great to deal with her. She picks up on nuances and is able to make good, deal-oriented recommendations.”

Marco Turnquest is a respected dispute resolution lawyer who regularly takes on major commercial claims. He is noted for his experience working both for and against financial institutions, including at the appellate level. “He is at once very calm and relaxed and yet appropriately aggressive as necessary.” “He is an effective advocate in court.”

Christopher Jenkins is a well-regarded disputes lawyer with a wide-ranging practice. He regularly represents clients in commercial and property litigation, with further expertise in insolvency and asset recovery. “Chris Jenkins has a very sharp commercial brain and impressive interpersonal skills.”

Sophia Rolle-Kapousouzoglou continues to enhance her already impressive disputes reputation. She is especially well versed in handling insolvency disputes and related asset-tracing matters, having overseen several of the most significant such cases in the Bahamas. “She is a great lawyer who is very experienced and knowledgeable.” “She is very rigorous, makes many useful suggestions and is extremely well prepared in terms of insolvency work.”

Castino Sands is an ever-more notable figure for banking and finance matters in the Bahamas. He has handled an array of work, including both credit facilities and bond issuances, and is accomplished at acting on behalf of lenders, borrowers and issuers. “Castino did an excellent job.”