February 2019

Lennox Paton Ranked Top Law Firm

Lennox Paton has again been awarded a Band 1 ranking  in the New Chambers Global 2019 , which is the highest recognition bestowed by the publication. 

Chambers commented: ‘This firm is held in high regard throughout the market. It is known for its strong litigation bench, representing clients in a range of commercial disputes. One market source noted that in litigation, “the firm that has most impressed me is Lennox Paton“.’

‘The firm also has a leading transactional practice, which regularly acts for international investment banks and other well-known lenders and corporate entities. Sources describe it as “top-tier“.’

Lennox Paton is pleased to announce that 7 of its lawyers have been ranked in the new Chambers Global 2019 guide.  Our Senior Partners, Brian Simms QC, David Johnstone and Michael Paton continue to maintain their top ranking in Band 1, and we are also delighted to see our Litigation Partner Sophia Rolle-Kapousouzoglou, climb higher up the table joining our remaining ranked Partners in Band 3.          

Senior partner Brian Simms QC (Band 1) enjoys a stellar track record as one of the pre-eminent litigators in The Bahamas. He heads the firm’s litigation, and insolvency and restructuring groups. An example of his work includes advising Deloitte as receiver on various issues arising from the ongoing USD3.5 billion insolvency of the Baha Mar Resort.

David Johnstone (Band 1) is a pre-eminent figure in real estate law in The Bahamas. Competitors point him out as “a knowledgeable lawyer who has a way about him when it comes to technical and complicated transactions.” His areas of expertise include resort development as well as assisting high net worth clients with significant property acquisitions.

Michael Paton (Band 1) is head of the firm’s transactional practice, with expertise in banking and finance, M&A and investment funds. He is viewed by his contemporaries as a “very high- profile” and “very good lawyer.” He was the firm’s lead lawyer advising Inter-American Investment Corporation on its provision of loans to Caribbean Bottling Company and APD Limited. 

Michelle Neville-Clarke (Band 3) has an all-encompassing non-contentious practice, covering banking and finance, M&A, investment funds and employment matters. Market commentators describe her as a “thorough and tenacious individual.” 

Christopher Jenkins (Band 3) is regarded as a sound choice for high-value commercial litigation. His practice has a strong emphasis on insolvency and real estate litigation. Fellow practitioners agree that he is one of the leading lawyers in the market.  

Sophia Rolle-Kapousouzoglou (Band 3) is described by her peers as “a solid lawyer.” She recently advised a major shareholder of Bahamian mutual funds on approximately USD400 million asset recovery case against a Bermuda-incorporated company.  

Scott Cruickshank (Band 3) is managing partner of Lennox Paton’s BVI office and has considerable experience in commercial litigation. One peer noted: “I have referred him work and will continue to do so.” He is an established figure in the market, with another commentator stating that “he’s an intellectual powerhouse.”  

Chambers Global is an independent legal directory which conducts in-depth interviews, and collects feedback from clients and competitors to identify and rank the most outstanding law firms and lawyers.  It covers over 190 jurisdictions throughout the world and is considered the most respected global directory.

Over the last year the firm has continued its success with further rankings from: Chambers High Net Worth Guide (Band 2), The Legal 500 Caribbean (Tier 1 Firm), ePrivate Client Offshore Top Firms, Top 100 in the Global Restructuring Review, IFLR1000’s financial and corporate law rankings (Tier 1 Firm), Who’s Who legal 2018 and the CityWealth leaders list 2018.