Collas Crill named Legal Team of the Year at STEP Private Client Awards

Tuesday 15 September 2015

Collas Crill's private client team has been named 'Legal Team of the Year (midsize)' at the STEP Private Client Awards 2015/16.

The awards, now in their tenth year, set the industry standard and highlight excellence among private client practitioners.

The Presiding Judges commented: "Collas Crill impressed with the breadth of expertise they are able to offer, with a highly experienced team of lawyers across a number of jurisdictions and an impressive list of sector specialisms. Their submission went beyond case detail to demonstrate how their thoughtfulness and ambitions should be expressed in IT, training and business development."

Collas Crill's multi-jurisdictional private client team spans both contentious and non-contentious matters and provides high-net-worth individuals, private banks and trust companies with specialist advice on a range of issues including wealth structuring, regulatory matters, real estate, private family funds and conflict resolution.

Collas Crill Managing Partner, Jason Romer, said: "We understand that to lead the way we have to be different. Our team stands out above the rest because they're approachable, pro-active and combine depth of expertise with a commitment to really understanding their clients' individual circumstances, priorities and goals.

"Our submission highlighted our ability to field legal advice seamlessly across jurisdictions and departments - meaning our clients benefit from the knowledge and expertise of our people across the globe. We invest strategically in IT, training and business development to ensure our team is well placed to provide a first class service.

"Congratulations to the whole team for this thoroughly deserved recognition."

Collas Crill Head of Fiduciary, Angela Calnan, said of the recent win: "STEP is very highly regarded in our industry. This award is the culmination of our significant investment in the firm's fiduciary practice over the last 3 years with lateral hires at all levels as well as organic growth.  Our niches in pensions (both domestic and international) and complex planning for MENA families has enabled us to build a solid reputation for having expertise in the more interesting and innovative areas of fiduciary work as well as continuing to do the bread and butter work very well.

"It has been a significant period of growth for our fiduciary team, particularly in Guernsey, with over 20% growth in revenue for the team last year.  This year also promises to show a substantial increase in revenue across the Islands.  What is particularly pleasing is that, from speaking to our clients and also our competitors, the Channel Islands are very busy generally in the fiduciary space which is great for all of us." 

The awards were presented at a dinner at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge Hotel on 8 September, hosted this year by news presenter Huw Edwards. This year they attracted over 200 entries from 17 jurisdictions which were subject to a rigorous independent judging process.

Collas Crill was the only offshore law firm to be shortlisted for the award and was up against Forsters, Payne Hicks Beach, Wedlake Bell and Weirfoulds. The award was sponsored by Trust Corporation.