Keystone Law Isle of Man (IOM) has once again been recognised as a top-ranked law firm in the leading legal guide The Legal 500 2022 after achieving tier 1 and tier 2 rankings for all of its practice areas, including a new ranking for Gambling which highlights the firm’s e-gaming expertise.

The Isle of Man team was praised by its clients for its ‘exceptional knowledge’ and considered a ‘go-to firm’ which provides a ‘bespoke and very efficient service’.

Geoff Kermeen, Managing Director at Keystone Law IOM, said:

“It is fantastic that The Legal 500, basing their research upon direct client feedback, continues to recognise our talented team of market-leading Isle of Man lawyers for their experience and expertise. Achieving such consistently high rankings across the board puts us on a par with some of the longest established advocates’ practices, and for a law firm which is five years old that is an achievement of which we are very proud.

With the added benefit of having a network of highly experienced lawyers to work with in the UK and internationally and the flexibility to be able to offer a bespoke services to clients, Keystone continues to be the law firm of choice for specialist legal advice across multiple practice areas.”

Here is what the directory had to say about the teams.

BANKING, FINANCE AND CAPITAL MARKETS TIER 2

Keystone Law’s team includes Geoff Kermeen, who advises banks, alternative lenders and borrowers on real estate and asset finance transactions, and he also advises Isle of Man regulated banks on regulatory issues. Sally Cranshaw is another key name for real estate finance advice. Stephen Rodd, Hazel Dawson and William Margot are also recommended.

Sally Cranshaw is recognised as a Leading Individual for this area.

Hazel Dawson and William Margot are also included as a Next Generation Partner for this area.

CORPORATE AND COMMERCIAL TIER 2

Keystone Law is the only firm in the Isle of Man with a London office, which makes it well placed to advise on real estate transactions with Manx structures. The practice also has a strong emphasis on the financial services sector, with a client list containing banks, corporate services providers and trusts. Geoff Kermeen and Sally Cranshaw are key names for the firm’s real estate work, as is Stephen Rodd, who formerly worked in the London and Dubai markets. William Margot is another key name, and handles the firm’s work for corporate service providers.

Geoff Kermeen and Stephen Rodd are recognised as leading individuals for this area.

William Margot is also included as a Next Generation Partner for this area.

DISPUTE RESOLUTION TIER 2

Trust litigation is a particular focus for Keystone Law; the firm’s lawyers have been advising several claimants on the high-profile misappropriation of £13m worth of trusts funds by Montpelier (Trust and Corporate) Services Limited. Gillian Christian advised on that particular matter and, alongside trust litigation, is also skilled in professional negligence and commercial contract disputes. Andrew Marshall is another key name and advises on Proceeds of Crime Act proceedings, including restraint and production proceedings.

Gillian Christian and Andrew Marshall are recognised as Leading Individuals for this area.

EMPLOYMENT TIER 1

Keystone Law is home to two highly experienced litigators in Gillian Christian and Andrew Marshall. Christian’s workload includes disputes involving disciplinary issues, unfair dismissals and allegations of discrimination. Marshall is notably active in matters concerning contractual breaches. Also recommended is Rachel Berry, who is experienced in advising on the employment aspects of major acquisitions and reorganisations.

Rachel Berry and Andrew Marshall are also included as a Next Generation Partner for this area.

INSURANCE AND PENSIONS TIER 2

Keystone Law is ‘widely acknowledged as the local leader in pensions advice’, drawing on the ‘in-depth knowledge’ of pensions specialist Ben Hughes. His work entails providing general advice on occupational and personal pension schemes, as well as assisting with the establishment, maintenance and restructuring of major schemes.

Ben Hughes also appears in The Legal 500 Hall of Fame for this area.

GAMBLING TIER 2

Keystone Law has advised on gambling services and amenities in both a virtual and physical context, with expertise in corporate transactions, commercial agreements, regulatory compliance work and data protection issues. Corporate partner Stephen Rodd, who has particular knowledge of the e-gaming sector, leads the practice.