Leading Isle of Man-based law and professional services group Cains has been given the top Band 1 ranking in the prestigious Chambers UK Guide for 2015.
The UK Guide is published annually and is highly respected because of its total independence.
Its sought after rankings are based on in-depth interviews with lawyers and clients which are carried out by Chambers’ 150 full-time editors and researchers.
The Guide refers to Cains as a ‘well regarded adviser on a wide range of corporate and finance activities’ and adds that ‘clients include renowned financial institutions and corporates, with interests in insurance, pensions, aviation, property and capital markets’.
Comments listed from interviews with clients include: ‘They are quick to respond and take a practical approach to legal issues. They understand the business and tailor their advice to provide solutions’; and ‘I still think they are the pre-eminent firm on the island. They have a number of lawyers with expertise in the area’.
The Guide refers to examples of the work undertaken by Cains.
This includes the provision of advice to the Bank of Ireland, one of a consortium of lenders, on the restructuring of debts owed by BWG, and to Santander and Oaktree Capital Management in relation to the acquisition of the property portfolios of Eastburn Estates and Active Commercial Estates.
Among the other significant clients listed are Lamprell, Eros International, Aviva and Tullow Oil.
Richard Vanderplank, who leads the corporate team, is referred to by one commentator as giving ‘sound advice and you can always pick up the phone to him’.
Andrew Baker is described as being ‘well regarded for capital markets and mutual fund work’ while Mike Pinson, who has a general corporate practice and handles M&A activity, is referred to as being ‘noted for his sound advice’.
The Guide also describes managing director Andrew Corlett as an established expert on asset finance matters as well as those concerning mutual funds.