Category Archives: HSM LAW
The HSM Group is now promoting the addition of Family Law to its suite of legal services. Led by Senior Associate Kerrie Cox, the matrimonial team will cover all aspects of divorce and finance, in addition to private/public child law.
The move is regarded as a complementary service to HSM’s established private client practice, in which the firm is a leading provider for family trusts, wills and estate administration, and property transactions.
Kerrie practiced as a Barrister and family mediator in the UK for 12 years before being first admitted as an attorney in the Cayman Islands in 2010. He was appointed in-house Counsel to a niche firm of family solicitors in Gibraltar in 2013, where he undertook a variety of family related disputes, including cross border litigation, before returning to Grand Cayman in 2015.
In his role at HSM, Kerrie also undertakes a wide spectrum of general dispute work in commercial and civil litigation, employment, and personal injury. Whether you are looking for a divorce lawyer in the Cayman Islands or need assistance in separation agreements – HSM has got you covered.
Suneeta Lee is well on her way to become a qualified attorney in the Cayman Islands and has been employed by the HSM Group for one year now.
As part of her articles, Suneeta has been undergoing a rigorous training rotation through the firm’s key practice areas. To date she has supported intellectual property, debt collection, litigation, property and has recently moved over to corporate services. The next areas for her on-the-job work experience include immigration and employment.
Here’s what she has been up to:
Day-to-Day
You’re likely to catch Suneeta with a coffee in hand every morning and whizzing through her inbox. She also meets briefly with her supervisor to get the rundown of activities and it also gives her the opportunity to ask any questions. Each day brings a new set of challenges and experiences due to the nature of the role, but Suneeta notes that the year has gone by quickly because of this.
Practice Areas
HSM is a full-service law firm that provides a wealth of opportunities for those looking for a career in law. “All areas have been interesting,” says Suneeta. “In particular, litigation involves a lot of research and requires you to be industrious. On the other hand, property law is very personal and I like the customer service aspect of this practice.”
Frequent Feedback
One of the reasons Suneeta chose HSM for her clerkship was due to its size. With just under 60 employees, Suneeta shares, “I am able to have more personal interactions, which makes it conducive to learning and I appreciate how approachable everyone is, including the partners.” Regular meetings are scheduled to review and discuss work happenings. “My colleagues take this programme very seriously and for that, I am grateful and validated.”
Advice to Upcoming Articled Clerks
Suneeta was surprised to learn that the subject she thought would be most interesting at the outset of her articles is no longer her favourite and encourages people to “keep an open mind, practical experience will help make that decision for you.” Also, don’t be afraid to ask questions – you’re there to learn. “Take advantage of the qualified people around you and make connections.”
HSM Clerkship Programme
Since HSM opened their doors in 2012, Suneeta is the second person to participate in their clerkship programme and will complete her stint in April 2019. Majdi Beji was the first, having been called to the Cayman Islands Bar in 2017 and is employed with HSM in their property law division.
If you are interested in being part of this programme, contact hsmhr@hsmoffice.com.
The Cayman Islands has welcomed more than 1.3 million tourists by air and sea in the first six months of 2018, according to the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism.
This number is on track to beat last year’s record-breaking statistic and is met with rising numbers for real estate transactions. According to a recent Cayman Islands property report by Charterland, the value of sales hit an all-time best of CI$679 million in 2017.
It isn’t far-fetched to draw the conclusion that visitors are falling in love with these Islands and want to call this territory home.
There are opportunities for persons to gain residency in the Cayman Islands through investment in real estate.
These options include a Certificate of Permanent Residency for Persons of Independent Means and a Residency Certificate for Persons of Independent Means (a permission ideal for retirees).
Certificate of Permanent Residency for Persons of Independent Means
In order to qualify for a Certificate of Permanent Residency for Persons of Independent Means, applicants must invest a minimum of CI$2 million in developed real estate in the Cayman Islands and be able to support themselves and their dependants. This certificate allows the right to reside in Cayman and the opportunity of naturalisation as a British Overseas Territories Citizen and thereafter, the right to be Caymanian.
Residency Certificate for Persons of Independent Means
For people who wish to reside in the Cayman Islands without the right to work may qualify for a Residency Certificate for Persons of Independent Means. The qualifications vary depending on which island they plan to reside, Grand Cayman vs. Cayman Brac or Little Cayman. Applicants must be at least 18-years-old, have a continuous annual income of no less than CI$120,000 for Grand Cayman and CI$75,000 for Cayman Brac or Little Cayman, or instead of an annual income, they must have a deposit in a local account of at least CI$400,000.
The required investment for Grand Cayman residency is CI$1 million (of which CI$500,000 must be developed real estate in Grand Cayman). For residency in Cayman Brac or Little Cayman, the required investment is CI$500,000 (of which CI$250,000 must be in developed real estate in Cayman Brac or Little Cayman). Therefore, half of the required investment can be used in something other than developed real estate, such as raw land or shares in local businesses. A successful applicant for a Residency Certificate for Persons of Independent Means will be granted permission to reside in the Islands for a period of 25 years (renewable).
In any instance, both types of certificates will need to demonstrate that the applicant is of good character and conduct, and possesses local health insurance.
Why Cayman?
The Cayman Islands are and remain a wonderful place for individuals to invest with mechanisms continuing to exist for international persons and their families to obtain residency in the Cayman Islands and join a warm Caribbean community with a high standard of living.
There are an array of luxury residences to choose from, including these available and upcoming properties: The Residences at Seafire and Grand Hyatt Grand Cayman Residences located on West Bay Road – home to the famous Seven Mile Beach and Fin Grand Cayman located in the heart of Grand Cayman in South Sound.
For more legal insight on property and immigration laws in the Cayman Islands or for assistance in obtaining residency in the Cayman Islands, contact Alastair David at adavid@hsmoffice.com.
Who’s Who Legal has released their 2018 guides and the HSM Group is thrilled to have two lawyers in the Cayman Islands who are represented in different service areas.
Ian Lambert, HSM’s Partner, is featured in their Restructuring and Insolvency guide.
Ian joined HSM as a Senior Associate in March 2013. He became a Partner in 2014. While Ian is well-versed in numerous areas of litigation, he specialises in the area of insolvency, corporate recovery, fraud and commercial litigation.
Robert Mack, HSM’s Head of Private Clients and Trusts, is featured in their Private Client guide.
Robert specialises in private and commercial trusts including purpose/STAR, reserved powers, unit, charitable and fixed interest trusts.
Who’s Who Legal identifies the foremost legal practitioners in multiple areas of business law and recognition is based strictly on merit – you can’t buy entry into their publication. Recipients must be nominated for their expertise in the field by at least four independent sources, either from clients or peers.
Congratulations to Ian and Robert.
Key Contacts:
Ian Lambert
ilambert@hsmoffice.com
Tel: +1 345 815 7421
Robert Mack
rmack@hsmoffice.com
Tel: +1 345 815 7356
While HSM is a relatively new law firm, they have been making waves in the legal industry since opening in 2012 and being recognised in Chambers and Partners is testament to their success.
HSM lawyers William Helfrecht and Robert Mack have been ranked by Chambers and Partners for their exceptional work in trust services in the Cayman Islands.
William Helfrecht, HSM’s Partner, is featured in the Band 3 ranking in the 2018 Chambers Global Guide for dispute resolution: trusts in the Cayman Islands.
William is a well-known litigator who is recognised by the market “a real trust-law specialist.” A peer went on to say: “He is a leading attorney who has been in Cayman forever. He is very well established and carries real authority and gravitas.”
Robert Mack, HSM’s Head of Private Clients and Trusts, is featured as an Associate to Watch in the 2018 Chambers High Net Worth (HNW) Guide for offshore trusts in the Cayman Islands.
“He is a good lawyer for the jurisdiction,” says one of his peers, adding: “He is experienced and does good work.” Mack focuses his practice on advising high net worth families and trust companies on private and commercial trusts. Market insiders say: “He is a good person and well-recognised in the industry.”
Chambers and Partners is a prestigious hub for lawyer recommendations. They diligently research and feature the world’s best lawyers and have done so since 1990, covering over 185 jurisdictions.
Key Contacts:
William Helfrecht
whelfrecht@hsmoffice.com
Tel: +1 345 815 7418
Robert Mack
rmack@hsmoffice.com
Tel: +1 345 815 7356
The HSM Group is excited to welcome four summer interns from the Cayman Islands Further Education Centre (CIFEC).
Over the next several months, Jada Smith, Vai’Ann Hamilton, Sashana Wilson and Saira Palacios will be treated like core members of the team and gain experiences in areas such intellectual property, debt collection and corporate services.
They are no strangers to HSM, having just completed a 10-month work experience stint as part of the CIFEC programme.
Their outstanding performance has earned them a paid placement over the summer, which will allow them to hone in on the skills they have learnt as well as make meaningful contributions to the company.
As part of HSM’s coaching culture, they along with other young professionals will benefit from regular lunch and learn sessions led by senior members of the team.
These sessions will delve into different areas of the firm and allow opportunities for brainstorming and questions.
“It’s an exciting time for us as we get the chance to impart our knowledge and passion for law to Cayman’s next generation,” shares HSM Managing Partner, Huw Moses OBE. “After all, experience is the best teacher and we look forward to strengthening their professional skills.”
HSM is currently gearing up for CIFEC’s annual career fair in September and plans to onboard at least 14 students who are looking for a dynamic experience in the legal field. HSM has supported the CIFEC programme since they opened their doors in 2012 and currently employs six CIFEC graduates fulltime.
Photo (L-R): Jada Smith, Vai’Ann Hamilton, Huw Moses (HSM Managing Partner), Sashana Wilson and Saira Palacios
HSM’s Robert Mack, Head of Private Client & Trusts, explores the main uses of a Cayman Islands Foundation Company (FC). Including succession planning, charitable/philanthropic and commercial applications. Further, the various ‘actors’ in an FC are detailed and their roles explained. The strengths and weaknesses of an FC are compared and contrasted with those of Cayman Islands trusts, including private purpose/STAR trusts.
Source – STEP Trust Quarterly Review, June 2018: www.Step.org/TQR
Article Clip
HSM participated in the Layman E. Scott Sr. High School Career Fair which was held on 23 March 2018. HSM was on hand to offer the students an opportunity to join their 2018/19 internship programme. IP Head Paralegal, Natasha Whitelocke was on hand to speak with students about a career in the legal profession especially in the fields of Intellectual Property, Debt Collection, Immigration and Corporate Services.
The Honorable Ms. O’Connor- Connolly was in attendance at the fair to highlight the importance of the event. The fair was held to expose students and teachers of the Brac community to the various opportunities available on Grand Cayman and in Cayman Brac.
Ms. Whitelocke was very impressed with the students and their commitment to finding a clear path to their chosen careers. She noted, “We at HSM are committed to doing our part to ensure that there are job opportunities for our local youth. We want to ensure that those who have the opportunity to intern with us receive adequate training which will reflect on their work habits well into the future. I am excited with the possibility of attending this event again next year. “
Photo Caption – IP Head Paralegal, Natasha Whitelocke with Layman E. Scott Sr. High School Students at the Career Fair.
The HSM Group currently has 12 students undertaking a legal internship for the 2017-2018 Academic Year. The students started their internship in October 2017 and will complete the programme in June 2018. The Students were recruited at the Cayman Islands Further Education Centre (CIFEC) Career Fair which took place in September 2017.
The recruited students are working in areas such as Immigration, Intellectual Property, Debt Collection and Corporate Services. During the 10 month internship, the students are taught all aspects of the jobs carried out by the teams to which they have been paired. Attorneys Sophie Davies, Sarah Alison and Alastair David and Corporate Services Manager Lisa Shemwell will oversee the students while at the firm. During the internship period students are watched and assessed by their assigned supervisors. One student will be selected from the set at the end of the programme to be offered a summer placement within their team.
The chosen student(s), returns to our office for a 2-3 month paid placement, 5 days per week, for normal office hours. Once the summer placement is done, and the student has proven a match for an open position within the team or, possibly, elsewhere in the firm, we do our best to place one or more of the students with a full time job.
HSM has worked with the CIFEC progamme since 2012 and currently has eight CIFEC graduates forming part of our staff. The firm’s continued involvement in the CIFEC programme is a part of our commitment to the local community, as we continue to provide opportunities for young Caymanians to access the legal industry.
Managing Partner Huw Moses notes: “The CIFEC students in our internship programme are able to experience working in the legal field first hand. We appreciate being able to develop their skills, especially the students who may be interested in pursuing a career in law.
Photo Caption – L- R: Back Row – Associate Alastair David, Associate Sophie Davies, Chanel Bodden, Jade Ross, Vai’Ann Hamilton, Cyra Palacious, Channah Connor, Corporate Services Manager Lisa Shemwell and Associate Sarah Allison Front Row: Resheida Richards, Jada Smith, Sashana Wilson, Zayvion Ebanks, Vai’ann Hamilton, Carmen Caballero, Aaliyah Montero
HSM is delighted to welcome Mrs. Suneeta Lee to its growing Legal Team as an Articled Clerk. Suneeta will spend the next 18-months undergoing rigorous training rotating through all of the firm’s key practice areas, on her journey to becoming a qualified attorney.
Suneeta joined the firm in September 2017, having previously obtained extensive knowledge of various areas of Law whilst working with the firm as a Legal Intern. Suneeta graduated from the Truman Bodden Law School in 2017, attaining a Distinction in the Professional Practice Course. She was awarded the OL Panton Memorial Prize for best overall performance on the Professional Practice Course 2016/2017 and the Attorney General’s trophy for outstanding performance in the Qualifying Examination. She also attended the Truman Bodden Law School from 2013-2016 and attained an LLB. Hons Degree from the University of Liverpool in 2016. She has been actively involved in the Truman Bodden Law School Student Society and the Caymanian Bar Association.
Managing Partner, Huw Moses, OBE notes: “We welcome Suneeta to the firm. I am confident that she will become an excellent addition to the legal profession”.
Suneeta Lee
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