Gibraltar Law firm ranked No1 in Chambers and Partners
Hassans international law firm is once again delighted to be ranked No 1 in the independent legal directory, Chambers Global 2012. Its stand-alone position further strengthens the firms’ reputation, expertise and quality of service to clients.
In total, twenty of Hassans lawyers have been individually ranked with, Ian Felice, partner, Richard Buttigieg, partner and Julian Santos, associate entering the individual rankings this year, with Chambers quoting “Ian Feliceenters the rankings having earned excellent client reviews. As one source observed,“he takes a huge amount of pride in his work and I can't speak highly enough of him.
Top-notch”lawyerRichard Buttigiegis also lauded by clients for his corporate expertise.
AssociateJulian Santos is highlighted as a rising star in the litigation department. He is increasingly visible on high-profile mandates and is praised for his ability to effectively bridge the cultural divide on cross-border deals involving both common and civil law jurisdictions. “
Javier Chincotta, Managing Partner at Hassans says, “As we constantly strive to maintain excellence in client service, it gives a certain satisfaction to be ranked in this way, particularly given that the basis of position is dependent upon client interviews. We have been in the No1 stand-alone position for some years now and this acknowledgement from the industry underpins our growth strategy and the investment we make in our staff.”
Chambers and Partners select firms for rankings based on a 3 step process; submissions put forward by legal practices; client interviews during the course of research; and their own database resources.
James Levy comments “We are thrilled to once again receive the ranking of No.1 in Gibraltar, this not only gives a boost to firm morale, but it is also an opportunity to thank our most valued clients who provide the feedback. I am also delighted to see the hard work of some of our young lawyers and partners recognised for the first time. I am very proud to be at the helm of this firm whose future remains bright and firmly established in this exciting and growing jurisdiction and to lead such an exceptional team of professionals, who work hard to provide excellent client service.”
LAW & JUSTICE IN GIBRALTAR
The judicial system of Gibraltar is based entirely on the English system, except for minor modifications which are required because of its peculiarities.
There is a Magistrates' Court presided over by a Stipendiary Magistrate or, in his absence, by lay Magistrates.
The Supreme Court of Gibraltar has a criminal jurisdiction similar to that of the English Crown Court, and a civil jurisdiction which is equivalent to that of the English High Court.
There is also a Court of Appeal for Gibraltar, which is not resident, but holds three sessions each year. The Justices of Appeal are in the main, drawn from the English Court of Appeal.
In the Supreme Court, criminal trials are by Jury whilst in civil cases Judges usually sit alone. There are two Judges, one of whom is the Chief Justice, and so, head of the Judiciary.
The legally qualified Registrar of the Supreme Court also holds the office of Admiralty Marshal. The admiralty jurisdiction of the Supreme Court of Gibraltar is known in the shipping world internationally, and deals with a considerable volume of work. On account of the work of the Admiralty Marshal through the years, the Port of Gibraltar has a reputation as a good place at which to be arrested.
There are 98 lawyers at present practising in Gibraltar. Of the barristers on the Roll, 8 are Queen's Counsel. The Gibraltar Bar has a Code of Practice, and the affairs of the profession are administered by the Gibraltar Bar Council.
The legal adviser to the Crown is the Attorney General. He combines the functions of Attorney General and Director of Public Prosecution and is also an ex officio member of the House of Assembly. The Attorney General's Chambers have a number of Crown Counsel. There also exists a Legislation Support Unit, created for the purpose of legislative drafting, which is staffed by suitably qualified persons.
