Bahamas

IFLR1000 Reviews

Financial and corporate
Graham Thompson

Graham Thompson is one of the premier full service Bahamian firms. From its beginnings 70 years ago, it has grown three branches in the Bahamas – located in Freeport, Lyford Cay and Nassau – and an international presence in Providenciales in Turks and Caicos.

 

Focusses / specialisms

The firm is perhaps known best for its work with clients in the banking and financial services industry. Its work in the financial and corporate area includes advising clients in lending and financing, M&A, restructuring and other corporate matters.

Higgs & Johnson

Since its opening in 1948, full-service firm Higgs & Johnson has grown into among the most prominent of Bahamian firms with four offices across the islands in Nassau, Marsh Harbour, Lyford Cay and Freeport. 

 

Focusses / specialisms 

The firm advises clients on the buy and sell side of all types on debt-side capital markets matters and represents borrowers and lenders on financings. The firm’s team is also active in M&A, a variety of other corporate matters, as well as offering project development and restructuring representation. It is also experienced in maritime related commercial law. 

 

Research period review:32nd edition (2021/2022) 

The firm has been active in banking, capital markets, projects, and restructuring work during the research cycle. 

In banking the firm advised on several loans and amendments, acting as counsel largely to lenders. 

The capital markets practice group focused its efforts on the debt side, counseling on such matters as the issuance of promissory notes and rate reduction bonds. 

In projects, the firm was active in the hospitality and oil and gas sectors, as well as undertaking social infrastructure work in the education sector.  

The firm’s restructuring involvement notably included representation to one of the country’s largest and most prominent monetary institutions.  

 

Client feedback: 32nd edition (2022/2023) 

Banking 

"The firm is comprised of diverse and knowledgeable attorneys who are responsive and attentive to the needs of clients." 

"Very reactive and reliable." 

 

Tara Archer-Glasgow  

"Tara is a well-rounded Attorney. She is very articulate, knowledgeable and responsive to the needs of her clients." 

Lennox Paton

Full-service firm Lennox Patton is one of the leading firms in the Bahamas for financial and corporate work. The firm has one domestic office in Nassau and one in Tortola in the British Virgin Islands.

 

Focusses / specialisms

The firm advises on both Bahamian and British Virgin Islands law. It is particularly experienced in banking and finance matters, however, the firm also has experience in M&A and capital markets related transactions.

 

Key clients

Recent notable clients of the firm include GNB Financial Group, Parker Drilling, Parkland Fuel.

 

Research period review: 31st edition (2020/2021)

The firm was active in banking and capital markets.

In banking the firm advised on Bahamian law with respect to drafting facility agreements.

In capital markets the firm provided local counsel on a green bond issuance involving numerous jurisdictions across Europe, the US, and Asia.

 

Deal highlights: 31st edition (2020/2021)

$1.1 billion green bond issue

Nassau Cruise Port $150 million securities offering

$330 million revolving credit facility

 

Client feedback: 31st edition (2020 / 2021)

Investment funds

"Best in class. Reliable, efficient, security conscious, and oriented towards results."

"They are very good to work with. Fast to respond, very informed and really helpful."

 

Dwayne Whylly

"Responsive and provides accurate, in-depth advice. His knowledge extends to future developments in the law."

"Dwayne Whylly provided comprehensive advice and answered follow up questions promptly."

Michael Paton

"Strong legal background. Expertise. Trustworthy."

 

Castino Sands

"He is the best Bahamian funds and regulatory lawyer on the island in my opinion. I have known Castino a number of years and his level of service is incredible."

McKinney Bancroft & Hughes

Founded in 1945, full-service firm McKinney Bancroft & Hughes has since solidified its position among the top tier firms in the areas of financial and corporate law. Its presence has extended to three offices, including Nassau, Freeport and Lyford Cay. A Lex Mundi member, the firm’s footprint extends beyond the Bahamian jurisdiction to the international scale.  

 

Focusses / specialisms   

The firm is noted for its work in the banking and finance space, wherein the firm represents both lenders and borrowers in a variety of loan transactions.   

The firm also represents clients in project development and finance deals.   

   

Key clients   

Key clients include Lyford Holdings, Mitsubishi Logistics, RAV Bahamas, Neworld One Bay Street Limited, Oasis Marketplace and Tropix Shipping.   

   

Research period review: 33rd edition (2022/2023)   

The firm’s involvement over the course of the research period was concentrated mostly in the banking and finance practice. The firm advises banks and financial institutions on the lender side and major corporations on the borrower side largely in asset and real estate financing.   

The firm also demonstrated some involvement in the project finance and development space, undertaking deals in the energy, luxury real estate and hospitality sectors.    

 

Deal highlights: 33rd edition (2022/2023) 

$150 million real estate development project 

 

Client feedback: 33rd edition (2022/2023) 

Banking 

“Communicative. Responsive. Timely. Knowledgeable.” 

 

Financial services regulatory 

“Very responsive and thorough in their research and feedback.” 

“MBH are accessible, responsive, efficient and effective.” 

 

Alexander Christie 

“Responsive. Knowledgeable. Courteous.” 

 

Campbell Cleare 

“He is very knowledgeable about the law and provides value-added suggestions.” 

 

Sean Moree 

“Courteous. Responsive. Knowledgeable. Accessible.” 

 

Gia Sands 

“Gia is very professional and responsive to my requests and provides timely feedback.” 

 

John Wilson 

“Accessible, responsive, proactive, efficient and result-driven.”