Recognition from a respected legal directory like Legal 500 is tangible validation of a firm’s skill, service quality, and standing within the legal marketplace. In the Legal 500 Caribbean 2026 edition, Nelsons Legal has received strong rankings across multiple practice areas.
The 2026 rankings confirm our evolution. While we remain consistently ranked for dispute resolution, an area in which we have long been recognised, we have now also added listings in Corporate and Commercial, Investment Funds, and Regulatory and Compliance.
These new rankings demonstrate how we continue to expand our capabilities and meet the evolving needs of businesses, investors, and financial entities operating in and through the Cayman Islands. They also highlight the dedication of our lawyers, whose technical insight, responsiveness, and practical advice have contributed directly to this recognition.
What are Legal 500 rankings?
The Legal 500 provides objective analysis of law firms worldwide and evaluates them on qualitative criteria, including the sophistication of the legal matters handled, the calibre of their lawyers, and the quality of client feedback. Rankings are awarded by jurisdiction and practice area, making recognition in multiple categories a clear indicator of a firm’s breadth of expertise.
For firms in the Cayman Islands, one of the world’s most significant offshore financial centres, appearing in the Legal 500 guide signifies an ability to deliver commercially grounded advice in a competitive market. Each ranking confirms not only technical competence, but also consistent execution, market relevance, and the confidence clients place in a firm’s legal counsel.
Our performance in the 2026 Caribbean guide
This year’s directory recognizes us across four Cayman Islands categories. These results reflect established strengths and successful expansion into strategically important areas. By earning rankings in areas that underpin Cayman’s financial, regulatory, and corporate infrastructure, we reinforce our position as a firm capable of guiding clients through complex matters.
Corporate and Commercial: Tier 4
Our debut ranking in Corporate and Commercial places us in Tier 4, marking a significant milestone in our development as a key adviser to local and international businesses. We advise on corporate structuring, mergers and acquisitions, asset finance, intra-group financing, and a wide range of commercial contracts, including acquisitions, disposals, and restructurings.
Practice head Steven Barrie leads the practice with experience across corporate and commercial law, while Laura Oseland contributes insight into governance and compliance matters. Our ranking confirms our growing influence in complex transactions and highlights our commitment to providing commercially focused advice that anticipates regulatory and strategic considerations.
Dispute Resolution: Tier 5
Our long-standing presence in Dispute Resolution continues with another Tier 5 ranking. We offer a full-service contentious practice spanning financial services disputes, trust litigation, insolvency proceedings, commercial disputes, and family law matters.
The team is led by Kate McClymont, whose work includes administrative and matrimonial finance disputes. She is supported by Colm Flanagan, a go-to adviser for insolvency and shareholder litigation, and John Harris, who brings in-depth experience in corporate and financial disputes. One client testimonial reflects the confidence placed in our team: “Colm Flanagan is excellent, providing timely, constructive, and commercially focused advice in a manner which is tailored to their clients’ needs. They are my go-to team for contentious conflict referrals.”
This reinforces our reputation as a dependable partner when litigation risks escalate, and strategic dispute management is essential.
Investment Funds: Tier 5
We also secured a Tier 5 position in Investment Funds, marking our first year in this category. We advise on the formation and ongoing management of Cayman funds, including exempted companies, segregated portfolio companies (SPCs), partnerships, and unit trusts. Our team assists with offering documents, regulatory approvals, and anti-money laundering (AML) compliance, and we have a growing practice advising on digital assets.
Steven Barrie brings trust and structuring experience to the practice, while Laura Oseland advises on corporate and regulatory requirements. Our team is further strengthened by the addition of Joss Morris. Client testimonials affirm the value of our approach: “I like working with Laura Oseland as she is technical, client-friendly, gives specific, tailored advice, and fast responses.”
Regulatory and Compliance: Tier 5
Our Tier 5 ranking in Regulatory and Compliance recognizes our ability to guide clients through an increasingly complex regulatory environment. We support the formation and maintenance of collective investment schemes, including exempted companies, SPCs, partnerships, and unit trusts. Our assistance covers AML, FATCA, CRS, and economic substance requirements, as well as offering document preparation and regulatory approvals.
Practice head Steven Barrie is noted for his deep experience in licensing and oversight of financial services entities. Clients frequently cite our clarity, practicality, and commitment to empowering them with actionable advice:
“The advice we received from Nelsons Legal, specifically Laura Oseland and Colm Flanagan, was comprehensive, specific, and such that it enabled us to take the limited action we could.”
Appearing in multiple Legal 500 categories speaks to Nelsons Legal’s adaptability. It reflects the progress we have made in strengthening and diversifying our service offerings and underscores our commitment to practical legal advice. Nelsons Legal is well-positioned and committed to continued growth in the Cayman Islands and beyond.
