Lawyers and advisers in the Cayman Islands
Find proven, recommended lawyers and advisers in the Cayman Islands. The Cayman Islands is a common law jurisdiction and a leading international offshore banking and financial centre. Its lawyers are known as attorneys-at-law and are regulated by the Cayman Islands Legal Services Council. Compare the profiles below and contact an adviser directly.
The most represented practice areas in the Cayman Islands are Insolvency & Restructuring, Banking & Finance and Corporate, Commercial & M&A. Use the filters below to narrow by specialism or practice area, or search by name or firm.
Frequently asked questions
What legal system do the Cayman Islands have?
The Cayman Islands Law Courts explain that the courts administer justice under the Constitution, the laws of the Islands and the well established principles of common law developed by local, British and other Commonwealth courts. Cases start in the Summary Court or the Grand Court, which has unlimited jurisdiction in civil and criminal matters. Appeals go to the Court of Appeal and, finally, to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council in London.
How do I check that a lawyer is qualified in the Cayman Islands?
Lawyers who practise Cayman Islands law are attorneys-at-law admitted to the Roll of Attorneys, which the Clerk of the Court keeps under the Legal Services Act, 2020. To practise, an attorney also needs a practising certificate issued by the Cayman Islands Legal Services Council, which publishes the list of attorneys holding current certificates each February. The Council also licenses law firms and investigates complaints of professional misconduct. Ask your adviser for their admission details and check them against these official lists.
Which court handles financial and commercial disputes in the Cayman Islands?
Complex commercial and trust disputes are heard by the Grand Court, a court of unlimited jurisdiction. In 2009 it gained a Financial Services Division, created for the more complex civil cases that arise from the financial sector, with special procedures set out in the FSD Users' Guide. Smaller civil claims, up to CI$20,000, are heard in the Summary Court. If your dispute involves a Cayman company, fund or trust, ask a local attorney-at-law which court and procedure apply.
How much does a lawyer cost in the Cayman Islands?
Lawyers usually charge by the hour or agree a fixed fee for a defined piece of work, and the cost depends on the complexity of your matter and the experience of the adviser. Ask for a written estimate and the terms of engagement before any work starts. If your matter goes to court, court fees and the taxation of costs follow the court fees and costs taxation directions published by the Cayman Islands courts, so ask your attorney how costs could be awarded or recovered.
Do I need a local lawyer or adviser in the Cayman Islands if I am based abroad?
Not always, but it usually helps. Practising certificates authorise attorneys-at-law to practise Cayman Islands law, and a local attorney will know the procedures of the Grand Court and the filing rules of the General Registry. For example, every Cayman company needs a registered office in the Islands, which can be provided by a licensed corporate service provider. Much of the work can be handled remotely by email and video call, so you rarely need to travel.
How do I contact a lawyer or adviser in the Cayman Islands through Corporate INTL?
Open any profile on this page to see the contact details the firm has provided, such as telephone, email and website. Every profile also has a "Contact via Corporate INTL" button if you would rather send your request through us.