Sandra Duerden
Partner
Overview
Overview
I’m a Partner and an Advocate in our Guernsey Litigation practice, with over 15 years’ experience at Mourant.
I specialise in commercial litigation and contentious trusts disputes. I have a particular interest in commercial or trust disputes involving private international law aspects and cross-border disputes (particularly those which raise issues of jurisdiction and enforcement of foreign judgments). I also advise on insolvency and regulatory/compliance matters.
In addition to my contentious work, I have a strong expertise in intellectual property law and am recognised as one of the few Guernsey intellectual property law specialists.
I’ve advised clients in infringement disputes involving trademarks and copyrights, and regularly provide practical guidance for individuals and companies on aspects of Guernsey intellectual property laws.
I’m fluent in English and French, and I have a good knowledge of German and Lingala.
Work Highlights
Acted for a corporate trustee in a contested Public Trustee v Cooper application regarding the decision to divide a multi-million dollar trust fund between two sides of a family.
Advised on challenges to the validity of Guernsey trusts against allegations of sham in foreign forced heirship claims.
Acting in estates’ disputes and applications for the removal of trustees or personal representatives.
Acted for a professional executor in defending costs claims arising out of hostile proceedings by the beneficiaries, which included a claim for repayment of the executor’s fees to the estate.
Successfully defended an emergency injunction sought on one hour notice by beneficiaries to stop the trustee of an EBT exercising its voting rights at the employer’s AGM that morning.
Running local and cross-border recovery and enforcement actions, including acting for regulated lenders in saisie proceedings and enforcing foreign judgments against Guernsey assets.
Represented liquidators and administrators in court procedures, including compulsory liquidation application, directions application, discharge of orders.
Professional qualifications
2011
2010
2010
2008
2006
2004
2003
2002
Memberships
The Guernsey International Legal Association
INSOL International
The Guernsey IP Commercial Group
Guernsey Registered Image Rights Agent, Patent Agent and Trade Mark Agent
Industry recognition
Legal 500 UK 2026
Named as a Recommended Lawyer in Dispute Resolution.
Legal 500 UK 2025
Named as a Recommended Lawyer in both Dispute Resolution and Private Client, Trusts and Tax.
Legal 500 UK 2024
Named as a Recommended Lawyer in Dispute Resolution and Private Client, Trusts and Tax.
Legal 500 UK 2023
Named as a Recommended Lawyer in Dispute Resolution.
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