Jeremy Wessels

Overview

I'm a Partner at Mourant Ozannes (Guernsey) LLP.

I specialise in commercial litigation, particularly cases involving insolvency, contentious trust disputes and financial services businesses, along with asset tracing and freezing orders. I also advise on regulatory and money-laundering issues.

I’ve been involved in significant cases before the Royal Court of Guernsey, including a number of high-value insolvencies. I deal with insolvency issues relating to various structures, such as protected cell companies, incorporated cell companies and limited partnerships.

I also speak regularly on insolvency issues and contribute to publications in the field.

Work highlights

• I acted for Westminster City Council in relation to the proceedings against Dame Shirley Porter and was also involved in the Flightlease Group liquidation.

Professional qualifications

• Advocate, Guernsey, 1988
• Barrister, England, 1987 (currently non-practising)

Memberships

• The Insolvency Lawyers' Association
• Association of Business Recovery Professionals (R3)

What the directories say

In Chambers and Partners UK 2024, Jeremy is ranked Band 1 in Offshore: Dispute Resolution. A source comments: "Jeremy is the best advocate in Guernsey by a country mile."

In Legal 500 UK 2024, Jeremy is recognised in the prestigious Hall of Fame for Dispute Resolution, and named as a Recommended Lawyer in Private Client, Trusts and Tax. A source describes him as "exceptional", with another adding: "Jeremy Wessels continues to be a problem solver for the big cases."

In the Chambers and Partners High Net Worth Guide 2023, Jeremy is individually ranked for Offshore: Trusts in Guernsey. A source says: "Jeremy is incredibly calm in a crisis; you feel very safe in his hands." Another adds: "Jeremy is one of the premier litigators on the island; he has an astonishing reputation in the contentious space."

In Legal 500 UK 2023, Jeremy is recognised in the prestigious Hall of Fame for Dispute Resolution and is a Recommended Lawyer in the area of Private Client, Trust and Tax. Jeremy is described as being "an outstanding commercial litigator" who is "widely regarded as the island’s leading court room advocate."

Jeremy is ranked Band 1, the highest ranking available, in the Chambers and Partners UK 2023 in the area of Offshore: Dispute Resolution. A source quoted in the guide comments that he is "extensively prepared and deals with clients well."

Legal 500 2022 lists Jeremy in the Hall of Fame recognises him as a Key Lawyer.

"Unquestionably one of the best offshore litigators. He is pragmatic, experienced and very knowledgeable." Chambers and Partners UK 2021. 

Legal 500 UK, 2021 states: "Jeremy Wessels is pre-eminent in his grasp of wider cross jurisdictional issues."

Jeremy is '"one of the leading litigators on the island" according to Chambers and Partners UK 2020 who also state, "He is hard-working and very effective in court."

Jeremy is named in the prestigious Legal Week Private Client Global Elite directory, 2019.

Chambers UK, 2019, describes Jeremy as 'really impressive' and 'very smart and great in court'.

"One of the leading litigators on the island... he is hard-working and very effective in court." Chambers and Partners 2019 - Dispute Resolution

Chambers UK, 2017, lists Jeremy as a Ranked Lawyer and describes him as 'an outstanding practitioner in Guernsey' and 'the best offshore litigator I've worked with'.

Jeremy is described as "excellent" and listed as a Leading Individual for Dispute Resolution in Legal 500 UK, 2016.

'Jeremy Wessels is praised for being "extremely dedicated," because "you know he reads every page and prepares religiously". Commentators add: "Judges listen to him, he's persuasive, good at thinking on his feet and very experienced. One of the best in Guernsey."' Chambers UK, 2016.

'Market sources report that Jeremy Wessels "is a first-class lawyer, and he can translate that cerebral knowledge into good courtroom skills." Another interviewee says he is "the most respected litigator for trust matters in the jurisdiction."' Chambers UK, 2015. Jeremy is ranked in Dispute Resolution in the guide.

Jeremy Wessels is a "great litigator", says Who's Who Legal, 2015.

Jeremy is Recommended in Private Client.

Legal 500 UK, 2015: Jeremy is ranked as a Leading Individual and Recommended Lawyer in Private Client, Trusts and Tax and Dispute Resolution.