Australian barrister Joel Taylor is joining the expanding corporate team at leading Isle of Man law firm Cains and bringing with him over 15 years of offshore legal experience.
“Cains has always impressed me by looking for growth opportunities and the fact that all its decisions are made in the Isle of Man and not elsewhere which can often involve global politics,” said Joel.
Previously a consultant for four years with Appleby in both London and the Channel Islands, including secondment to the Isle of Man in the summer of 2013, he added: “I regard Cains as a highly professional and innovative Isle of Man law firm. It has a low turnover in staff and emphasises achieving a good work/life balance.
“The Isle of Man itself was also an attractive option; it is a jurisdiction of real substance which differentiates it from some other jurisdictions; I love its space and ruggedness, it is beautiful and I’m impressed with the people who are genuine and down to earth.”
Tim Shepherd, director of Cains Group Limited, said: “Joel’s extensive onshore and offshore experience gained in a number of major jurisdictions will only enhance our own client offering. I am delighted to welcome Joel to our corporate team, where I have no doubt he will make a valuable contribution to both Cains and to the Island’s professional services sector generally.”
Both Joel’s paternal and maternal grandparents were from England but Joel, now 42, who was born and educated in Australia, describes his nationality as British/Australian, having lived in Britain since 2001. When it comes to rugby and other sports he laughingly admits his allegiance would have to be to Australia. Married at 20, his wife, Kate, is also British/Australian and the couple have a 16-year-old daughter.
In 1997 he graduated from the University of Queensland with degrees in both Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts. In 1998 he qualified as a barrister-at-law, Supreme Court of Queensland and High Court of Australia and in 2007 he became a solicitor of England and Wales (non-practising).
In 2001 he left Australia to join the Guernsey firm of Colas Crill (Collas Day as it then was) and later in 2006 he joined Ozannes (which became Mourant Ozannes) as a consultant before joining Appleby in 2012.
His practice covers banking and finance, mutual funds, private equity and corporate transactions and he has specialist expertise in establishing and listing investment vehicles/securities and advising in relation to financial services and regulatory matters.
Recent deals in which he had a leading role include acting for Wells Fargo Bank in relation to ?425 million loan facilities to Lone Star, the American private equity firm, in connection with the takeover of the owner of Wembley Arena and Park. He also acted for JPMorgan Chase Bank and Citigroup in relation to a US$5 billion combined debt capital market and credit facilities deal to the automotive business Adient in connection with its spin off following the merger of Tyco and Johnson Controls. Ends
Photograph: Joel Taylor
