Knowledge

Bedell Cristin has appointed Advocate Kate Ovenden as the new Managing Partner of its award winning Guernsey office.
 
An experienced corporate, banking and financial services lawyer who spent 10 years working at leading City law firm, Withers LLP, Kate became a Partner of Bedell Cristin in 2010, having returned to Guernsey to join the firm in 2006.
 
Acknowledged in the leading legal directories for her loyalty and dedication to client service and described as ‘bright, pragmatic and responsive’, Kate also has extensive experience in advising all types of clients on banking, funds, corporate and commercial matters. Educated in Guernsey, Kate maintains an active involvement in the local community, including as a director of Young People Guernsey (YPG), an information hub and counselling charity for young people.
 
Advocate Mark Helyar, the former Managing Partner, will remain with the firm in an ‘Of Counsel’ role. Mark, who has led the Guernsey office since it first opened, has been instrumental in its growth, driving the firm in attracting both major international clients and new business, including advising on increasing numbers of complex, innovative and often ground-breaking transactions in the insurance sector. His expertise in cell structuring has also contributed to the Guernsey office’s rise to a top tier practice in the insurance and reinsurance market.
 
David Cadin, Bedell Cristin Jersey, Managing Partner, commented:
"We thank Mark for his significant contribution since the Guernsey office first opened 10 years ago and in leading the business to the strong, competitive position it now enjoys. As we enter an exciting, new phase in the development of the law firm following the recent MBO announcement by Bedell Trust, Kate’s strong leadership skills, wide ranging commercial experience and acknowledged management capabilities, are the qualities needed to help drive our ongoing expansion and business growth strategy in Guernsey."