Chambers HNWI 2017 have recently published their rankings and we are proud to report that both the firm and its lawyers did extremely well in the researched categories.
The yachting rankings are global wide and our yachting department is the only one in Malta which has been ranked in the first ever HNWI Chamber Publication which makes us the only law firm in Malta ranked in Yachts and Superyachts.
Hereunder you will find excerpts of what was said about us:
Band 1
Fenech & Fenech Advocates
Private Wealth Law
Fenech & Fenech is viewed as “belonging to the crème de la crème of the Maltese legal firms.” A peer describes it as a “large, long-standing firm,” which has “the competence, reputation and necessary resources” for high net worth work, and is “well respected in the Maltese legal community.”
The trust and foundations team advises wealthy individuals, families and business owners on structuring wealth, protecting assets and tax planning. “They know the local market and law well,” comments an interviewee, adding: “They are well connected and can deliver what is required.”
Notable practitioners
Rosanne Bonnici heads the tax, trusts and foundations department, and advises high net worth individuals on tax planning, wealth management and trusts and estates matters. “She is very strong technically in terms of how the Malta tax system works,” says a source, adding: “She is very good with clients, she is sensitive to the personal aspects of the clients.” Another interviewee says Bonnici is “always available and very proactive. The discussions are constructive and very concise. She is trying to seek the best straightforward solutions for the clients.”
Band 4
Fenech & Fenech Advocates
Yachts & Superyachts
“One of the leading Maltese maritime law firms,” Fenech & Fenech has a strong yachting department that benefits from the firm’s depth and breadth of experience in the maritime industry. The team handles yacht registration and advises on tax, leasing structures and importation matters. The firm is best known in this industry for working on Maltese yacht leases for VAT purposes. One fellow yachts lawyer describes them as “very dependable,” and proclaims: “If you want the superlative job doing, then go to Fenech.”
Sources consider the firm to be the “go-to for matters of Maltese law.” Other interviewees praise their “really excellent service” and their industry expertise. “They’re very good at finding solutions and they’re generally a very good firm,” adds a commentator.
Notable practitioners
Ann Fenech is the managing partner of the firm and heads up the marine litigation department. She has many years of experience in the industry and is recognised for her work in VAT matters and ownership structures. A market commentator describes her as “a very good lawyer who knows her work inside out,” while another interviewee says: “Ann is very academic in her approach, which is what you need when asking about Maltese law.” Fenech is a leading member of the Malta shipping community and sits on the boards of a number of industry associations.
Alison Vassallo is well known in the yachting industry for her legal expertise, particularly on Maltese taxation. “She’s super – she’s up there with the best of them,” says one interviewee. “She’s excellent to deal with, very helpful and very knowledgeable.” Sources also highlight her responsiveness and her high profile in the market, which one market insider says helps to speed up transactions. “She pays attention to our clients’ issues and we’ve been happy with her advice,” summarises a fellow yacht lawyer.