A new pan-Channel Island law firm, Collas Crill, opened its doors this week following the merger of Jersey firm Crill Canavan and Guernsey’s Collas Day.

The merger creates a new 16-partner, full service Channel Island firm with around 150 staff.

With both firms already among the world’s top 20 offshore legal practices, Collas Crill becomes the leading Channel Island ’silver circle’ firm.

Collas Crill’s joint senior partners are Nuno Santos-Costa (pictured) in Jersey and Chris Bound in Guernsey.

Nuno Santos-Costa says: “We are delighted that Collas Crill has launched just four months after both firms agreed to merge.

“The creation of our new business has been received as excellent news by clients requiring a pan-Channel Island service. It is also extremely positive for our employees, who will enjoy a range of new benefits.

“We also believe it is particularly good news for the Channel Islands as a business centre. Consolidation within the Channel Islands legal market is one way in which we are enabling our jurisdictions to meet challenges and opportunities head on.

“Both firms will continue to focus on the service we provide businesses and individuals in the Channel Islands, the UK and internationally – including the increasingly important Asian market – thereby raising awareness of ‘Channel Island PLC’ in international markets.”

Collas Crill’s joint managing partners are Kathryn Purkis in Jersey and Jason Romer in Guernsey.

Jason Romer says: “This merger creates a firm with particular strength in corporate and commercial, dispute resolution and property law.

“Collas Crill is launched today as a new firm which is built on the solid foundation of the two merging firms. Both have been known for their flexibility and responsiveness, and a partner-led approach to Channel Island law.

“We offer a particular strength in niche areas such as e-gaming and intellectual property, both of which are new areas for Jersey.

“We are firmly positioning Collas Crill as the place to come for Best Practice in Offshore Law. Our two legacy firms are renowned for quality, solution-focused work. In Collas Crill the merging firms share more than just a name: we share an approach to our work that aims to always provide innovative, appropriate and excellent professional advice for our clients’ legal and business issues.

“Collas Crill brings together the best of what we currently do in both Guernsey and Jersey,’ says Mr Romer.