Gareth  Bell

Gareth Bell  

Managing Partner | Guernsey

  • Gareth Bell has provided exceptional legal representation in our case. He provided honest and realistic expectations throughout and has been extremely helpful and very responsive during the process. As well as brilliant contacts in UK counsel.
    Client feedback
  • Gareth listened carefully throughout an arbitration process and presented the facts to the arbitrator in an undisputable manner.
    Client feedback
  • A pleasure to deal with in every respect.
    Client feedback
  • He is technically knowledgeable and gave strategic advice.
    Chambers and Partners 2022
  • The expertise of Gareth Bell in dispute resolution is excellent.
    Legal 500 2024 (UK)
  • Knowledgeable regarding the issues and local procedure.
    Chambers & Partners
  • Gareth Bell is a very experienced and steady hand on the tiller. Knowledgeable and able to provide comfort when the going gets tough.
    Legal 500 2022
  • Gareth Bell is knowledgeable with the ability to strategically think about the situation and how to deal with complicated and difficult events and give appropriate advice and how to deal with difficult people.
    Legal 500
  • Collas Crill‘s disputes practice is praised for the ‘energy and focus‘ it displays across a broad range of Guernsey litigation. Gareth Bell continues to be involved in significant fund disputes such as the Carlyle and Highland CLO cases.
    Legal 500
  • A top-notch litigator - good at strategy and client relations.
    Legal 500
  • Gareth Bell is sought after for his expertise in financial services disputes.
    Chambers UK 2023
  • Gareth Bell is sought after for his expertise in financial services disputes. He regularly represents clients in matters relating to trusts and breach of fiduciary duty.
    Chambers
  • The partner involved in our case was Gareth Bell. Whilst the case was long and drawn out Gareth kept us in focus at all times. Whilst not wishing to go through a similar process Gareth made the process come to a conclusion quickly and efficiently.
    Legal 500 (UK) 2023
  • Compelling and clear advocate both in court and in advising clients.
    Client feedback

Gareth is a litigation lawyer who specialises in trust, company (including directors' duties), insolvency, professional negligence and other financial services disputes. He also has an active practice in semi-contentious trust matters.

A qualified Guernsey advocate, Gareth is the firm's Guernsey Managing Partner.

Experience

Gareth has been involved in a number of trials in the Royal Court of Guernsey and several appeals to the Court of Appeal and Privy Council. He acted for the successful non-executive director defendants in the long running, multi-billion dollar Carlyle litigation that eventually concluded in 2020. He also recently acted for the Registrar of the Chambre de Discipline (the disciplinary body for Advocates) on the first ever appeal of a disciplinary matter to the Court of Appeal, where he was successful.

"I am a modern, client focused litigator who particularly enjoys being part of a multi-jurisdictional team. I'm an unflappable, measured character but will always pursue my clients' interests robustly when required."

Background

Gareth qualified as solicitor of England and Wales in 2001 with Reynolds Porter Chamberlain in London and joined Collas Crill in 2005. He qualified as a Guernsey Advocate in 2008 and became a partner of Collas Crill in 2010.

Education: LLB (2.1) (University of Liverpool, 1998); LPC (Distinction) (College of Law, Chester 1999); Certificat d’Etudes Juridiques Françaises et Normandes (Caen, 2006)

Awards/directories

  • Chambers UK Guide 2025 – Band 3
  • Legal 500 (Guernsey) 2021

Memberships

  • ARIES (Association of Restructuring and Insolvency Experts)
  • Chancery Bar Association
  • ACTAPS (Association of Contentious Trust and Probate Specialists)

Gareth is a keen distance runner and is kept extremely busy by his four children and dog.

Chambers Ranking In UK
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My services
Contentious regulatory
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In regulatory disputes there are often fine lines between the usual wrangling with the regulator and something more serious – by matching our mix of experienced contentious and non-contentious lawyers to the particular problem at hand, we achieve better and more efficient outcomes.

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Corporate disputes
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Our dispute resolution specialists collaborate seamlessly with our corporate advisory and banking teams across jurisdictions to advise multinational corporations, trust companies, banks, funds, insurers, governments and directors.

We provide a global perspective, working closely with our clients to ensure that they are best placed to respond to customer issues, fraud risks, rapidly changing market conditions and regulatory demands.

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Insolvency
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For financially distressed companies in need of restructuring and reorganisation, or for those where the opportunity to do so has passed or failed, we work to achieve the most beneficial outcome in these difficult situations. 

At whatever stage we are engaged, our involvement will assist in identifying the ongoing risks facing a client and to enable that client to continue to identify and effectively manage deteriorating relationships with creditors, financiers, investors or other interested parties.

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Real estate disputes
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Our experienced team represent clients in a range of private, contractual and commercial real estate disputes.

Widely regarded as the preferred advisors for numerous high-net-worth individuals and families, we regularly assist in navigating disputes related to private matters, property (including boundary disputes), trusts, and family issues. 

Additionally, our arbitration specialists are increasingly being used as a cost-effective, confidential and efficient alternative to court litigation in resolving commercial and construction disputes.

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Dispute resolution
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We live in an increasingly contentious world. When your business is involved in any kind of legal dispute it's crucial to work with lawyers who are hands-on, cost-effective and flexible enough to respond quickly and intuitively to your unique situation and needs.

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Insolvency and restructuring
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Our multi-jurisdictional team brings a wealth of experience from a range of diverse backgrounds to give quick, accurate, commercial advice. We work across dispute resolution, restructuring, recovery and insolvency matters to ensure that clients get the full benefit of our know-how and experience across the world.

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International arbitration and mediation
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With offices in the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, Guernsey, Jersey and London, we can advise you on every aspect of international arbitration. Our dedicated arbitration specialists will work alongside you to quickly determine the best approach for a successful conclusion.

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Derivative actions
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Where shareholders believe that directors are not complying with their duties, they may seek to pursue claims on behalf of a company by way of a derivative action.

Our corporate disputes lawyers act for shareholders, directors and companies in complex disputes involving breach of duty, fraud and corporate misconduct. Leveraging our cross-disciplinary expertise, we navigate the procedural and strategic challenges these claims present.

Our teams operate across jurisdictions, coordinating seamlessly to manage risk and protect our clients’ interests – whether bringing or defending derivative claims. Our offshore disputes lawyers provide clear, commercial guidance throughout, with a focus on preserving value and resolving disputes efficiently in highly sensitive corporate contexts.

Breach of directors' duties
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We advise on all aspects of breaches of directors’ duties, including allegations of mismanagement, conflicts of interest and breach of fiduciary obligations.

Our offshore disputes lawyers work closely with corporate, regulatory and litigation teams to guide shareholders, directors, companies and financial institutions through complex governance disputes. With experience across multiple jurisdictions, we offer strategic, pragmatic advice tailored to high-stakes and reputationally sensitive matters.

Whether acting in regulatory investigations or shareholder actions, our regulatory disputes lawyers help clients respond confidently to legal and commercial risks in an increasingly regulated and scrutinised environment.

Directors' disputes
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Disputes between directors can threaten the stability and governance of a company. We advise boards, individual directors, shareholders and stakeholders in contentious matters involving boardroom deadlock, removal or appointment of directors and conflicts of interest.

Drawing on our corporate, regulatory and dispute resolution expertise, we provide strategic advice in navigating internal power struggles and fiduciary issues. Our cross-border teams work cohesively to resolve disputes efficiently, protect business continuity and mitigate reputational risk.

Whether acting in private companies, joint ventures or complex corporate structures, we help clients manage director-level disputes with clarity and confidence.

Joint venture disputes
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Joint venture disputes require a careful balance of legal precision and commercial sensitivity. Our offshore disputes lawyers help clients navigate breakdowns in strategic partnerships – whether due to misaligned objectives, deadlock, breach of contract or minority oppression. Our cross-practice teams bring together dispute resolution, corporate and regulatory expertise to manage risks and protect our clients’ interests.

We act for corporates, founders, investors, funds and institutions in both contentious and pre-dispute situations, across a wide range of sectors and jurisdictions. From exit negotiations to arbitration or litigation, we focus on practical solutions that preserve value and support long-term business goals.

Partnership disputes
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Partnership disputes often involve deeply personal and commercially sensitive issues. We act for partners, partnerships and incoming or outgoing stakeholders in disputes over profit share, management rights, breaches of duty and dissolution. Combining our litigation, corporate and regulatory expertise, our offshore disputes lawyers guide clients through complex negotiations and contentious proceedings, including in professional services, investment and family-owned business contexts.

With experience across multiple jurisdictions and partnership structures, we deliver clear, strategic advice focused on protecting relationships, resolving deadlock and preserving business value. Whether advising in the early stages of disagreement or in formal dispute resolution, we provide practical, outcome-driven support.

Shareholder disputes
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We advise on all forms of shareholder disputes, from minority oppression and unfair prejudice claims to breaches of shareholder agreements and deadlock situations. Whether acting for individual shareholders, investors, directors or companies, we bring together dispute resolution and corporate advisory expertise to manage risk and protect value.

Our cross-border teams of offshore disputes lawyers are experienced in handling contentious matters involving joint ventures, family businesses, private equity and listed entities. Whether the dispute calls for negotiation, litigation or arbitration, we focus on delivering clear, commercial solutions that preserve reputations and support long-term business objectives.

Unfair prejudice petitions
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Unfair prejudice petitions are a key tool for minority shareholders seeking relief from conduct that damages their interests.

We act for individual shareholders, directors and companies in high-stakes disputes involving exclusion from management, diversion of business and breaches of shareholder rights. Our team combines deep litigation experience with corporate insight to advise across a range of sectors and shareholder structures, including family businesses, joint ventures and private companies.

With a focus on strategic outcomes – whether through negotiated exits, buyouts or court proceedings – we help clients navigate these sensitive disputes with clarity, precision and commercial focus.

Professional negligence disputes
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Our offshore dispute resolution lawyers work closely with our regulatory and insurance teams to advise law firms, accountants, surveyors, and other professionals and their professional indemnity insurers across our various jurisdictions. We take a coordinated and considered approach to professional negligence claims, helping clients navigate reputational risks, complex liability issues and evolving regulatory expectations.

Statutory demands
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As part of our debt recovery and insolvency services, we assist clients in issuing or responding to statutory demands. Whether enforcing payment or defending against genuinely disputed claims, our involvement helps clarify the legal and financial risks, enabling clients to make informed decisions.

We support effective creditor engagement and help manage escalating disputes, preserving options for resolution or further action.

Winding-up applications
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When debt recovery and demands are ineffective, we assist in preparing and lodging creditors' winding-up applications to achieve an orderly conclusion. We have strong relationships with insolvency practitioners in our offshore jurisdictions and beyond.

We also assist shareholders and directors of companies facing cashflow difficulties. Through early engagement with our network of insolvency professionals, we help to find solutions to minimise risks and maximise returns.

Our approach ensures that the process is conducted efficiently and with minimal disruption, helping clients navigate the legal and commercial risks involved. By intervening early, we support clients in managing stakeholder relationships and fulfilling their obligations with clarity and confidence.

Foreign officeholders
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We advise officeholders of overseas companies with assets or operations in our offshore jurisdictions on seeking recognition locally. For offshore companies with foreign operations or assets, we advise officeholders in our offshore jurisdictions on applications to issue letters of request for assistance from foreign courts and for recognition in foreign jurisdictions.

Acting in complex cross-border matters, we help navigate foreign legal systems to protect and recover value. Our experience ensures continued stakeholder confidence and compliance with local obligations, while aligning with the broader restructuring or insolvency strategy.

Officeholder claims
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When acting alongside insolvency officeholders, we pursue claims that maximise recoveries for creditors. Our work supports efforts to investigate, assess and, where appropriate, litigate claims against directors, third parties or others connected with the company.

Whether addressing preferences, transactions at an undervalue or transactions defrauding creditors, misfeasance, wrongful trading or fraudulent trading, unlawful distributions or other breaches of duty, our involvement aims to protect the interests of stakeholders and secure the best possible return in complex, high-stakes scenarios.

Directors' disqualification
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For directors facing the risk of disqualification in the context of insolvency, we provide clear, strategic advice to manage exposure and regulatory scrutiny. Whether disqualification proceedings are anticipated or already underway, our involvement supports clients in understanding their position, engaging with authorities and pursuing the most favourable resolution.

Directors' duties
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Directors are legally obliged to act in good faith, exercise independent judgment, and promote the best interests of the company.

Our offshore regulatory lawyers regularly provide expert legal guidance to directors as to their duties in offshore jurisdictions and corporate governance frameworks, as failure to comply with these expected duties potentially results in significant personal liability for directors.

Our experienced team advises on fiduciary responsibilities, risk mitigation, and regulatory compliance to ensure directors meet their obligations with confidence. Whether you're forming an offshore entity or navigating complex corporate challenges, we can offer trusted, practical solutions tailored to your needs.

Middle East and North Africa
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The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) is one of the most dynamic and fastest growing regions in the world. With diversifying markets and governments keen to enact strategies and legislation to bring further innovation, MENA is primed for further transformation and growth.

The demand for professional advisers who understand this rapidly changing environment and the opportunities and challenges it brings has never been higher or more important.

Regional clients with worldwide investments as well as international clients conducting business in the area trust Collas Crill to guide them through their business dealings and wealth planning, with expertise in Shariah-compliant products allied with decades of experience using traditional structures to meet the needs of clients wherever their focus lies.

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2 May 2025

Collas Crill raises £2k for Guernsey Mind

Staff at Collas Crill in Guernsey have raised £2,000 for Guernsey Mind. The firm selected the organisation as their charity of choice for 2024/25. Led by the firm's Health and Wellbeing Committees, staff in each of the offices of the law firm select a lo...

3 Apr 2025

Registration is now open for the 2025 Liberation Day hampers in Guernsey

THE DEADLINE FOR REGISTRATION HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO FRIDAY 2 MAY! Collas Crill is once again partnering with the States of Guernsey’s Committee for Education, Sport & Culture to give away 500 Liberation Day tea hampers to islanders aged 80 or over who...

20 Mar 2025

Rukhadze judgment a timely reminder of fiduciary duties and the 'profit rule'

In a much anticipated and significant judgment, the United Kingdom Supreme Court this week confirmed in Rukhadze and Others v Recovery Partners GP Ltd and another [2025] UKSC 10 that the existing law requiring errant fiduciaries to account to their princ...

21 Feb 2025

Collas Crill helps mark 80th anniversary of Liberation Day in Guernsey

Collas Crill will once again be supporting the States of Guernsey's Committee for Education Sport and Culture in gifting individual hampers to the senior community in commemoration of the 80th anniversary of Liberation Day. It is the third year Collas Cr...

15 Jan 2025

The doctrine of mistake in Guernsey

Many jurisdictions have now adopted the equitable doctrine of mistake, but whilst the laws of those jurisdictions may share many similarities, it is important for anyone involved in a Guernsey-law trust to be familiar with how the doctrine is applied in ...

11 Dec 2024

Unilateral Option Clauses Survey 2024

Collas Crill has contributed to the Clifford Chance Unilateral Option Clauses Survey 2024. Guernsey Managing Partner Gareth Bell and Professional Support Lawyer Jack Crisp authored the Guernsey response, while Partner Simon Hurry and Senior Associate Kar...

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