Appleby Cayman dispute resolution team’s growth continues – with hire of a new partner from XXIV Old buildings – Marcus staff

Appleby is delighted to announce that Marcus Staff will be joining the firm as a partner on 2 January 2025 as a trust disputes specialist in its Dispute Resolution team in the Cayman Islands.

Marcus is a Barrister at one of London’s leading Chambers, XXIV Old Buildings, renowned for its offshore offering. He works on a broad range of commercial and chancery matters, having been with Chambers since 2007.

He has appeared in leading trust cases including Schmidt v. Rosewood in the UK Privy Council and is also well-known in the insolvency market for his success in the seminal case of Rubin v. Eurofinance in the UK Supreme Court.

Prior to 2007, Marcus worked in Switzerland in private practice for a leading Geneva-Zurich business law firm, engaged by ultra-high-net-worth individuals and families on establishing and maintaining international asset holding structures.  This experience enabled him to develop expertise in cross-border disputes concerning private and commercial funds involving the duties of investment managers, trustees, banks and other financial intermediaries, and the rights of investors and beneficiaries in specific assets and funds of property.

Marcus has been ranked by leading legal directories Chambers Global and Legal 500.  He is ranked in the Offshore and Commercial – London Bar sectors by Chambers Global where they describe him as “Very considered and measured in his approach and reassuringly so.  He is calm, composed and has a lot of gravitas.  He is someone who is very reliable.”  Legal 500 describe him as “A very bright barrister with excellent technical skills.”

Marcus Staff commented “I am delighted to be joining this expanding and energetic team.  I’m keen to get started and look forward to bringing my experience and knowledge to this role, amplifying our offering and further expanding our service to clients”.

Carlos de Serpa Pimentel, Partner and Practice Group Head of the Cayman Islands Private Client & Trusts Practice Group said “We look forward to welcoming Marcus to the firm.  He will add immense value – both on the private client side and to our insolvency practice.  He will make an instant and positive impact, both for our team and our clients.”

Sebastian Said, Partner and Practice Group Head of the Cayman Islands Dispute Resolution practice said “Aside from Marcus bringing with him a wealth of experience, skills and knowledge of the contentious trusts and insolvency markets, his deep and long-standing working relationships with members of Chambers at XXIV Old Buildings will be valuable in both directions. We are delighted to be welcoming another professional, collaborative and enthusiastic partner – and renowned advocate – into our growing team.”

Elspeth Talbot Rice KC, Head of Chambers at XXIV Old Buildings commented: “While we will miss Marcus as a highly valued member of Chambers, we are delighted that he is embarking on this exciting new chapter in his professional life with Appleby – a market leading firm and a valued and longstanding collaborator of Chambers. We wish him every success and look forward to working with him in his new role.”