Maples Group Reinforces Commitment to Local Talent Development in the Cayman Islands

The new appointments, across four of the firm’s practice groups, reflect the continued growth and strength of the Maples Group’s legal services offering. Among the local promotions are new Partners, Joe Jackson (Finance) and Katrina Watson (Funds & Investment Management), as well as three new Of Counsel, Kimberly Robinson (Corporate), Sasha Hunte (Funds & Investment Management) and Tracy Hylton (Funds & Investment Management).

Kimberly, Sasha, Joe and Katrina all completed the Group’s Articled Clerk programme and their progression demonstrates the firm’s ongoing commitment to developing Caymanian lawyers and advocating career advancement from training to senior leadership. The programme forms part of a broader investment in local talent that includes legal scholarships, secondments and comprehensive training and mentorship designed to foster excellence at every stage of a lawyer’s career.

Speaking on these recent appointments, newly appointed Managing Partner for the Cayman Islands office, Michael Richardson commented: “Supporting professional development is part of the Group’s core values and bolsters the firm as an industry leader that delivers top-tier expertise with deep sectoral and industry knowledge for future years.These promotions also underscore the Maples Group’s dedication to the expansion and sustainability of the Cayman Islands’ legal profession and to elevating Caymanian counsel.

“We are proud of each of our new Partners and Of Counsel appointments and look forward to supporting their success throughout this journey,” he added.

In their new leadership roles, the new Partners and Of Counsel will drive initiatives that expand on the success of their respective practice group and wider firm’s accomplishments. Additional promotions are expected following regulatory approvals.

About the New Partners and Of Counsel:

Joe joined the Maples Group in 2013. He provides advice on asset and structured finance transactions, with a specialist focus on CLOs and other CLO investment structures, as well as on fund finance and banking transactions, where he acts for hedge funds, private equity funds and banks on all types of secured transactions. Joe also has significant experience in obtaining listings for clients on the Cayman Islands Stock Exchange and advising on general corporate and commercial matters as well as insurance matters.

Katrina joined the firm’s Funds & Investment Management group in 2016. Her practice focuses on private equity and hedge fund structures and downstream transactions, including, establishment and on-going operation of Cayman Islands funds, fund restructurings and Cayman Islands regulatory matters. Katrina is also involved in corporate finance matters, including M&A transactions and joint ventures. She also advises on Cayman Islands unit trusts and general corporate and commercial matters.

Kimberly joined the Maples Group as an articled clerk in 2013. On qualifying in 2014, she joined the Corporate team. Kimberly previously worked at Royal Bank of Canada Trust Company (Cayman) Limited. Kimberly is Of Counsel of Maples and Calder’s Corporate team in the Maples Group’s Cayman Islands office. She advises on a wide range of corporate and commercial matters. Kimberly also has experience advising on investment funds, in particular hedge funds and private equity funds, as well as finance matters.

Sasha joined the Maples Group in 2003, and, upon completing her legal training, joined the Funds & Investment Management team in 2012. Sasha is Of Counsel of Maples and Calder’s Funds & Investment Management team in the Maples Group’s Cayman Islands office. She specialises in investment funds, including registered mutual funds, private equity funds and the regulation of investment managers, as well as general corporate and commercial matters.

Tracy joined the Maples Group as an associate in 2014. Prior to joining, she worked in the funds and corporate department of a Cayman Islands law firm. Tracy is Of Counsel of Maples and Calder’s Funds & Investment Management team in the Maples Group’s Cayman Islands office. She has experience in the establishment and launch of investment funds, including registered mutual funds, hedge funds and private equity funds, as well as general corporate and commercial matters.