Expertise

Catriona has experience in a wide range of areas of administration of trust disputes, including construction issues, complex trust restructurings, administration of trusts, blessing applications and advising trustees on their involvement in English divorces.

Catriona has also assisted with various probate disputes including claims arising from implementing wills, challenging wills and claims made under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975.

Prior to her move to law, Catriona had a successful career in investment management, which makes her adept to advise in relation to UHNW individuals and disputes involving substantial and complex assets.

Experience

  • The Libyan Investment Authority v J.P. Morgan Markets Ltd & Ors [2019], a successful jurisdiction challenge on grounds of breaches of the duty of full and frank disclosure.
  • In the Matter of the K Trust [2020 GLR 312], a Guernsey Court of Appeal judgment relating to the construction of a trust instrument.
  • Hilden Developments Ltd v Phillips Auctioneers Ltd & Anor [2022 + 2023], a successful defensive of the ownership of a Damien Hirst painting and subsequent consequential matters.
  • Wong v Grand View Private Trust Co Ltd & Ors, a large scale trust dispute involving questions of trust validity, purpose trusts and capacity.
  • Advising discretionary beneficiaries of high value Bermudian trusts on the validity of the appointment of trustees and protectors, corporate governance and other matters connected with the proposed restructuring of beneficial interest.
  • Advising a Liechtenstein trustee on claims in the family and properly courts, as well as in respect of information and documentation request made by beneficiaries.

Career

Catriona graduated from the University of St Andrews with a degree in Applied Economics. After a successful career in investment management, she completed the Graduate Diploma in Law in 2017. Catriona joined Stewarts in October 2017, qualifying into the Trust and Probate department in September 2020.

Accreditations and Memberships

Member of AIJA (International Association of Young Lawyers) and ConTrA (The Contentious Trusts Association).