Established in 1909, Hamel-Smith is recognized as a leader in the business community and the legal profession in Trinidad & Tobago. Through our affiliated firm in St. Kitts (Gonsalves & Hamel-Smith), we offer services in the Eastern Caribbean.
Main Areas of Practice:
Banking and Finance: We negotiate, structure and document all types of financing transactions, and have extensive experience in large project financings from both the lender and borrower perspective.
Capital Markets and Securities: We advise local and foreign arrangers in relation to capital market transactions throughout the Caribbean. We also advise on the registration of securities, mutual funds and other collective investment schemes in the local market.
Commercial and Business Transactions: We provide services in corporate and commercial law, and help clients achieve their business objectives through practical advice and effective solutions.
Dispute and Risk Management: This practice group, which includes a senior counsel, is the most experienced and balanced team of litigation professionals in any local firm. We collaborate with clients to implement strategies to avoid, manage and resolve disputes cost-effectively while mitigating risks. Where appropriate, we use negotiation and ADR, and when it is necessary to litigate, we do so to win.
Employment and Industrial Relations: We help employers strategically manage employee relationships and assist them in obtaining work permits for non-nationals. We provide advice and representation in unfair dismissal, redundancy, health and safety, and trade disputes.
Energy, Oil and Gas: This practice group is headed by a partner with more than 30 years of industry experience. We provide solutions on core energy issues, including petroleum, environmental, tax laws and commercial matters.
Intellectual Property: We help clients protect and maximize the value of their IP assets, by obtaining and maintaining registrations, advising on licenses and assignments, and managing disputes. We also offer a coordinated service for the registration and maintenance of trademarks and patents in other Caribbean jurisdictions.
Mergers and Acquisitions: Hamel-Smith has significant experience in handling mergers and acquisitions. We add value by strategic structuring to achieve stamp duty efficiencies and compliance with restrictions against assignment of key contracts.
Property and Real Estate: We negotiate structure and document the funding, acquisition, development, leasing and disposal of commercial and residential property, and provide advice in connection with all aspects of land use regulation and development approval.
Tax: This practice group is headed by the country’s leading tax specialist. We advise on all aspects of direct and indirect taxation including income tax, VAT and duties. We negotiate with the Board of Inland Revenue and handle tax litigation at all levels of the judicial system.
Languages: English and Spanish. |
