Seven Walkers partners across the firm's Cayman, Guernsey, Ireland and Jersey offices have been recognised in IFLR1000's Women Leaders for 2022.
The seven partners are included in the list which recognises "an exclusive group of lawyers with outstanding reputations within their markets who either have expertise and experience of working on complex deals, or who have risen to hold leadership roles with their firms or their practices".
The lawyers listed are Global Managing Partner Ingrid Pierce, and partners Sarah Brehaut (Guernsey), Alexandra Corner (Jersey), Sarah Maguire (Ireland), Noeleen Ruddy (Ireland), Leanne Wallser (Jersey) and Caroline Williams (Cayman).
The IFLR1000 Women Leaders is in its fifth edition, and recognises around 1,000 women lawyers from around the world, after independent research undertaken by IFLR's teams in Hong Kong, London, New York and Sofia.
Further details of the Walkers lawyers recognised below:
Ingrid Pierce, Partner, Investment Funds, Cayman Islands
Ingrid Pierce is Walkers' Global Managing Partner and heads the Cayman Investment Funds Group. Ingrid has over 20 years' experience and is recognised as one of the world's leading investment funds lawyers. She acts for major institutions, asset managers, insurers, reinsurers, trustees and other fiduciaries. Her clients include many of the Who's Who of asset managers, banks and trust companies. Ingrid is a frequent speaker at industry events and a guest commentator on various media platforms including Bloomberg, CNBC and Fox Business.
"Ingrid Pierce is widely revered as "a global leader" with "expertise launching multi-billion dollar hedge funds". Her "cutting-edge knowledge" and "excellent client relation skills" are also praised." – Who's Who Legal - Global Elite Thought Leaders
Sarah Brehaut, Partner, Insolvency & Dispute Resolution, Guernsey
Sarah is a Partner in Walkers' Guernsey Insolvency & Dispute Resolution Group specialising in contentious insolvency and regulatory disputes. She is an experienced court-going Advocate who frequently represents liquidators in respect of contentious and non-contentious matters before Guernsey's Royal Court in relation to compulsory and voluntary winding-up, and holds the BPP Certificate of Proficiency in Corporate Insolvency. Sarah also advises and represents directors of regulated entities in respect of regulatory investigations and disputes.
"Extremely pragmatic and eager to ensure that client’s needs are met while delivering a high calibre of service." - Legal 500
Alexandra Corner, Partner, Banking & Finance, Jersey
Alexandra Corner is a partner in Walkers' Jersey Banking & Finance Practice Group focusing on real estate finance, fund finance and debt capital markets. She has been working offshore for more than 20 years, was admitted in Jersey since 2003 and has practised both in the Island and in the City.
"Knowledgeable, responsive and pragmatic." – Chambers and Partners
Sarah Maguire, Partner, Asset Management & Investment Funds, Ireland
Sarah is based in Walkers' Ireland office where she is a partner in the Asset Management and Investment Funds group. Sarah has many years' experience practising as an investment funds lawyer. She acts for a range of funds, promoters and service providers and has extensive experience in advising on the establishment, authorisation and operation of all types of Irish investment funds including UCITS, QIAIFs, RIAIFs, fund of funds, master feeder structures and closed-ended funds. Sarah advises on a broad range of asset classes and investment strategies including ESG and impact, real estate, private equity, hedge, credit, loan origination and esoteric and emerging asset classes. Sarah has particular expertise in structuring ICAV master-feeder structures for US managers.
"Sarah Maguire is very thorough, fair and commercial. She is everything you want from a lawyer." – Chambers and Partners
Noeleen Ruddy, Partner and Co-Head of Finance & Capital Markets, Ireland
Noeleen advises international financial institutions, investment banks, arrangers, managers, private equity, hedge funds, agents and trustees in relation to a wide range of structured products transactions including securitisations (RMBS, ABS, CMBS), debt offerings, CLOs (whether cash, synthetic or hybrid), CAT bonds and Commercial Paper Programmes. Noeleen has also advised on combined QIAIF/SPV transactions, distressed, stressed, performing and non-performing debt deals and other bespoke structured product transactions.
"Very knowledgeable and proactive, great communicator, pragmatic; forward thinking and genuinely understands her markets. Focused and committed lawyer who delivers on what is required at all times." – IFLR1000
Leanne Wallser, Group Partner, Investment Funds & Corporate, Jersey
Leanne Wallser is a Group Partner in Walkers’ Investment Funds and Corporate Group and is based in the Jersey office, where she advises on all aspects of Jersey funds law, including the launch of Jersey expert and private funds. Leanne has extensive experience representing investment fund managers, financial institutions and sponsors in relation to the structuring, establishment, operation and termination of a wide range of investment funds, including private equity, real estate, infrastructure, venture capital, tech and impact funds.
"Leanne Wallser is a standout Jersey funds lawyer. She is focused on the best advice for her clients, coupled with an approachable, pragmatic attitude. It is so refreshing." - Client feedback
Caroline Williams, Partner, Investment Funds, Cayman Islands
Caroline Williams is a partner in the firm's Cayman Islands office and a member of the Global Investment Funds Group. She has a broad private funds practice specialising in both hedge funds and private equity. Caroline has extensive experience advising private equity fund sponsors on the structuring and formation of funds and co-investment and alternative investment vehicles and the completion of transactions undertaken by them. Caroline regularly advises on the sale and purchase of portfolio investments and advises on secondary transactions.
"Commentators acknowledge her as a "very highly regarded lawyer" who "has a lot of experience" and is "very thoughtful and commercial." – Chambers and Partners
