Dawn is a dually qualified lawyer, having been called to the Bar in England and Wales, Grenada, St. Christopher & Nevis & St. Vincent & the Grenadines. She is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CilEX), Cilex Probate, Civil Litigation Practitioner and Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitration (CiArb). Dawn has over 10 years of experience in legal practice. In 2024, Dawn was awarded Best International Private Client Lawyer by Acquisition International.
Dawn specialises in private client and litigation matters. Her areas of practice include:
Administration of Estates – Contentious and Non-Contentious Matters (Cross-Jurisdictional)
- Advising and representing clients in contested estate disputes, including challenges to wills and inheritance claims.
- Managing estate administration across multiple jurisdictions, ensuring compliance with local and international laws.
- Assisting executors and beneficiaries with probate applications, estate distribution, and tax considerations.
- Handling cross-border estate planning to minimise tax liabilities and legal complications.
- Resolving disputes related to intestacy, trust administration, and contested probate matters.
Probates – Contentious and Non-Contentious Matters (Cross-Jurisdictional)
- Preparing and submitting probate applications in multiple jurisdictions.
- Representing clients in contentious probate matters, including claims of undue influence or lack of capacity.
- Advising on the resealing of foreign grants of probate to facilitate estate administration.
- Representing clients in disputes over undue influence, lack of capacity, or improper execution of a will.
- Advising individuals who have been unfairly left out of a will or received inadequate provision under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975.
- Resolving conflicts.
- Negotiating settlements and mediating disputes between beneficiaries and executors.
Private Client – Advising on Cross-Jurisdictional Matters in England and Caribbean Jurisdictions
- Advising high-net-worth individuals on estate structuring and asset protection across multiple jurisdictions.
- Drafting and reviewing cross-border wills, trusts, and succession planning documents.
- Assisting clients with international tax planning and compliance issues.
- Advising on offshore structures, wealth management, and trust administration.
- Handling international family law matters, including prenuptial agreements and divorce settlements.
Maritime – Ship Arrests, Ship Mortgages, Insurance
- Advising clients on ship arrest procedures and securing maritime liens.
- Assisting in ship mortgage registration and enforcement across jurisdictions.
- Handling marine insurance claims and disputes, including cargo damage and liability issues.
- Representing clients in admiralty court proceedings and arbitration disputes.
- Advising on compliance with international maritime regulations and conventions.
Estate Planning
- Structuring estates to minimise inheritance tax and legal liabilities.
- Advising on trust formation and asset protection strategies.
- Drafting comprehensive estate plans, including wills, trusts, and powers of attorney.
- Assisting business owners with succession planning and family business transitions.
- Providing legal guidance on cross-border estate planning considerations.
Wills and Trusts
- Drafting and reviewing wills to ensure clarity and enforceability.
- Establishing and managing discretionary, charitable, and family trusts.
- Advising on the appointment of executors, trustees, and guardians.
- Assisting in will disputes, including claims of undue influence or invalidity.
- Providing guidance on estate administration and trust distribution.
Court of Protection
- Assisting with deputyship applications for individuals lacking mental capacity.
- Advising families on the management of finances and welfare decisions for vulnerable individuals.
- Preparing and executing Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA) for financial and healthcare matters.
- Representing clients in contested Court of Protection proceedings.
- Advising on statutory wills and gift applications.
Professional Negligence
- Pursuing claims against solicitors, accountants, and other professionals for negligence.
- Advising clients on breaches of duty and financial loss resulting from professional misconduct.
- Negotiating settlements and mediating disputes in professional negligence cases.
- Representing clients in litigation arising from poor legal, financial, or medical advice.
- Providing expert analysis on standards of care and duty of professionals.
Dispute Resolution – Mediator and Arbitrator
- Acting as a neutral mediator to resolve commercial, civil, and family disputes.
- Serving as an arbitrator in cross-border business and maritime disputes.
- Advising clients on alternative dispute resolution (ADR) strategies.
- Drafting and reviewing arbitration agreements and mediation clauses.
- Representing parties in arbitration proceedings under institutional and ad hoc rules.
Civil Litigation
- Representing clients in high-value commercial and contractual disputes.
- Advising on personal injury claims, professional negligence, and property disputes.
- Handling cross-border litigation matters involving multiple jurisdictions.
- Preparing and reviewing pleadings, witness statements, and legal submissions.
- Negotiating settlements and representing clients in mediation, arbitration, and court proceedings.