Pacific Islands Law

Simpson Grierson has a strong and established Pacific Islands practice, advising clients on complex and high-value matters across the region, with particular experience in the Cook Islands, Fiji and Samoa. We combine deep trust and commercial expertise with litigation strength to deliver strategic, pragmatic advice in cross-border and sensitive disputes and commercial ventures.

Our team is regularly instructed in matters involving international trusts and offshore structures, regulatory and constitutional challenges, and contentious proceedings with multi-jurisdictional dimensions. We work closely with local lawyers and institutions to ensure advice is technically robust and commercially sound.

Ben Upton and Simon Vannini lead this practice. Ben is recognised for his expertise in international trust and commercial disputes. Simon brings significant commercial and corporate experience. Together, they provide trusted, partner-led support to clients and lawyers operating in the Pacific.

Work Highlights

Trusts

Acting for trustee companies, settlors, protectors and beneficiaries in claims and disputes involving international trusts and companies in the Cook Islands and Samoa.

Advising on the establishment, structuring and governance of international trusts.

Fraud

Acting in Hutchison v Global EMEA & Ors, tracing complex US fraud proceeds to a Cook Islands bank account.

Foreign investment

Assisting local lawyers on more complex commercial transactions involving foreign investment or overseas clients including infrastructure and tourism ventures.

Constitutions

Assisting and advising on constitutional challenges in Pacific jurisdictions.

Media

Advising and assisting in media and reputational disputes.

Samoa Financial Services Commission

Advising on a challenge to the striking off of an international company.

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