NELSON & COMPANY :: ARTICLE FOR THE JOURNAL
                    

Commercial law firm, Nelson & Company, recently hosted a reception at its offices in the Strand complex to celebrate the first anniversary of its move to the Strand and to thank the talented professionals involved in the building & refurbishment project of those offices.

After more than 11 years in its offices in the West Wind Building on Harbour Drive, the decision to move out of central George Town was not taken lightly but the opportunity to move to offices tailored to its exact requirements was one which the firm grasped with enthusiasm.
 
The firm started with an empty shell (with exposed metal beams and lacking plumbing, electricity and air conditioning) and engaged a dedicated team of professionals to design and build their offices.  Donal McGrath of BDCL Architects was responsible for the highly -innovative design incorporating a mezzanine floor, bespoke metalwork and cathedral ceilings. The building work was undertaken by Peter Heiss of Benchmark Construction, who not only stepped into the breach to take over the project at the last minute but ensured the refurbishment was completed to the highest possible standard in a timely manner.

Metalworks (Cayman) Ltd was behind one of the offices’ most striking features – the purpose-built steel staircase leading up to the mezzanine level, as well as commissioning a special 40ft steel girder fabricated in and shipped over from the USA. The final piece of the jigsaw was the light and fresh décor designed by Gina Hew of Interior Associates Ltd.

The result is a far cry from the stereotype of an old-fashioned lawyer’s office. The offices are spacious, airy and modern, as well as being uniquely tailored to the needs of a growing law practice. Roger Nelson, the firm’s senior partner, explains “We wanted our offices to reflect the firm’s ethos as a modern law practice, in addition to being a functional working space. We’re very grateful to the many people involved in the project who have helped us achieve our aims.”
 
Roger added that the scope of the project greatly exceeded the typical office fit out and had presented some challenges along the way. However, everyone was very pleased with the outcome and he is confident the move was in the best long term interests of the firm.

Steven Barrie, a partner in the firm, commented that central George Town and the waterfront in particular had evolved over the years to cater primarily to cruise ship passengers and it is no surprise that many businesses, especially those offering professional and financial services are moving away from that area.

Andrew Murray, a partner whose practice relates primarily to investment vehicles, explained that the firm’s new location is ideal for the vast majority of his clients who are located off island and who invariably stay at the hotels along the West Bay Road when visiting Cayman for business.

Both clients and staff have expressed their approval of the new premises, the convenience of the location and the benefit of abundant available parking space around the Strand complex, in stark contrast to the chronic parking shortage in central George Town. The new offices are part of the continued steady growth of Nelson & Company, which continues to build on its strong core practices of corporate law, investment vehicles, property, trusts and maritime law.

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