RL: YOU HAVE RECENTLY JOINED THE TEAM AT PRIESTLEYS. CAN YOU TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT THE FIRM AND YOUR ROLE THERE?  

LM: I’m delighted to have joined Priestleys. It is a genuine privilege to be part of such a dynamic and highly regarded firm here in Cayman.

Established in 2007 by Daniel Priestley, the firm is a boutique, full-service practice offering a comprehensive range of legal services, including real estate, construction, development and planning, immigration, corporate and commercial, restructuring
and insolvency, litigation and dispute resolution, and family law.

In my role, I am focused on leading and supporting the growth of the real estate team. I will continue to specialise in real estate, development, construction and planning, and property finance, bringing both sector experience and a commercially grounded perspective to the practice.

RL: WHAT ATTRACTED YOU TO THIS ROLE AND WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE GOALS?

LM: Stepping into a leadership role within such a talented and dynamic team was particularly meaningful. Development and construction law has traditionally been seen as a demanding and competitive sector, so being part of a firm where collaboration, expertise and high standards are genuinely valued is both refreshing and inspiring. The team’s shared commitment to excellence, professionalism and client care strongly aligns with how I practise.

I am proud to work in an environment where strong leadership is visible and influential. There is a natural emphasis on clear communication, attention to detail and emotional intelligence, underpinned by strategic and commercial thinking.

For me, it is also important to encourage greater representation and fresh talent across the development and construction side of the industry. I am looking forward to creating opportunities for connection through industry events, bringing together professionals across real estate, construction and development to share knowledge and support the next generation.

RL: WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO SPECIALISE IN PROPERTY LAW?  

LM: I grew up immersed in the world of construction and property. With both my grandfather and father working in major UK and overseas construction firms, and my mother as a realtor, it was always part of daily life.

While most children play with dolls, I was surrounded by toy dump trucks and cranes, which perhaps says everything about the direction my career would take.

What I enjoy most is the client relationships and the fast-paced nature of the work. There is real satisfaction in helping clients navigate significant life or business milestones. Closing a deal or resolving a complex issue never loses its appeal.

RL: PRIOR TO MOVING TO THE CAYMAN ISLANDS, WHAT WAS YOUR CAREER TRAJECTORY?  

LM: I completed my training contract at a highly regarded UK law firm, gaining hands-on experience across residential conveyancing, commercial property, landlord and tenant matters, and property finance.

After qualifying as a solicitor in England and Wales, I specialised in property law and built a strong UK practice advising top-20 PLC housebuilders, local developers
and contractors. I progressed into senior leadership roles, including partner and Head of Property positions, where I led large residential and development teams.

My work has spanned major infrastructure projects, new towns and large-scale mixed-use developments across both public and private sectors.

I also spent several years working in-house for a developer and contractor, serving as the sole female director on the board. That experience provided invaluable commercial insight and shaped the pragmatic approach I now bring to advising clients.

RL: WHAT CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT THE TEAM AND THEIR EXPERTISE?

LM: The team includes our founder, Daniel Priestley, who is widely recognised for his expertise in commercial property and his involvement in some of the largest development and infrastructure projects in Cayman, including the redevelopment
of the George Town Port.

Our team also includes Deidre Garcia-Daniel, a Cayman Islands attorney born and raised in Cayman, and Michelle Taylor, also Caymanian, both of whom focus
on real estate and local practice.

Together they bring a strong blend of international experience and local insight. Deidre’s work also extends to key local services such as Trade and Business Licensing, immigration, work permits and wills.

Within the wider team, Rachel Kelly specialises in litigation and property dispute resolution, adding further depth to the firm’s offering.

RL: PRIESTLEYS EMPHASISES A BOUTIQUE APPROACH. WHAT DOES THIS MEAN IN REAL TERMS FOR CLIENTS?

LM: It means clients receive highly personalised, specialist advice directly from experienced lawyers.

Whatever we’re advising on, our focus is always on delivering clear, tailored guidance shaped to each client’s circumstances.

Clients benefit from direct access to senior expertise, bespoke strategies and transparent, flexible billing throughout.

The real advantage of a boutique firm is the ability to move quickly, with clear accountability and strong, lasting client relationships.

RL: FOR MANY, PURCHASING PROPERTY IN CAYMAN IS BOTH A LIFESTYLE INVESTMENT AND A FINANCIAL ONE. WHERE DO YOU SEE CLIENTS NEEDING THE MOST GUIDANCE RIGHT NOW?

LM: Clients are looking for clarity. In particular, how title, strata arrangements and intended use, whether for personal use, short-term rental or long-term investment, align with their wider financial and family planning goals.

For those new to Cayman, there is often a need for reassurance around process, timing and legal protections. Guidance on contract terms, particularly with off-plan developments, is increasingly important, as is advice around deposit protection, financing contingencies and the conveyancing framework.

Understanding Permanent Residency pathways, stamp duty and closing costs is also key to ensuring buyers can proceed with confidence.

Legal advice today is less about resolving issues after the fact and more about helping clients enter transactions fully informed, with a clear view of both lifestyle benefits and long-term implications.

We are also seeing growing interest in emerging areas such as tokenisation of real estate, fractional ownership and blockchain-enabled structures, which is an exciting space for future growth.

RL: OUTSIDE WORK, WHAT ACTIVITIES OR NEW INTERESTS DO YOU HOPE TO PURSUE IN CAYMAN?

LM: I am looking forward to spending time offshore fishing, which has always been a passion.

I am also keen to explore Cayman’s reefs through snorkelling and to make the most of the island’s waters. Alongside that, I hope to become involved in local volunteering, particularly beach clean-ups and environmental initiatives.