April 2025

LENNOX PATON WELCOMES NEW CONSULTANT AND ANNOUNCES LEADERSHIP CHANGES

NASSAU, The Bahamas – Lennox Paton has announced a new Consultant appointment effective April 1, 2025 and leadership changes in its Financial Services Group effective April 30, 2025. The changes will continue to solidify the firm as a leading commercial law firm in the Bahamas.

Appointment of Justice Jon Isaacs as Consultant

Lennox Paton is pleased to welcome Justice Jon Isaacs to the firm as a Consultant. Justice Isaacs will lend his wealth of expertise to the firm’s practice groups including  litigation, financial services and real estate. Justice Isaac’s appointment will enhance the firm’s current arbitration practice area.

Justice Isaacs demitted office as the President of the Court of Appeal on January 20, 2025, after cultivating a distinguished career in public service, serving as a jurist for over 40 years.

Justice Isaacs was called to The Bahamas Bar in 1984 and joined the Office of the Attorney General. For 13 years, he served in various capacities at the Office of the Attorney General, including Prosecutor, Advisor and Civil Litigation Attorney. Justice Isaacs was then promoted to Assistant Director of Legal Affairs, before his appointment as Chief Magistrate in 1997.

In 2000, Justice Isaacs was appointed as Acting Justice of the Supreme Court before being confirmed as Supreme Court Justice in 2002. In 2009, he was made a Senior Justice of the Supreme Court. Finally in 2014, Justice Isaacs became a Justice of the Court of Appeal before ascending to President of the Court of Appeal.

On Justice Isaacs’ appointment, Lennox Paton, Senior Partner, Brian Simms KC commented, “LXP is extremely fortunate to have Justice Isaacs join the firm. His experience in, and understanding of the law, is renowned. Not only will his talents be used for the benefit of our clients, but he will no doubt serve as an invaluable mentor to our team and a respected figure in shaping the future of legal practice at Lennox Paton.”

Retirement of Michael Paton

After 34 years, Partner, Michael Paton, will retire from the prestigious firm as Head of the firm’s Financial Services Group.

As one of the founding partners of Lennox Paton, Michael Paton has played an integral role in the development of the firm into the leading commercial law firm in The Bahamas. Further, his substantial contributions to the financial services industry of The Bahamas over the years, include acting as a Government Advisor on legislation and policy development regarding the European Union, Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) and Taxation.

On the retirement of Michael Paton, Brian Simms KC, noted: “Michael Paton has been a pillar of Lennox Paton since its inception, guiding the firm with exceptional leadership and insight. His 34 years of service, particularly in shaping the financial services sector of The Bahamas, have left an enduring contribution. We will miss his wisdom and presence at the firm, but his legacy will continue to influence our work for years to come. We wish him all the best in his new endeavour in the banking industry.

The Partners of Lennox Paton thank Michael Paton for his contributions to the firm and are pleased that he will continue to be affiliated with Lennox Paton and will remain an ambassador for the firm. The entire Lennox Paton team wishes him great future success.

Appointments of Michelle Neville-Clarke and Castino Sands

Given Michael Paton’s departure, Partner, Michelle Neville-Clarke will assume head leadership of the Financial Services Group with the assistance of Partner, Castino Sands.

Michelle Neville-Clarke has worked with Michael Paton leading the firm’s Financial Services Group for more than 26 years. She has been a Director of the Bahamas Financial Services Board for a total period of eight years and has spoken at numerous conferences, both locally and internationally. Michelle Neville-Clarke is ranked as a leading lawyer by the International Financial Law Review and is highly ranked by Chambers and Partners. She was also the recipient of the Financial Services Development & Promotional award for her contribution to the development of the Investment Condominium Act and the Ministers Award for outstanding support to the sustainability of the financial services sector.

Castino Sands has been an integral part of the Financial Services Group for almost 20 years. He is consistently recognized as one of the leading financial services practitioners in the jurisdiction. Castino Sands is similarly ranked as highly regarded by the International Financial Law Review and is also ranked by Chambers and Partners. He has collaborated on and contributed to a number of articles published internationally showcasing his experience and knowledge across multiple disciplines in Bahamian financial services. 

Both Michelle Neville-Clarke and Castino Sands are highly recognized and ranked globally in the financial services practice area.

About Lennox Paton

Lennox Paton is a leading offshore, full-service commercial law firm based in Nassau, Bahamas, with a reputation for precedent-setting cases and global recognition. Our lawyers are frequently sought after for international speaking engagements, advisory roles in government, and industry appointed task forces, committees, and statutory bodies. The firm has the most individually ranked attorneys in The Bahamas by Chambers & Partners. Key practice areas include litigation, corporate, financial services, real estate and resort development.