New law firm Chancery Legal today opens its doors for business.

The new practice — with a total of six lawyers, including politicians Mark Pettingill and Shawn Crockwell — will focus on civil and criminal litigation, matrimonial and family law, as well as real estate, probate, gaming and shipping.

Katie Richards, director of matrimonial and family law, said: “We are a dynamic legal team offering a fresh approach to legal services.

“We have all had successful careers working in large firms on the island.

“We decided to join forces to create our own law firm to offer a more flexible and personal approach to clients.”

Mr Pettingill, a former OBA Attorney General, and Mr Crockwell, an ex-OBA MP turned Independent and a former government minister, will head up the litigation department at the new firm, which is based in Hamilton’s Reid Street.

Mr Pettingill, who set up his own firm last year, said: “Given the growth of my practice, I decided to join forces with other attorneys to form Chancery Legal Ltd. We are an innovative team offering a results-driven approach.”

Mathew Kelly, director of real estate, added: “Each director works closely with a client to ensure highly-personalised and responsive advice.

“The firm’s ethos is to be accessible and, importantly, to deal with matters in a cost-effective manner.”

Mr Pettingill and Mr Crockwell will be assisted by Grant Spurling, an associate in the litigation department, who formerly worked at Appleby and also advises on corporate administration and compliance matters.

Dennis Dwyer, a 40-year veteran of the profession who was a founding partner of law firm Wakefield Quin, will act as senior consultant, specialising in litigation in the areas of civil, commercial, corporate and reinsurance law, as well as probate and trust-related matters.

Chancery Legal also has a link-up with Harbor View Corporate Services Ltd, which offers corporate and secretarial services to local and international companies.

Mr Crockwell said: “We have all excelled in our respective areas of practice and collectively we are striving to achieve a reputation that puts Chancery Legal Ltd at the forefront of legal services providers.”