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Nick Cruz

Nick’s legal practice is varied, with particular focus on dispute resolution and corporate and commercial work. Called to the Bar of England & Wales in 1990 and the Bar of Gibraltar in 1991, he remains a practicing Barrister with regular appearances before the Gibraltar Supreme Court and its appeal courts, the Court of Appeal and the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council (in essence the UK’s Supreme Court). Nick is a highly regarded professional and a recommended individual in Legal 500 and Chambers Global
Nick’s legal experience over 30 years has meant that he has represented claimant or defendant in many different matters and he has considerable experience in various practice areas. Some of his more recent work included:

Representing a leading (big four) international accountancy practice in relation to:

  • the liquidation of an international law firm and the bankruptcies of the partners, including in excess of 14 appearances before the Supreme Court, 6 appearances before the Court of Appeal and an appearance before the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council (Lords Neuberger, Wilson, Reed, Carnwath and Toulson);
    • co-coordinating the liquidation of an international network of companies and SPV’s across 7 jurisdictions including asset tracing, recovery, obtaining of world-wide freezing injunctions and the instruction of lawyers and council in numerous jurisdictions. This has involved more than 6 appearances before Supreme Court;

Representing the interests of International Banks and Insurance companies in insolvency matters in the Supreme Court involving liquidations of EU Insurance companies;
Representing individuals and companies subject to regulatory investigation or enforcement by Gibraltar’s Financial Services Commission including appearing before the “Decision Making Committee” under the 2019 Financial Services Act;
Representing Mortgagees, owners, cargo owners and crew in admiralty matters, involving the arrest of both commercial vessels and Super Yachts instructed by specialist London and international admiralty practices. This has involved numerous appearances before the Supreme Court;
Representing a leading international insurer, instructed by a London magic circle firm in a fatal accident case involving dozens of claims, several Supreme Court actions and mediations;
Unfair Dismissal and Bullying Actions, acting for employers and employees in the Industrial Tribunal and Appeal Courts;
Advising on various M&A’s and establishment of compliant international and EU tax structures in Gibraltar including for head office or parent subsidiary purposes;
Consideration and advising on FATCA, CRS and other international tax and exchange of information initiatives.

Nick is Trust and Estates Practitioner (TEP) and a licensed Insolvency Practitioner for voluntary liquidations.

Nick is also the current Chairman of the Gibraltar Finance Centre Council elected in June 2021, a Government policy advisory committee having been the Chairman or Vice Chairman of the Association of Trust and Company Managers (ATCOM) for circa 20 years. Nick chairs other committees including the Insolvency Working Group that recommends and drafts C19 emergency measures and the Personal Status Committee appointed by Gibraltar’s Chief Minister, The Hon Fabian Picardo QC that advises Her Majesty’s Government of Gibraltar on residency and related issues. Nick also serves on the Panel of the Office of Fair Trading.

Nick is a non-executive director of Savills Gibraltar and a Director of the Acquarius Trust Group

Nick is married, has 3 children, and his hobbies include sailing, and Shotokan Karate.

Nick’s thoughts on law and practice can be summarised as follows:

“In today’s global market, it is not sufficient to view any business or legal problem in isolation and provide an academic response. To be a good lawyer or business man today, we must provide a practical, realistic and cost-effective solution that can be implemented as quickly as possible to ensure minimum disruption to our clients. The solution must be principled, yet sensitive to commercial needs, there must be life beyond any challenge and problems should be viewed as possible opportunities if the right solution can be found.”