The new venture, which marks Keystone's first foray outside of the mainland UK, will blend existing Keystone solicitors with locally-sourced legal talent into a new team of 10 advocates and legal practitioners. Several lawyers have been sourced from Isle of Man firm Cains, including former director of Cains' London office Geoff Kermeen, who will now head Keystone's Isle of Man offering. Mr Kermeen has described the new venture as a 'revolutionary' next step in boosting the range of legal services on offer on the Isle of Man. Under what is effectively a revenue-sharing franchise model, the firm will be able to offer competitive rates for local clients while also maintaining full access to the resources and support on offer at Keystone's mainland UK base. Lawyers will offer services on a 'mobile' basis, working from client offices or even from home.
Prototype
In 2012, Keystone unveiled an international expansion plan that included potential new offices in Australia, Italy, France, South Africa and Israel. The latest Isle of Man offering will be a working prototype of the model that Keystone is expected to roll-out internationally over the coming years, wherein the firm will provide key business support to local hubs without pursuing ownership. Sources: The Lawyer; Manx Radio; PR Newswire
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