Rival law firms are boasting about winning awards.

Cains, which is based in Fort Anne, South Quay, Douglas, has been awarded the accolade of ’Law firm of the Year - Isle of Man’ at the Citywealth International Finance Centre Awards in London last week.

Athol Street-based Appleby was nominated for the same award but lost out to Cains.

Now in their ninth year, the annual awards were established to recognised advisers and managers in the private wealth sector across the major international financial centres.

Judged by a panel of industry practitioners, winners are those judged to have excelled in achievement, innovation, expertise and service.

This is the third year that Cains has been named winner of the Isle of Man category, having been awarded the title in 2019 and 2015 as well as being named runner up in 2018.

Cains was shortlisted for the 2020 award alongside five other Isle of Man law firms.

Peter Clucas, managing director of Cains, said: ’We are delighted to have once again been named Isle of Man Law Firm of the Year by Citywealth for the second consecutive year.

’This award is a clear endorsement of our leading reputation within the sector and reflects the hard work, dedication and unparalleled expertise of our team who place the utmost value on providing legal excellence for both local and international clients. I’d like to take this opportunity to say very well done and thank you to every member of the Cains team and to Citywealth and the judging panel for honouring us with this award.’

Meanwhile, Appleby, a law firm with offices in a number of off-shore jurisdictions, was named as ’Law Firm of the Year -Litigation’ at the same event.

That award was not specifically for its work in the Isle of Man.

In addition, Appleby was also named as a runner up in the Law Firm of the Year - Hong Kong and Singapore category, as well as receiving nominations for Law Firm of the Year - Bahamas, Bermuda and Cayman, Law Firm of the Year - Isle of Man and Law Firm of the Year - Jersey.

Carlos de Serpa Pimentel, global group head of Appleby’s private client and trusts department, said: ’Our global presence enables us to provide comprehensive, multi-jurisdictional legal advice at the times most critical to our clients and this recognition is a testament to the strength of our practices.

’Winning this prestigious award, helps highlight the dedication and commitment from our team of experts who consistently deliver the best possible outcome for our clients.’