Citywealth Leaders List, 60 second interview – Hannah Diss, Ogier
This week’s 60 seconds Citywealth Leaders List interview is dedicated to Hannah Diss, counsel, Ogier, London, advising on Cayman Islands and British Virgin Islands.
Tell Citywealth readers a bit about your role.
I am a Counsel in Ogier’s Corporate team in London, where I advise on the laws of the Cayman Islands and British Virgin Islands. My practice chiefly covers the European and Middle Eastern markets. I advise on a broad range of corporate matters including public and private M&A, PE work, JVs and family office structures. I also have particular expertise in the aviation and shipping sectors, frequently acting for private banks and UHNW clients on aircraft and vessel ownership structures in Cayman and BVI.
What does a typical day look like for you?
My day begins when my 3-year-old says it does, and mornings tend to be a busy mix of doing the school run with my two daughters whilst responding to any urgent emails which have come in overnight. As a Cayman and BVI lawyer based in a European time zone, my clients prize responsiveness, so it is crucial that I am on top of my inbox at all times. I then brave the Northern Line and head into Ogier’s London office near Liverpool Street. My typical day is a mix between advising clients on the offshore elements of their cross-border deals; planning and strategising potential new business development opportunities; and meeting existing clients to discuss current projects and upcoming needs. My favourite part of my job is the people: I really prize my network and love meeting new faces.
Tell us about some recent, interesting client instructions/requests you have received.
My most glamorous instruction last year was working on the financing of a beautiful new Mangusta Oceano 50, which I later saw in person at the Monaco Yacht Show. Landmark deals from the last 12 months also include advising on a US$2.5 billion equity investment into a top 20 global insurance broker, assisting with a London IPO with a market cap of £60.4 million, and advising on the merger which created SILQ Group, a deal backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and Peter Thiel’s Valar Ventures.
What challenges do your clients face and how are you helping your clients to overcome them?
Being an offshore lawyer, the challenge I am most often trying to solve is providing my clients with timely, commercial and succinct Cayman and BVI advice. We are often feeding into much larger, high-value transactions which short timetables. Offshore lawyers can be the last to know when things change, so the key is to keep your cool under pressure and navigate challenges at high-speed.
What is your proudest professional achievement?
I have a few on the shortlist but, if I had to pick, I am incredibly proud of the CSR work I am involved with at Ogier. I recently spearheaded a new partnership with a homeless shelter near our office where a team of us prepared and served breakfast to over 250 homeless people in East London. It has been an important reminder of what I take for granted, and that there is more to life than deal closings.
I was also promoted to Counsel last year which was a huge achievement. It’s onwards and upwards from here!
What do you consider to be the most important attributes for a leader?
Emotional intelligence, courage, drive and a sense of humour.
Who do you most admire and why?
Dolly Parton (no, really). Her programme ‘The Imagination Library’ provides free books to children from birth to aged 5 all across the world. I find it truly inspiring to see someone use their wealth and influence for such an altruistic cause. Silicon Valley take note!
Where was the last place you travelled to for work or pleasure?
The UAE – I attended an anniversary celebration of Ogier’s Dubai office and tied it into a week of great meetings as we build our Caribbean Corporate offering in the region. There really is nothing to match the entrepreneurial energy of the Gulf right now.
If you weren’t in this industry, what else might you be doing?
I read Oriental Studies at Cambridge University, which is the same as James Bond. As a student I studied Arabic and Russian and lived in Yemen, Cairo, Syria and St. Petersburg. I could tell you what other careers I considered before settling on law, but then I would have to kill you.
How do you relax after a long day?
Playing the piano with a glass of wine. Quality time with my family.
Ogier’s Citywealth Leaders List profile
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