About Me – Ian Watts Gibraltar Lawyer

Ian Watts – providing legal services in Gibraltar since 2002

Ian Watts read law at University in England. As part of his post-graduate training, he undertook the Bar Vocational Course at the former Inns of Court School of Law in London, following which – in 2002, he was admitted as a barrister in Gibraltar.

By virtue of being called to the Gibraltar Bar – Gibraltar’s legal profession being essentially “fused” (as is the case, for example, in the Commonwealth of Australia), counsel is entitled to practise as both a barrister as well as an acting solicitor of the Supreme Court of Gibraltar. Ian Watts has therefore practised as both a barrister and acting solicitor in Gibraltar ever since his admission in 2002. He is also an elected member of the Board of the Law Council of Gibraltar, which is a body corporate established under the provisions of the Gibraltar Legal Services Act 2017.

In terms of dispute resolution, Ian’s caseload has comprised primarily civil and commercial litigation, with a residual practice in the criminal law. He has made appearances before the hierarchy of Gibraltar’s Law Courts -from the Magistrates’ Court, Supreme Court to the Gibraltar Court of Appeal. Ian has also gained the invaluable experience of having worked alongside leading London Silks. He has also dealt with appeals from Gibraltar to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council in London.

On the non-contentious side of his practice, Ian has experience in advising local and international clients in general Gibraltar commercial law matters – which include the acquisition of Gibraltar real estate and the obtaining of special tax residency in Gibraltar – in particular, “Gibraltar Cat 2 Status”.

Ian Watts has a particular interest in:

Gibraltar Civil & Commercial Litigation (including asset recovery proceedings);
Gibraltar Commercial Law; and
Comparative Law (primarily, the laws of Gibraltar when compared to those pertaining to the overseas territories that form part of the English common law family).

For further information about Gibraltar Law please contact Ian Watts, Barrister-at-Law & Acting Solicitor.