Shannelle was called to The Bahamas Bar in 2003 and started
Mitre Court as a boutique commercial law firm focused on
creating a new kind of practice; one centered on the new
generation client requiring swift, to-the-point, firmly based
legal analysis and results.
Over the past 10 years, she has developed a robust practice
in the areas of Business, Personal and Real Estate with a
primary emphasis on all matters Real Estate
and Wills and Administration of Estates.
She represents a full range of clients and has extensive
experience in acting in real estate acquisitions and sales,
transaction financing for lenders and borrowers, mortgagee
forced sales, and commercial lease negotiation and drafting
for landlords and tenants. She has also acted for numerous
developers of condominium and gated community projects in New
Providence and has assisted with establishing of a number of
subdivision developments by procuring the necessary government
approvals and preparing governing documentation.
In the area of Wills and Administration of Estates, Shannelle
provides succession planning advice for business owners and
individuals, including all aspects of estate planning: from
wills, wealth preservation and business continuity, to estate
administration and probate applications.
Representative Transactions - Business:
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Acted for major non-Bahamian company and advised in relation to regulatory approvals for the operation and management of a major quasi-governmental entity, obtaining the necessary regulatory approvals for its operation in The Bahamas and assisting with the review and preparation of associated documentation.
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Acted for major Canadian commercial bank in the acquisition of a major Bahamian holding company with an underlying loan portfolio.
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Acted for publicly listed financial institution on a yearly basis with the filing of its Proxy Materials and Annual General Meetings.
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Acted for non-Bahamian company in a debt to equity swap including securing all central bank approvals.
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Acted for foreign corporation in establishing a Bahamian foundation to benefit local educational entities.
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Acted for purchasers in the acquisition of rights to and the operation of a water desalination plant in The Bahamas.
Representative Transactions - Personal:
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Acted for corporate executor in the probate and administration of the multi-million dollar estate of a prominent Bahamian entrepreneur which included testamentary trusts, ongoing charities and business concerns.
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Acted for administrator (surviving spouse) of an estates in successfully exercising her right to acquire the matrimonial home from heirs of the estate pursuant to the Inheritance Act, 2002.
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Acted for administrator in securing Letters of Administration Pendente Lite (Immediate interim probate) to ensure multi-million dollars assets of the estate were safeguarded.
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Acted for South African executor in settling a contentious estate having worldwide assets to be called in and distributed.
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Acted for beneficiary of an estate in Citation Application to force executor to probate the estate or be removed.
Representative Transactions - Real Estate:
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Acted for trustee of several Bahamian trusts in the sale of a real estate for a private resort development in The Bahamas.
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Acted for executor in the division of 168 acre tract of land between 9 family factions in unequal shares.
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Acted for developer of a two-phase 12 Unit condominium complex in New Providence.
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Acted for developer in the sale of single units comprised in a triplex (non-condominiumized).
Legislative Contributions:
If you have a case that requires a lawyer with experience, the respect of her peers and a creative edge, call Shannelle Smith at her Sandyport office, 242-327-4150, or contact her via email today.
