Sean McWeeney, KC
Consultant Counsel
Sean McWeeney KC, is a Consultant Counsel and Chair Emeritus of the firm’s Financial Services, Private Client, Trusts and Estates Practice Group. He specializes in trusts and corporate law.
He represents domestic and international high net worth individuals and fiduciaries in a broad range of complex matters including trusts and estates administration and litigation and family business governance. In addition, Sean advises institutional and private families on complex corporate matters including restructurings and Bahamian tax matters. He is a recognised author on both legal and historical matters and regularly speaks at national and international conferences.
Sean is recognised by the prestigious London-based Chambers and Partners as a top ranked attorney in the High Net Worth (HNW) Offshore Trusts Sector and Chambers Global General Business Law. He holds the distinction of a Band 1 ranking in both areas, which is the highest individual ranking.
Chambers Review (HNW): Sean McWeeney KC, is a “well-established name” in the market. One peer says: “He is one of the best offshore lawyers across the board and certainly the go-to person for Bahamas work. He has handled some huge cases and the market unanimously sees him as the best private client lawyer in the Bahamas. He is very sophisticated, has great judgement and is very thoughtful and charismatic.” A market insider enthuses: “He is remarkable. He is hands-down still the guru. He is a champion of the industry and the island.”
Chambers Review (Global): Sean McWeeney KC remains a widely respected figure, and is particularly known for his skills in trusts and estates and private wealth matters. Industry sources praise his way of “very proficiently manoeuvring clients through bureaucratic systems.” One commentator added: “He’s in a class of his own.”
Practice Areas
Admissions
- The Bahamas Bar, 1978
- The Inner Bar (Queen’s Counsel), 2009
Awards
- Chambers and Partners, Band 1 Attorney, Chambers Global – General Business Law (2024 and 2023)
- Chambers and Partners, Leading Lawyer (Band 1), High Net Worth (HNW), Offshore Trusts Sector (2023)
- Chambers and Partners, Band 1 Attorney, Chambers Global – General Business Law (2022, 2021 and 2020)
- Chambers and Partners, Leading Lawyer (Band 1), High Net Worth (HNW), Offshore Trusts Sector (2022, 2021 and 2020)
- Chambers and Partners, Band 1 Attorney, Chambers Global – General Business Law (2019, 2018, 2017)
- Chambers and Partners, Leading Lawyer (Band 1), High Net Worth (HNW), Offshore Trusts Sector (2019, 2018, 2017)
- Chambers and Partners, Band 1 Attorney, Chambers Global – General Business Law (2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012)
- Appointed one of Her Majesty’s Counsel (Queen’s Counsel), 2009
- Bahamas Silver Jubilee Medal for “Outstanding Contribution to National Development in the Area of Law”, 1998
- Citiwealth Offshore Leaders List as one of the Caribbean’s leading lawyers in wealth management
Community Involvement
- Chairman, The Clifton Heritage Authority, Bahamas, 2003-2007
Public Service
- Attorney General of the Bahamas, 1989–1992
- Bahamas Senator, 1985–1992
- Leader of the Government in the Bahamas Senate, 1991-1992
- Chairman, The Bahamas Judicial Review Commission, 2000 and 2005
- Chairman, The Steering and Implementation Committees for the Re-Structuring and Modernization of the Royal Bahamas Police Force
- Chairman, Transition Team for the new Government of the Bahamas, 2002, and 2012
- Member, Bahamas National Security Council, 2003-2007
- Chairman, Bahamas Constitutional Commission, 2012-2017
- Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas to the Holy See (The Vatican) 2014 –
Speaking Engagements
- “Some Reflections on the Reality and the Vision for Bahamian Financial Services”, AML/CFT Conference, Baha Mar, Nassau, The Bahamas [September 2018]
- “What Now? Survival and Adaptation Strategies for Offshore Financial Centres” (STEP Caribbean Conference, 2014)
- “Getting Rid of Trusts and moving Towards Companies Limited by Guarantee Without a Share Capital as Trust Substitutes” (STEP, 2013)
- “Protectors and Trust Disputes” (OPC Trust Law Conference, 2011)
- “Trust Fundamentals – Back to Basics”, (STEP Trust Immersion Seminar, 2010)
- “International Asset Protection Planning and Domestic Creditor Recovery Tactics: Two Mock Trials” (STEP Canada, Osgoode Hall, University of Toronto, 2008 – served as trial judge)
- “The Effectiveness of Statutory Provisions Outlawing Forced Heirship Claims” (STEP Caribbean Conference, Panama, 2008)
- “The Rule in Hastings-Bass – Help for Trustees Who Make Mistakes” (STEP Bahamas, 2007)
Publications
- Investment Funds Global Practice Guide, “Law and Practice” in The Bahamas [April 2019]
- “Creditor Protection Trusts under Bahamian Law” (monograph, 1993)
Membership
- The Bahamas Bar Association
- Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP)
