John Bisson

John Bisson is a partner in the Property department of the firm and practices in the Jersey office.

John joined Appleby in 1971, and became a partner when he qualified as a Jersey Solicitor in 1987. He is a member of the Global Management Company Board, former Chairman of the Executive Board and former Chairman of Appleby Global Group LLC.

John Bisson specialises in commercial and residential property development and has advised on many major and innovative commercial property developments in Jersey. He is widely acknowledged as the leading commercial property practitioner in the Island.

John was described as "a very able advocate" by Legal 500 UK 2011 edition. John was singled out as "excellent technically but also extremely commercial" in Legal 500 UK 2010 edition. John was named as a ‘Leader in his Field’ by Chambers Europe 2011 and 2010. He was listed as “a leading light in property law” by Chambers Global 2009, described as “knowledgeable and diplomatic”. The directory went on to commend him for his skill at handling “even the most difficult and complex transactions”. He was recognised as a leading individual for commercial property by Legal 500 UK 2008 and 2009, described as a “top property lawyer”, and “extremely commercial and a very able advocate on difficult matters”.

John is a member of, and was previously President of the Law Society of Jersey.

Some recent examples of his work include advising:

• Dandara in its acquisition, for residential development, of the site of the existing Jersey Dairy, for a minimum consideration of £12 million. This high-profile and complex transaction has the benefit of enabling the vendor to invest in a new, custom-built dairy facility
  
  
  
• Dandara on its ‘Castle Quay’ development, comprising approximately 300 apartments together with commercial units and public spaces. In addition to the complex structuring and sales work, Appleby concluded the land acquisition from Waterfront Enterprise Board Limited together with a £70 million loan facility from HSBC Bank plc and Lloyds TSB Offshore Limited
  
  
  
• A new client, the FSA-registered investment company Hotbed Limited, in its acquisition from Legal and General Assurance Society Limited of the Jersey headquarters of SG Hambros for £12.5 million
  
  
  
• JCN Investments (Jersey) Limited in connection with a pre-let agreement with, and the subsequent leases to, the Ogier Group in respect of its new office development at 44 Esplanade, St Helier. Then instructed by the same client John advised in an innovative disposal of a part of the development and the refinancing of the residue. The flagship development is over 98,000 square feet and designed to meet exacting BREEAM sustainability requirements
  
  
  
• ESP45 Limited, who are new clients, in their acquisitions of 45 and 47 Esplanade, St Helier, a substantial investment property, from Legal and General Assurance Society Limited for a combined consideration of £15.5 million