The Team

Christopher Hamel-Smith S.C.

Chris represents clients in Trinidad & Tobago, Barbados, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, St. Kitts & Nevis, Belize and other Caribbean jurisdictions.

The majority of Chris’ work involves dispute resolution and litigation for business clients, particularly in the Financial, Energy, Telecommunications/ Information Technology and Sports/Entertainment sectors.

He is also frequently engaged in significant Constitutional and public law litigation.

Appointed Senior Counsel (“Silk”) in 2003, Chris regularly acts as lead Counsel before the Courts and in Arbitrations.

Chambers Global has ranked Chris as a leading business lawyer in Trinidad & Tobago (Band 1) for the last 10 consecutive years.

On days off, Chris likes to swim in the ocean, surround himself with family and friends and listen to Calypso music (preferably all at the same time).

David Hamel-Smith

David is primarily focused on dispute resolution and litigation. David’s work involves commercial litigation, public law, and bankruptcy matters spanning Trinidad, Barbados, St. Vincent and St. Kitts & Nevis.

In recent years David has been centrally involved with several substantial matters including: the litigation of a shareholder dispute in a multi-million dollar business; the successful mediation of an employment dispute involving the head of a regional business; the judicial review of a boundaries dispute which was central to a general election; and the representation of a trustee in a contentious bankruptcy matter. 

Outside of the office, David enjoys spending time at the beach with his wife and two boys. He is also an avid fisherman. David and Paul share a boat (Mamzelle) on which they enjoy competing in regional fishing tournaments.

Benjamin Norris

Ben is responsible for the Transactional department at Hamel-Smith Caribbean. He focuses on Corporate & Commercial matters including the provision of Company Services such as formation, shareholding & secretarial services. Ben also handles the firm’s Real Estate transactions including conveyancing and secured lending. His Commercial portfolio ranges from Insurance Law to Mergers & Acquisitions. 

Prior to joining Hamel-Smith Caribbean, Ben initially spent six years as a Litigation Associate before becoming the General Counsel for a large regional group of companies based in Barbados. His purview included 10+ jurisdictions and 1000+ employees which afforded him the opportunity to develop a wide range of commercial competencies. 

Ben ultimately aims to be less lawyer and more “trusted advisor” and applies his diverse business background to finding commercially viable solutions for the Firm’s clients. 

Outside of being an Attorney, Ben is a proud husband and father of two boys. He is also an avid Motorsport enthusiast – when he’s not in the office you will find him either pulling navigator duties in a rally car or driving through the mud in an off-road competition.

Paul Hamel-Smith

Paul straddles the litigation/dispute resolution and transactional/corporate departments at Hamel-Smith Caribbean. Although still early in his career, Paul has already worked on several substantial litigation matters as well as provided clients with key corporate and transactional services. 

Paul enjoys spending time with his wife and two daughters, surfing, and is also a talented fisherman. He regularly captains his fishing team in regional tournaments.

Amanda Goddard

Amanda is responsible for keeping Hamel-Smith Caribbean on track as the premium boutique law firm in the Caribbean. Amanda manages the day-to-day logistics of the firm and also provides key support as a Legal Assistant.

Amanda has over 10 years’ experience assisting with Civil Litigation matters as well as Corporate & Commercial matters, including conveyancing and managing the corporate secretarial work for a large regional group of companies.  

When Amanda is not in office she is likely on a hiking trail or crossing another destination off her travel list.