BIOGRAPHY
Founder of Altus Chambers, Natalie Sandiford, LLB, LEC, LLM, MSc is admitted to practice law in Barbados and the British Virgin Islands. Ms. Sandiford is an experienced lawyer and consultant who has been practicing law since 2005. In addition, she is the founder and Managing Director of Altus Regional Corporate Solutions Ltd which provides business advisory and support services to companies across the Caribbean.
Natalie Sandiford obtained her Bachelor’s of Law from the University of Wolverhampton and Masters Degree in Maritime Law from the University of London. She was awarded the Legal Education Certificate in 2005 by the Eugene Dupuch Law School. In addition, Ms. Sandiford holds a Masters Degree in Management Studies from the University of the West Indies. With over 18 years of professional legal experience, Ms. Sandiford specializes in the areas of maritime, extradition, corporate and financial services law, as well as personal injury litigation.
EXPERIENCE
Barbados
Ms. Sandiford started her career in law in Barbados at Aastra Law in 2005 where she gained significant experience in several practice areas including personal injury litigation and corporate law. Thereafter, she formed her own private practice focusing mainly on personal injury litigation and corporate law. Consequently, Ms. Sandiford has successfully settled numerous personal injury claims, in many cases negotiating substantial 6 and 7 figure settlements for injured clients. Furthermore, she has represented individuals and corporate entities in both contentious and non-contentious matters, including court matters and complex negotiations.
British Virgin Islands
In addition to practicing law in Barbados, Ms. Sandiford served for four years as a Senior Crown Counsel (SCC) in the Attorney General’s Chambers in the British Virgin Islands. As SCC, she provided legal advice to various government departments and had conduct of a number of judicial review, financial crime, and extradition matters. On taking up the role of General Counsel at the British Virgin Islands Ports Authority, she held responsibility for advising on international maritime codes and conventions and shipping contracts. Later, as a Policy Officer in the BVI Governor’s Office, Ms. Sandiford lead on maritime and financial sanctions implementation. Accordingly, Ms. Sandiford has a proven track record for providing sound legal, regulatory and policy advice to clients, including decision makers, corporate entities and individuals alike.
AFFILIATIONS
Natalie Sandiford, Attorney-at-Law is a strong advocate for increasing the presence and participation of women in the maritime and shipping industry. Consequently, she serves as the Vice President of Women in Maritime Association Caribbean (WIMAC) Barbados Chapter. In addition, is a member of the Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists (ACAMS) and the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb).
EDUCATION
DEGREES
LLB (Hons), University of Wolverhampton, 2001
LEC, Eugene Dupuch Law School, 2005
MSc (Mgt), University of the West Indies, 2019
LLM (Maritime Law), University of London, 2022
AREAS OF SPECIALTY
Law of the Sea
Maritime Dispute Settlement
Admiralty Jurisdiction and Ship Arrest
Marine Insurance Claims
III Code Compliance
Ocean Policy
Seafarers Rights
Charterparty Contracts
Berthing Contracts
Ship Construction Contracts
Ship Purchase, Mortgages and Registration
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Slip and Fall Accidents
Employer’s Liability
Occupier’s Liability
Fatal Accidents
Medical Negligence
Company Incorporation
Bankruptcy and Insolvency
Shareholder Agreements
Director and Shareholder Disputes
Regulatory Compliance
Trademark Registration
Arbitration and Mediation
Financial Services Regulation
Franchise Agreements and Disputes
Intellectual Property
Public & Administrative Law
Probate and Administration
