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. Furthermore, she is the founder and Managing Director of Altus Regional Consulting Solutions (Caribbean) Ltd which provides business advisory, training, 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 20 years of professional legal experience, Ms. Sandiford specializes in the areas of maritime, 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 led on maritime and financial sanctions implementation.
Ms. Sandiford continues to build up her maritime law practice, advising clients on international maritime codes and conventions, as well as domestic legislation, such as the Merchant Shipping Act, Barbados. 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 member of the Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists and is a holder of the CAMS designation, reflecting her commitment to combating financial crime and promoting transparency and integrity within the financial sector. Through Altus Regional Consulting Solutions, Natalie coordinates AML compliance webinars and workshops for financial institutions and Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions (DNFBPs) across the Caribbean, fostering regional capacity-building and awareness.
Natalie is also a strong advocate for increasing the presence and participation of women in the maritime and shipping industry. She is the President of Women in Maritime Association Caribbean (WIMAC) Barbados Chapter.
Beyond her professional pursuits, Natalie has a deep passion for art, fashion, architecture, and design. She is a certified interior decorator and a proud member of Certified Interior Decorators International. She is also a passionate advocate for climate action and serves as the Executive Director of Altus Climate Action Now.
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
Marine Insurance Claims
III Code Compliance
Ocean Policy
Seafarers Rights
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Slip and Fall Accidents
Employer’s Liability
Occupier’s Liability
Fatal Accidents
Company Incorporation
Shareholder Agreements
Regulatory Compliance
Trademark Registration
Arbitration and Mediation
Financial Services Regulation
Franchise Agreements and Disputes
Intellectual Property
Public & Administrative Law
Probate and Administration
