About Us
McKinney, Bancroft & Hughes is one of the largest and oldest firms in The Bahamas
PRACTICE AREAS
© 2025 McKinney Bancroft & Hughes. All Rights Reserved
Today, McKinney, Bancroft & Hughes services its clientele through the expertise of its Attorneys in over 12 practice groups.
Firm Overview
McKINNEY, BANCROFT & HUGHES is one of the largest and oldest firms in The Bahamas and conducts an extensive international and domestic practice from its offices in the cities of Nassau and Freeport. Established in 1945, the Firm’s philosophy of delivering superior levels of service by industry specialists was established by its founding partners, Donald McKinney, Sir Oswald Bancroft and Sir Leonard Knowles. Dr. Colin A. Hughes joined the partnership in 1947 following the departure of Sir Leonard Knowles and the Firm was restyled McKinney, Bancroft & Hughes.
Since its inception McKinney, Bancroft & Hughes has grown from a small practice of three attorneys with a support staff of three to a team of over thirty attorneys with a support staff of more than one hundred. Originally housed in a single office in the Boyle Building, downtown Nassau, in 1990 the firm moved to offices located on George Street in the heart of Nassau. McKinney, Bancroft & Hughes also has offices at Lyford Cay in Western New Providence and in Freeport, the nation’s second city, on the Island of Grand Bahama.
Each client of the firm is the responsibility of an individual lawyer, through whom the collective expertise and resources of the firm become available. While each client’s work is handled on a personal basis, the high degree of interchange of information and cooperation between individual attorneys ensures that the client’s work is effectively supervised and guided within the firm to the appropriate areas of expertise.
The Firm is The Bahamas member of Lex Mundi, a Global Association of over 160 Independent Law Firms that represent over 100 countries. High professional standards of performance and quality representation are the main membership selection criteria. Through the effective and efficient professional association of Lex Mundi, the Firm is able to respond to requirements for legal services throughout the markets of the world and virtually every country.
Founded principally as a corporate and commercial firm, today McKinney, Bancroft & Hughes is engaged in the general practice of law and services its clientele through the expertise of its attorneys in over 12 practice areas.
Our Brand
Depicted by our rings of longevity and our mentor/pupil figures our logo symbolizes our seventy year history and our long transition of education through mentorship.
Rings of Longevity
The outer and inner rings symbolize our age and longevity. Similar to tree rings we see them as marks of maturity. We are proud of our long esteemed history.
Mentor
Our founding partners started a long tradition of mentoring pupils throughout their law careers. Today, education through mentoring is still a hallmark of the firm’s success.
Pupil
The best and brightest come through our halls to be mentored and learn from some of the most experienced and proven lawyers in The Bahamas.
What People Say
John Wilson K.C. evokes high praise from clients, who are unanimously appreciative of his responsiveness. Interviewees describe him as a “fearless advocate,” and also appreciate his “good sense of humour” and the fact that he is “very knowledgeable” about the cases he undertakes.
“John Wilson KC is extremely smart. He can produce the right strategic advice immediately off the top of his head. He is tremendously smart.”
“John Wilson KC is respected and highly regarded.”
Sean Moree is described by commentators as a “very strong litigator and good guy,” and is praised for his “very hands-on” approach. Sources also applaud his “very strong knowledge of the law.” In addition to handling of general commercial disputes, he has specific expertise in insolvency and trust litigation.
“Sean is very responsive and detailed, has a nice attitude and is efficient.”
“Sean is able to analyse matters and disseminate back to us in an easily digestible way.”
“Openness, extensive industry knowledge, understanding of the client’s needs and situation.”
Consultant Campbell Cleare chairs the firm’s practice groups in foreign and local investment and immigration. He is also a popular choice of counsel for transactional matters, including in the real estate field. He was the firm’s lead partner acting for a gated community in regards to a proposed extensive remodelling valued at more than BSD10 million.
“Campbell Cleare is a talented real estate and general corporate counsel who is very adept at drafting contracts, and a very strong advocate, as well as a good negotiator.”
“Highly efficient and knowledgeable of local market. Very prompt in addressing issues raised.”
“Richard Lightbourn is reliable, timely and rational.”
“Gia is a superstar – I don’t know what we would have done without her when we bought our home. She was there for us every step of the way and went out of her way, whether she was staying on top of all of the details, being patient with all of our many questions or making sure we were happy with everything. We were so grateful to have her on our side throughout the whole process.”
“Gia is an up-and-comer who is a really strong drafter and negotiator.”
“Excellent work product. Extensive legal knowledge base, as well as accounting expertise. Easily reached for urgent matters. Conscientious to time sensitive matters. Always engaging.”
“Kevin Moree is an outstanding lawyer who has taken on the legal representation of our company in court with the highest level of dedication and service standards.”
“Kimberley is an excellent attorney. Her knowledge and thorough approach to work engender a sense of confidence that one is well represented.”
“Kimberley is an extremely talented real estate and general corporate counsel, very adept at drafting contracts, a very strong advocate as well and a good negotiator.”
“Vanessa is a very capable up-and-coming lawyer.”
“I have always found her incredibly responsive, very good at ensuring all correspondence and directions are met. She is also really good in terms of identifying issues and assessing them.”
“Vanessa offers critical insights and excellent advocacy skills.”
“She is practical, thoughtful and manages the case diligently and efficiently. She always know what’s going on.”
“She has a very bright future in the law.”
“She is very good to work with – very accommodating and responsive.”
“Michelle is a lawyer that is a rising star. She has great instincts and provides great advice.”
