Appleby‘s dispute practice team is highly regarded, described as ‘professional, diligent, and well-respected by the judges in Bermuda’. The group represents a diverse range of parties in high-value, multi-jurisdictional litigation and mediation, as well as regulatory and corporate governance matters, including policy wordings. Leading the team is John Wasty, who is noted as ‘rightly in very high demand’ and specialises in commercial litigation, restructurings, fund claims, insolvencies and regulatory affairs, both domestically and internationally. Hannah Tildesley is a specialist in international commercial litigation, with a focus on funds and contentious trust disputes. Counsel Lalita Vaswani, known for her ‘pragmatic and diligent approach‘, supports the team’s corporate litigation, particularly in restructuring and insolvency matters. Khiyara Krige specialises in (re)insurance disputes and corporate litigation, while Sam Riihiluoma‘s expertise lies in civil and commercial litigation, with a strong track record in regulatory affairs, contractual disputes, and professional liability claims.
Dispute resolution in Bermuda
Appleby
Responsables de la pratique:
John Wasty
Les références
‘The Appleby team is a delight to work with. They are professional, diligent and well-respected by the judges in Bermuda. Always exceptionally hard-working and consider the details.’
‘The insolvency team at Appleby Bermuda is second to none. We’ve been working with them to try to recover on a defaulted loan. This collection effort required a global response (with assets in multiple jurisdictions), and Appleby was able to organise, assemble and lead a global team of lawyers working to achieve results on our behalf. In each instance, we’ve found the lawyers to be thoughtful, prepared and thorough. We could not have achieved as good as result as we did were it not for Appleby.’
‘John Wasty – rightly in very high demand; extremely experienced and exceptionally good on client management. I will recommend John to anyone litigating in Bermuda.’
Principaux clients
Jardine Matheson Holdings Limited
Petroleos de Venezuela SA
Former Shareholders of NKWE Platinum Limited
Argus Insurance Company Limited
Bermuda Environmental Sustainability Taskforce BEST
Principaux dossiers
- Acting for Jardine Matheson Holdings Limited in litigation arising from the merger between Jardine Matheson Holding Limited and Jardine Strategic Holdings Limited relating to prices offered for shares in the merger.
- Instructed by the estate of a wealthy Taiwanese businessman in claims relating to the validity of trusts.
- Representing PDVSA in a dispute relating to the liquidation of its former captive PDV Insurance Company Ltd.
Carey Olsen Bermuda Limited
From handling multi-party, cross-jurisdictional litigation to domestic claims, the ‘broad and deep’ dispute resolution practice at Carey Olsen Bermuda Limited has expertise in the full range of disputes, with notable experience in insolvencies, employment claims, restructurings and high-net-worth family law disputes. Michael Hanson, who has significant expertise in multi-jurisdictional crisis management work and regulatory investigations, co-heads the practice alongside the ‘incredibly hardworking’ Keith Robinson, who is an experienced trust litigator. Regulatory specialist Kyle Masters, multi-national civil and commercial disputes specialist Sam Stevens, and employment expert Jay Webster are also key names to note in the practice, while Claire van Overdijk KC took silk in 2023.
Responsables de la pratique:
Michael Hanson; Keith Robinson
Autres avocats clés:
Matthew Watson; Kyle Masters; Sam Stevens; Jay Webster; Claire van Overdijk KC; Honor Desmond-Tetlow; Ashley Fife
Les références
‘Carey Olsen offers client care that is second to none on the island.’
‘Michael Hanson is the most commercially-minded lawyer in Bermuda. He is solution oriented and innovative while providing sound advice.’
‘Keith Robinson is my go-to lawyer in Bermuda – practical, commercial, incredibly hard-working and great fun to work with.’
Principaux clients
BCT Limited
Annuity & Life Re Limited and Pope Asset Management LLP
Mexico Infrastructure Finance LLC
Fidelity National Title Insurance Company Limited
NewOcean Energy Holdings Ltd
Trump Panama Hotel Management LLC and Trump International Hotels Management, LLC
JetBlue Airways Corporation et al
Alcority Services Limited
Bermuda Electric Light Company Limited
Fortitude Re Limited
Granville Technology Group Limited (In liquidation); VMT Limited (In liquidation); OT Computers Limited (In liquidation)
Principaux dossiers
- Representing BCT Limited, the trustee appointed as a result of the Court of Appeal decision in February 2021 in relation to a very substantial Bermuda trust matter.
- Acting for two Plaintiffs, Bermuda and Delaware investment companies, in Bermuda Supreme Court proceedings arising out of alleged breaches of a settlement agreement entered into following a long-running minority shareholder oppression claim that concluded in the Bermuda Court of Appeal.
- Represented Mexico Infrastructure Finance LLC which was the lender to Par-La-Ville Hotel and Residences Ltd in respect of a failed scheme to develop a hotel in Bermuda.
Conyers
With a ‘pre-eminent position in the marketplace,’ the team at Conyers has an experienced and comprehensive litigation practice, which handles high-profile, multi-national commercial litigation, trust disputes and insolvency matters. Practice chair Christian Luthi offers ‘high-quality legal advice and practical applications’, particularly regarding appraisals, insolvencies, insurance claims and commercial matters. Ben Adamson, a recognised leader in trust litigation, further adds to the team, alongside the ‘masterful, unflappable and strategic ’ Jeffrey Elkinson, who has expertise in trust, insurance and construction litigation. Other key contacts within the firm include insolvency expert and director Rhys Williams, and counsel Jonathan O’Mahony, alongside senior associate Britt Smith, and the ‘super bright’ Judith Roche.
Responsables de la pratique:
Christian Luthi
Autres avocats clés:
Ben Adamson; Jeffrey Elkinson; Rhys Williams; Jonathan O’Mahony; Britt Smith; Judith Roche
Les références
‘Conyers is probably the best firm in Bermuda for commercial and chancery type disputes involving companies and trusts.’
‘Christian Luthi, Jonathan O’Mahony and Rhys Williams – Very high-quality legal advice and practical application. Bags of experience, real skill in advocacy, both written and oral. All three are highly recommended.’
‘The Conyers team has a pre-eminent position in the marketplace. It is highly responsive, knowledgeable and practical, with an excellent perspective on developing issues in the offshore world.’
Principaux clients
Seadrill Limited
HSBC
The Bank of N.T. Butterfield & Son Limited
KPMG
E&Y
Viking Cruises
American International Company Limited (AIG)
Bacardi International
Chubb Limited
RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd
Bermuda Monetary Authority
Principaux dossiers
- Acting for Seadrill Limited in relation to the restructuring of the third-largest global offshore drilling concern, which entered into Chapter 11 proceedings in the US and initiated parallel winding up proceedings in Bermuda.
Walkers
Described as willing to ‘move heaven and earth to deliver for clients’, the insolvency and dispute practice at Walkers routinely handles a broad range of cross-border contentious proceedings, encompassing insurance, insolvency and commercial litigation. Practice co-head Kevin Taylor frequently takes on cases before the Supreme Court of Bermuda and the Bermuda Court of Appeal, specialising in commercial disputes involving high-value asset recovery work, corporate governance issues and liquidation proceedings. Fellow co-head Peter Dunlop has notable experience in complex insurance arbitrations, often with a multi-jurisdictional dimension. The team also benefits from experienced commercial litigation, insolvency and trusts disputes lawyer Steven White; senior associate Nicholas Howard, who has a strong background in public law and commercial disputes matters; and associate Izabella Arnold, who is noted for her ‘encyclopedic knowledge’.
Responsables de la pratique:
Kevin Taylor; Peter Dunlop
Autres avocats clés:
Steven White; Nicholas Howard; Izabella Arnold
Les références
‘A strong team across the whole range of capabilities, specialisms and skill sets which collaborates and works well to provide a seamless excellent service to the client.’
‘Peter Dunlop, partner, is a punchy litigator with strong adversarial skills a very good strategic and tactical nous and very sound judgment upon whom clients can rely with confidence.’
‘I have found the Walkers team extremely easy to work with. They are collaborative, quick to volunteer solutions and to take full ownership of matters. They approach the matter in an innovative way, proposing clear strategic thinking and guidance. The team clearly works well together and is able to draw on the wider expertise of the Walkers’ office to support, where needed and in the best interests of the client.’
Principaux clients
Credit Suisse Life (Bermuda)
Alvarez Marsal Asia Limited
Athene Holding Ltd.
BlockFi International Ltd.
CITGO Petroleum Corporation
Bermuda Monetary Authority
Credit Suisse Insurance Linked Strategies Limited
Deloitte Advisory Ltd
EY (Bermuda) Ltd and EY (Cayman) Ltd
Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited (HSBC)
Jewel Bank
Norwegian Cruise Lines
PriceWaterhouseCoopers
Princess Cruise Lines
Shandong Steel
Teneo Bermuda
UNION INTERNATIONALE DES TRANSPORTS ROUTIERS
Principaux dossiers
- Represented BlockFi International Ltd. in relation to the ongoing restructuring of the BlockFi group of companies being primarily conducted out of the US Chapter 11 proceedings.
- Advised the joint provisional liquidators of Genting Hong Kong Limited and Dream Cruises Holding Limited on a significant insolvency in the cruise ship industry.
- Represented Credit Suisse Life (Bermuda) Limited in the appeal of a damages judgment to pay $607m to bank client after the Chief Justice ruled in March 2022 that CSLB had turned a “blind eye” to a convicted fraudster’s misuse of money.
Kennedys
Recognised for its ‘international footprint and robust local insurance practice’, the Kennedys team adeptly manages a wide spectrum of high-stakes, complex disputes spanning contractual, insurance, finance, investment fund, shareholder, and multi-jurisdictional insolvency claims. Leading the practice is Mark Chudleigh, who is renowned for his work in international arbitration and high-value insurance claims, with support from Nick Miles, who is an expert in insolvency and restructuring affairs. The team’s ‘future star’, newly promoted partner Laura Williamson, further bolsters its strength, leveraging her expertise in insurance arbitration and professional liability cases. The team is also fortified by associates David Thom and Alexandra Miller, as well as special counsel Erik Penz; all have extensive experience in managing complex contentious matters, particularly within the insurance, construction and professional services sectors.
Responsables de la pratique:
Mark Chudleigh
Autres avocats clés:
Erik Penz; Laura Williamson; David Thom; Nick Miles; Alexandra Miller
Les références
‘The team is knowledgeable and thoughtful and has a practical approach to solving problems.’
‘Mark Chudleigh is excellent. He has great knowledge of the law, the optics and the players in almost any scenario.’
‘Mark Chudleigh is a phenomenal litigator with a varied practice and a firm grip on insurance and reinsurance issues. He also arbitrates, which gives him additional exposure to disputes and the inner workings of arbitration panels. Nick Miles is a great attorney who I rely on for regulatory counsel.’
Principaux clients
Fullsun International Holdings Group Co. Ltd.
Alpine Global Management LLC and associated Alpine entities
Athos Asia Event Driven Master Fund and associated Athos entities
Whitefort Capital Inc.
Norges Bank
Wakefield Securities LLC and associated Elliott entities
FourWorld Event Opportunities LP and associated FourWorld entities
Principaux dossiers
- Representing Terra Law in a claim arising out of a high-profile failed property development project.
- Represented the “protector” of the $7–9bn trust settled by a US billionaire in a significant dispute before the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal of Bermuda. This matter arose out a high-profile tax-evasion scheme.
- Representing 65 clients, former minority shareholders whose shares in the conglomerate, Jardine Strategic Holdings Ltd, were compulsorily purchased by the majority shareholder.
MJM Limited
MJM Limited‘s ‘hugely responsive’ team handles a comprehensive range of dispute resolution work, both domestically and internationally; the group's expertise encompasses various areas, including commercial litigation, trust litigation, regulatory matters, family proceedings, and human rights litigation. Practice chair Jennifer Haworth is a regular presence in domestic courts and mediation and arbitration proceedings. Fozeia Rana-Fahy, who is recognised as a leader in contentious trusts work and employment immigration claims, provides invaluable support to the practice. The team also benefits from the expertise of human rights specialist Allan Doughty, and security enforcement, banking and contract disputes expert Dan Griffin.
Responsables de la pratique:
Jennifer Haworth
Autres avocats clés:
Fozeia Rana-Fahy; Allan Doughty; Dan Griffin
Les références
‘Helpful, hugely responsive, no job too big or small.’
‘The MJM team is made up of very talented, experienced lawyers with a diverse background spanning numerous areas of law and sectors of industry. They work as a team to ensure the best and most appropriate resources are assigned to your particular case and situation.’
‘Fozeia Rana-Fahy & Allan Doughty – Both are responsive and thorough in their understanding of your situation and responses to that. Their communication is excellent and well researched and thought out.’
Principaux clients
Hotel TOC Inc
Ernst & Young as Joint Provisional Liquidators
HSBC Bank Bermuda Ltd
Deloitte
Commissioner of Police (Bermuda)
The P Trusts
Bermuda Civil Aviation Authority
Clarien Bank
Hamilton Trust Company
Principaux dossiers
- Representing clients in a cross-border contentious trusts and estate dispute worth in excess of $14bn.
- Acted for the representatives of the variable class of investors in relation to NorthStar Financial Services (Bermuda) Limited and Omnia Limited (in liquidation) particularly on the issue of segregated accounts.
- Defending parties to a hotel management agreement against a claim by the Trump Organization to impose a New York arbitration award in Bermuda including the set aside of a freezing injunction and the appointment of receivers.
ASW Law Limited
The team at ASW Law Limited handles contentious work ranging from court litigation to international arbitration tribunals, covering a broad spectrum of commercial law with a significant focus on insurance and reinsurance claims. Rod Attride-Stirling, a seasoned international arbitration practitioner, co-heads the practice with Kehinde George, who is a specialist in corporate restructuring and insolvency mandates. Senior counsel Matthew Mason is also noted for litigation, arbitration and insolvency proceedings.
Responsables de la pratique:
Rod Attride-Stirling; Kehinde George
Autres avocats clés:
Matthew Mason
Les références
‘Involved in the key cases on the island.’
‘Rod Attride-Stirling – one of the Island’s best litigators.’
Principaux clients
Deloitte Ltd
Bermuda Monetary Authority
SC Liquor, LLC
Cox Hallett Wilkinson Limited
Cox Hallett Wilkinson Limited‘s litigation and dispute resolution team has a notable reputation for handling both domestic and cross-border disputes, frequently representing prominent clients in the insurance, energy and finance sectors. Craig Rothwell, a specialist in civil litigation, heads up the team, with a particular focus on employment and personal injury matters. David Kessaram is also singled out and has expertise in insolvency and restructuring work, insurance disputes, trust claims and hostile takeovers. The team also includes director Kim White and commercial litigation and arbitration expert Tariq Mahmood.
Responsables de la pratique:
Craig Rothwell
Autres avocats clés:
David Kessaram; Kim White; Tariq Mahmood
Principaux clients
CG Insurance
AIG Bermuda
Bermuda Hospitals Board
Freisenbruch-Meyer
KMPG
HWH Reality Holdings LLC
Partner Capital LLC
Information Commissioner
Reliance Globalcom Limited