The Legal 500

Conyers Dill & Pearman 'meets clients' needs completely and without undue drama'. The practice advised JSC BTA Bank on actions brought in association with an alleged scheme to defraud the bank of up to $16bn, and it also acted in a landmark litigation case for Pacific China Holdings, which set new boundaries for the recognition and enforcement of New York Convention arbitration awards. Litigation head Mark Forté 'delivers the skills of a smart English-trained barrister with good business sense'. Richard Evans' 'business acumen is matched by a desire to do the very best for the client'.

Harney Westwood & Riegels has a 'well rounded team of litigation experts'. The practice successfully led in two major hedge fund cases and has defended clawback claims brought by the liquidator of a Madoff feeder fund. Phillip Kite is global litigation and insolvency head, and Andrew Thorp 'deals with complex matters with clarity'.

Maples and Calder's Arabella di Iorio is recommended. The team acted in a dispute between Cukurova companies and Alfa Telecom Turkey regarding the appropriation and ownership of shares in subsidiaries of Cukurova.

Ogier's 'responses are quick and its knowledge of insolvency matters is very good'. The team acted for Ennio Zannotti in a multi-jurisdictional shareholders' dispute over the shares in a BVI company. Michael Fay is practice head; managing associate Robert Foote 'has an excellent client manner'; and senior advocate Ray Ng is 'a good advocate'.

Walkers is 'responsive and good value for money'. Highlights included acting for Grand Pacific Holdings in proceedings commenced for the liquidation of Pacific China Holdings, which raised novel points of law for the BVI. Managing partner Sandie Corbett and Julie Engwirda are key contacts. Jack Husbands is 'thoroughly competent'.

Appleby 'pays great attention to detail '. The team acted in the BVI on behalf of First Quantum in its dispute with the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo concerning the expropriation of valuable mining permits and facilities. Local head Eliot Simpson has 'excellent response times', and senior associate Andrew Willins is 'calm and thorough in court, and commands the respect of leading UK QCs'. Associate Sarah Masson also draws praise.

Forbes Hare 'provides solid assistance, together with an eye towards both the practical and the technical aspects of the law'. Managing partner William Hare is 'a tenacious, commercially-minded lawyer who gives good advice'. The practice is heavily involved in Madoff-related litigation, acting for the liquidators of Fairfield Sentry and Mount Capital, two of the largest Madoff feeder funds. The firm also advised in the multibillion-dollar CMD/Highwinds litigation, brought by the First Quantum minerals group in connection with alleged expropriation of mining licences in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

O'Neal Webster - Barristers & Solicitors's senior partner Paul Webster QC is recommended for corporate insolvency and commercial litigation. The practice successfully acted for defendants in a Madoff-related case brought by Fairfield Sentry.