British Virgin Islands > Legal market > Legal market
Harney Westwood & Riegels remains the British Virgin Island's oldest and largest law firm. In a surprise move in September, the firm opened up in the Cayman Islands through a merger with local Cayman firm Gill & Co. Partners Kieron O'Rourke (global head of investment funds) and funds partner Tim Clipstone were relocated to Cayman from the BVI, and are now co-heads of the firm's new office. Harney Westwood & Riegels's international network of offices now spans Anguilla, London, Hong Kong and the Cayman Islands. The firm has also taken initial steps into Cyprus through a strategic alliance with Cypriot firm Aristodemou Loizides Yiolitis LLC.
Harney Westwood & Riegels's most notable competitors include several global international offshore firms that opened up a BVI office in recent years. Conyers Dill & Pearman, the first open in the BVI, in, fields a highly experienced corporate litigation team and is also strong in corporate and finance. Maples and Calder fields one of the strongest funds teams and is also particularly strong in dispute resolution. Boasting a hugely experienced litigation team, Ogier is also very highly regarded in corporate and finance, particularly following the arrival of expert partner Ray Wearmouth, from Harney Westwood & Riegels. Walkers's BVI team includes a number of ex-City of London lawyers, and stands out particularly for its expertise in funds. Appleby is also highly regarded in corporate and finance work.
A number of local BVI firms also receive praise from clients, of which Farara Kerins - Barristers & Solicitors, Forbes Hare, O'Neal Webster - Barristers & Solicitors and Price Findlay & Co stand out.
The arrival of Withers to the BVI has also promised to increase the levels of competitiveness between law firms on the island. The firm has set up shop with litigation partner Jeremy Scott and corporate partner John Greenwood relocating from London. The move comes after the firm hired Ziva Robertson, former head of trust litigation at Mourant du Feu & Jeune's Cayman office. The firm will focus on cross-border services covering corporate and trust disputes; insolvency and restructuring; banking and finance, and funds.