O'Neal Webster > Tortola, British Virgin Islands > Firm Profile
O'Neal Webster Offices
COMMERCE HOUSE, 181 MAIN STREET
P.O. BOX 961, ROAD TOWN
TORTOLA VG1110
British Virgin Islands
O'Neal Webster > The Legal 500 Rankings
British Virgin Islands > Trusts/private client Tier 2
O'Neal Webster routinely advises individuals, corporations and beneficiaries on the full spectrum of trust creation, administration and termination work, as well as wealth preservation and probate planning issues. From the London office, group head Christopher McKenzie routinely acts for leading trust companies, various governments and regulatory authorities, and international high-net-worth individuals, while also assisting the litigation department with contested and uncontested court applications. Vanessa King is noted for her expertise in the establishment and amendment of BVI trusts and various forms of corporate finance work.Practice head(s):
Christopher McKenzie
Other key lawyers:
British Virgin Islands > Corporate and commercial Tier 3
With a successful track record in transactions and financings involving BVI corporates, banks and funds, the corporate team at O'Neal Webster is regularly instructed on cross-border matters, including those involving Asia and Latin America. Leading the group is Christopher Simpson, who is a key point of contact for global law firms seeking due diligence on BVI companies and assistance with opinions and security documents for high-value M&A and financing transactions. Other names instrumental to the team’s success are the office’s managing partner Vanessa King, who is frequently engaged in establishing or amending BVI trusts and various forms of corporate finance work, and Kerry Anderson, who has expertise in the digital asset space.Practice head(s):
Christopher Simpson
Other key lawyers:
Kerry Anderson; Vanessa King; Chris Simpson
Testimonials
‘My experience of ONW was that there were a number of sensible and level-headed individuals, who knew how to solve problems.’
‘I have worked with O’Neal Webster for the past 10 years. The team has proven their strength and ability to support on a diverse range of subject matters. They communicate clearly and provide sound advice. As a team, their turnaround time is very commendable, and they are well versed in both local and international legislation, which leads to their overall credibility.’
‘As Managing Partner, Vanessa King commands respect as a leader, having strong intellectual capacity in all corporate matters, combined with keen analytical and presentation skills. She also has strong interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence.’
‘Kerry Anderson stands out relative to his strength in contract structure and reviews.’
Key clients
Auros Interparth as Joint Provisional liquidators for Auros
Mispaly S.A
Giant Manufacturing Co
Nuvei
BLADEX
FirstCaribbean International Bank
Insured Aircraft Title Service
PEH Technology Company
Work highlights
- Acted for Auros, a cryptocurrency trading company and investment fund founded in 2019, in a high stakes matter of potential insolvency following the collapse of FTX.
- Avised Masplay, S.A. and its wholly owned subsidiary Equinox Los Andes SPA as BVI counsel on its multi-million-dollar acquisition of Nike de Chile Ltda.
- Advised Giant Manufacturing Co (Giant) on the due diligence of Giant’s subsidiary Giant Light Metal Technology Co., Ltd., which itself owned several BVI subsidiaries, as it prepared for its IPO on the Shanghai Stock Exchange.
British Virgin Islands > Dispute resolution Tier 3
The ‘experienced and strategically sound’ team at O'Neal Webster excels in various forms of commercial litigation, including cases related to liquidations, shareholder disputes, probate issues and fraud claims, representing high-net-worth individuals and multinational companies. Department head Paul Dennis KC enjoys a strong reputation among both clients and peers, and, in addition to commercial litigation, he has notable expertise in admiralty and shipping law. Nadine Whyte Laing also leads many of the firm’s cases, and has particular focus on probate litigation. Associate Asha Johnson-Willins plays a pivotal role in the team, and is currently involved in a High Court claim involving fraudulent issues with bitcoin.Practice head(s):
Paul Dennis KC
Other key lawyers:
Nadine Whyte Laing; Asha Johnson-Willins; Paul Edwards
Testimonials
‘Breadth and depth of the team are quite evident. Well-thought through strategies and tactical approaches to cases, which have resulted in positive outcomes to date are attributable to the wealth of knowledge and years of experience in the team. Advice from the team on approaches that could save time and cost were welcomed and appreciated.’
‘We have had the opportunity to work very closely with Paul Dennis KC and Nadine Whyte Laing who are quite thorough in their approach. They are pragmatic. Advice on pros and cons of particular approaches assisted in tempering expectations so that there were no surprises. They keep us informed at every stage of the process. Communication is often timely – queries and concerns have often been addressed to our satisfaction.’
‘The team are experienced and strategically sound. We felt like we were in good, capable hands and that the team knew the jurisdiction inside out and thus were well placed to advise on approach and what to expect.’
‘Nadine Whyte Laing is impressive and really knows her stuff.’
‘Paul Edwards was knowledgeable and strategically sensible.’
Key clients
Digicel
Work highlights
- Represented Digicel, winning a significant judgment quashing a levy of over $1.6m imposed upon it by the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (TRC) for the period 2019 to 2020.
- Advised a client in court proceedings related to an application for the appointment of a liquidator, which raised complicated issues regarding a joint venture and an unpaid bank loan.
- Representing two individuals in a very complex, cross-border dispute with over assets (stocks in BVI companies) left in an estate.
O'Neal Webster > Firm Profile
The firm
The roots of O’Neal Webster date back to 1989. The firm was founded by Paul Webster KC, Colin O’Neal and Barbara O’Neal, all associates in BVI law firms. Their commitment to delivering a high level of legal service to clients and volunteer activity in the community led them to form the partnership of O’Neal Webster O’Neal. In 1993, a strategic alliance was formed with leading Caribbean law firm Myers Fletcher & Gordon of Kingston, Jamaica, to establish and develop what is now one of the leading commercial law firms in the British Virgin Islands, one of the most important offshore financial services centres in the world.
O’Neal Webster has grown with the BVI and has become established as a firm recognised globally for its expertise in all aspects of BVI corporate and commercial law as well as litigation. The proficiency and knowledge of the firm’s attorneys are well regarded, and they are to be found on several bodies within the BVI community contributing to the review and implementation of change to BVI legislation. The firm’s barristers have distinguished themselves at every level of the judicial system in the BVI, the Caribbean and at the Privy Council in London.
Areas of practice
Banking and finance: the firm has extensive experience advising on international and local banking transactions and is listed as the BVI firm of choice on the legal panels of many international and domestic banks.
Corporate and commercial: the firm frequently advises on all aspects of BVI corporate and commercial law, including stock exchange listings, BVI startups, partnerships, joint ventures, mergers and acquisitions and corporate restructuring.
Intellectual property: the firm has gained a very good reputation as a trademark agent for numerous clients worldwide in handling significant transactions involving acquisitions of large trademark portfolios in the chain of title.
Investment funds, regulatory and digital assets: the firm offers efficient, practical and cost-effective advice on forming and managing various types of BVI funds and structuring and restructuring BVI funds.
Litigation: the firm’s attorneys have earned a reputation for excellence in complex commercial disputes, including insolvency and restructuring, combining innovative legal strategies with dedication and efficiency.
Trusts and estates: the firm provides practical commercial advice on all aspects of BVI trust law and trusts disputes to trustees (individuals and corporations) and beneficiaries alike on many issues, such as wealth protection, probate planning and trust creation.
Restructuring and insolvency: the firm’s expertise covers a gamut of insolvency-related issues, including advising directors and investors in distressed funds, debt restructuring and reschedulings, schemes of arrangements, cross-border insolvency, cross-border tracing and recovery action, liquidation of funds and other corporate entities, appointment and removal of liquidators and receivers, and appointment and removal of corporate trustees.
Property and business: With over 20 years of BVI practice, the firm has developed remarkable and recognised expertise in advising a wide range of clients, both domestic and international, in all types of BVI property and business transactions.
Shipping and aircraft: the firm offers the full range of services required to secure the registration of vessels and aircraft in the BVI and advises on all matters relating to the acquisition, financing, operation and transfer of vessels and aircraft in the BVI.
Main Contacts
Department | Name | Telephone | |
---|---|---|---|
Managing Partner | Vanessa King | vking@onealwebster.com |
Lawyer Profiles
Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
---|---|---|---|
Mr Kerry Anderson | Lead Partner | View Profile | |
Mr Paul Dennis | Litigation Department Head | View Profile | |
Vanessa King | Managing Partner | View Profile | |
Mr Christopher Simpson | Head, Corporate & Commercial Department | View Profile |
Staff Figures
Number of lawyers : 12 at this office : 11Memberships
Lex Mundi World Services GroupDiversity
O’Neal Webster’s clients come from across the globe. They rely on us to navigate, evaluate, and advise on a wide range of legal issues. We provide the same high-quality service to our clients, regardless of national origin, age, gender, sexuality, or ethnicity.
To deliver exceptional client service, we have always prioritized attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse range of talented people whose experiences and perspectives drive innovation across our firm. We support women at all career levels, providing leadership opportunities and a working environment where caregivers of all genders have support and flexibility. Our workforce comprises persons of varying ethnicities from seven different nationalities. We rely on the varied outlooks and approaches that individuals of many backgrounds bring, which generates innovative, bespoke solutions for clients.
Diversity and inclusion are not only principles we value; it’s part of who we are.
- Trusts/private client