Conyers > Tortola, British Virgin Islands > Firm Profile
Conyers Offices
COMMERCE HOUSE, WICKHAMS CAY 1
PO BOX 3140, ROAD TOWN
TORTOLA, VG1110
British Virgin Islands
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Profiles
Conyers > The Legal 500 Rankings
British Virgin Islands > Banking, finance and capital markets Tier 1
With expertise across the energy, telecoms, financial services and real estate development sectors, Conyers stands out in the BVI banking and finance market for advising a deep roster of blue-chip international clients on highly complex finance and capital market transactions. Head of the practice Robert Briant is noted for his expertise in big-ticket M&A deals, joint ventures and investment vehicles, while Anton Goldstein’s broad practice includes capital markets mandates, finance work, investment fund matters and PE issues. The ‘highly commercial and pragmatic’ Rachael Pape has recently acted on several prominent finance and capital markets transactions in the BVI, and also regularly advises on cross-border regulations; she was promoted to the partnership in mid-2023. Counsel Nicholas Kuria is sought out by technology, media and telecoms, financial services and insurance clients.Practice head(s):
Robert Briant
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The team showed that they have a great depth and breadth of experience in security enforcement in the BVI and were up to date on the latest practical and legal issues that our client would face.’
‘Both Rachael Pape and Anton Goldstein were very responsive and gave clear advice.’
‘The matter that I worked with the Conyers team on was done rapidly, professionally and to a high standard.’
‘Rachael Pape was very user friendly, provided an excellent interface for the client, and was highly commercial and pragmatic.’
Key clients
Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, Inc.
Stoneway Capital Ltd. noteholders
SIBA Energy Corporation
Establishment Labs Holdings Inc.
Work highlights
- Acted as BVI counsel to an ad hoc group of holders of Stoneway Capital Corporation’s 2027 senior secured notes in relation to its $900m restructuring.
- Acted as BVI and Cayman counsel to Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings in relation to its $5.2bn acquisition by Rand Parent and the issue by Rand of $850m senior secured notes.
- Acted as BVI counsel to SIBA Energy Corporation in relation to its DOP4.1bn (c. $75m) project financing.
British Virgin Islands > Corporate and commercial Tier 1
With a ‘solution-focused mindset’, Conyers‘ corporate practice continues to advise on some of the most complex M&A and corporate transactions in the jurisdiction, spanning the engineering, technology, telecoms, energy and healthcare sectors. Highly regarded for his wide-ranging experience in all aspects of corporate and commercial law, Robert Briant heads up the practice and has notable expertise in M&A, joint ventures and investment vehicles. Other key figures within the team include the ‘exceptional’ Anton Goldstein and Rachael Pape, who are noted for their transactional capabilities. Counsel Nicholas Kuria is a highly experienced practitioner whose corporate practice sees him acting for a variety of clients.Practice head(s):
Robert Briant
Other key lawyers:
Anton Goldstein; Audrey Robertson; Nicholas Kuria; Rachael Pape
Testimonials
‘The Conyers team is a trusted adviser that brings a solution-focused mindset. They are extremely responsive and we always know things will be done correctly and efficiently.’
‘Responsiveness and partnership mindset.’
‘They were available 24/7, they were supportive to us in different jurisdictions, and they always responded on time.’
‘They assisted us in a complex reorganisation involving different jurisdictions. Counsel Nicholas Kuria was particularly versatile, understood the structure very quickly, and was quick to answer all our queries. He is a great lawyer.’
‘Fast turn around times, good availability of partners and great to work with.’
‘Rachael Pape, Partner – Very client friendly and responsive. Easy to deal with.’
‘The team at Conyers make it their primary focus to fully understand client needs, are very driven and will always meet client deadlines.’
‘Anton Goldstein and Rachael Pape are exceptional lawyers, and have a deep rooted understanding of the business, that means they can deliver tailored advice at short notice when required. They are incredibly reliable.’
Key clients
All Year Holdings
Finaro
Kinross Gold Corporation
Flare Network Limited
GlobalLogic Inc.
The Flexi Group Ltd.
OSM Maritime Group AS
B2Gold Corp.
Baker Hughes Company
BTG Pactual SA
Iluka Resources Ltd
Seven Seas Water Group
Work highlights
- Acted as BVI counsel to All Year Holdings Limited in relation to its $1.6bn restructuring involving real estate in New York including The William Vale Hotel in Brooklyn.
- Acted as BVI counsel to Kinross Gold Corporation in relation to the $225m sale of the Chirano mine in Ghana to Asante Gold Corporation.
- Acted as BVI counsel to Finaro in relation to its $575m acquisition by US fintech company Shift4.
British Virgin Islands > Dispute resolution Tier 1
As 'a quintessential BVI outfit', Conyers' litigation and restructuring team handles local and global litigation and often appears before the Commercial Court and Court of Appeal, acting for a client roster of financial institutions, Fortune 100 companies and private equity houses. Recent areas of activity include handling shareholder disputes, insolvency litigation, asset tracing matters and enforcement proceedings. The team notably handled some of the largest asset tracing litigation involving CIS states, and more recently ventured into emerging areas, including cryptocurrency disputes. The ‘very smart and practical’ Mark Forte sits at the helm of the department and acts in cross-border litigation, insolvency proceedings and emergency interim relief work, while Richard Evans excels in shareholder disputes, with a particular focus on those stemming from Asian jurisdictions. Triple-qualified Tameka Davis regularly acts in insolvency, conspiracy, and asset tracing claims and also handles enforcement work, and recently promoted partner Matthew Brown is praised as 'level-headed and thoughtful, and always takes care to talk through the rationale for strategic decision making', while Jerry Samuel is singled out as 'first class, extremely hard working and very client focused'.Practice head(s):
Mark Forte
Other key lawyers:
Richard Evans; Jerry Samuel; Tameka Davis; Matthew Brown; Charles Goldblatt
Testimonials
‘Conyers BVI are outstanding: a quintessential BVI boutique outfit, spearheaded by Mark Forte, which handles bit ticket litigation from all around the world. The numbers at stake are eyewatering which is matched by the complexity of the legal and factual issues. Conyers BVI are smart can-do litigators, and highly skilled at delegating and collaborating with off island counsel where the case demands it.’
‘Richard Evans: you will not find a more knowledgeable and seasoned BVI litigator. He has seen it all, been there and done it. Yet he is utterly charming and unflappable – and a real pleasure to work with.’
‘Mark Forte is a huge force in the BVI. Great strategist and tactician. Goes the extra mile for clients. Richard Evans has enormous experience across all fields. Excellent lawyer and very commercially astute. Jerry Samuel – first class, extremely hard working and very client focused. Jane Fedotova – excellent on detail and full dedication to clients.’
‘I regularly work with both Charles Goldblatt and Matthew Brown on a number of innovative and interesting engagements. They are both knowledgeable, approachable and commercially brilliant.’
‘Charles Goldblatt – Senior Associate – Charlie is clearly going to be heading toward partnership ultimately. He is very bright and able and excellent at identifying upcoming steps and planning accordingly.’
‘Matthew Brown – Partner – Matt has recently been promoted to partner, and deservedly so, he is extremely responsive. He is level-headed and thoughtful, and always takes care to talk through the rationale for strategic decision making. His attention to detail is meticulous and he does a fine job of summarising complex matters into key critical components.’
‘Mark Forte is our go-to lead lawyer for BVI related disputes – he is a great tactician, fantastic with clients and very user friendly. He also always makes himself available for us.’
Key clients
Finaro
Rangecroft Ltd.
King Bun
Symphony Partners Limited
WWRT Limited
Haimen Zhongnan Investment Development (International) Co. Ltd
Grove Services, Inc
All Year Holding Limited
Sustainable Investment Enterprises Ltd.
Work highlights
- Acted as BVI counsel to Symphony Partners Limited, Next Global Investments Limited and Dynamic Link Ventures Limited in registering three arbitral awards with a combined value in excess of $100m.
- Acted as BVI counsel to US-based commodities business Grove Services in a large cross-border alleged fraud claim arising from the long running Ablyazov fraud, involving 54 named defendants.
- Acted as BVI counsel to All Year Holdings and to its joint provisional liquidators in pursuing its Chapter 11 restructuring and related BVI plan of arrangement.
British Virgin Islands > Investment funds Tier 1
Conyers‘ investment funds practice stands out in the BVI market for its expertise in advising top-tier hedge fund sponsors and private equity houses on formation, structuring, establishment and management issues relating to segregated portfolio companies and hybrid funds. Transactional law expert Robert Briant leads the practice and routinely acts for hedge funds and private equity funds seeking to establish joint venture companies and investment vehicles. Another key contact is Anton Goldstein, who is noted for advising on some of the largest deals in the BVI. A broad spectrum of corporations, leading international banks and financial institutions turn to Rachael Pape for her specialism in investment funds and cross-border regulatory guidance, while counsel Nicholas Kuria’s practice focuses on the technology, media and telecoms, financial services and insurance sectors.Practice head(s):
Robert Briant
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Kawa Capital Management
Adler Kawa and Adler Real Estate Partners
King Street Funds
ACE & Company
Baron Capital
Work highlights
- Advised Kawa Capital Management with respect to its BVI-domiciled funds with over $1.5bn assets in aggregate under management.
- Acted as ongoing BVI counsel to the Baron Funds group, with in aggregate of $49bn in assets under management, with respect to its BVI-domiciled fund Baron USA Partners Fund Ltd.
- Acted as ongoing BVI counsel to the King Street group with respect to four BVI-domiciled funds, including the flagship fund King Street Capital Ltd.
British Virgin Islands > Trusts/private client Tier 2
Conyers‘ ‘very capable, experienced and attentive team’ provides comprehensive advice to a host of high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth individuals and families on both contentious court applications and non-contentious advisory matters related to trust structures and restructurings. Head of the team Robert Lindley is a key player in high-value trust restructuring applications, estate planning work and estate administration issues, acting for high-net-worth individuals. Matthew Brown‘s broad practice encompasses all contentious aspects of commercial, trusts and insolvency law; he is active before the Commercial Court and the Court of Appeal.Practice head(s):
Robert Lindley
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Great team, very sound advice.’
‘Smooth on-boarding, very capable, experienced and attentive team.’
‘Robert Lindley – fast comprehension, strong in BVI law, well-experienced and international network.’
‘A big player in the Caribbean market. Well-resourced and capable of fielding big teams for large cases.’
‘Matthew Brown – a clever guy and a pleasure to work with. Very strong on the law and great to have on your team.’
‘Rob Lindley – a smart operator.’
Work highlights
- Advised an executor in contested BVI probate proceedings involving cross-border issues.
- Assisted a high-net-worth family with the establishment of complex dynastic BVI trusts and the underlying corporate structure.
- Advised trustees in relation to contested trust dispute proceedings in relation to a multi-jurisdictional dispute.
Conyers > Firm Profile
Founded in 1928, Conyers is an international law firm with a broad client base including FTSE 100 and Fortune 500 companies, international finance houses and asset managers. The firm advises on Bermuda, British Virgin Islands and Cayman Islands laws, from offices in those jurisdictions and in the key financial centres of London, Hong Kong and Singapore.
The firm’s expertise includes corporate law and finance including investment funds and private equity, equity and debt capital markets, M&A, banking and finance (conventional and Islamic), asset finance including shipping and aircraft finance, restructuring and workouts, the formation of entities including companies and partnerships, corporate governance and insurance and reinsurance.
Main Areas of Practice:
Insurance & Reinsurance:
The firm’s lawyers act for the majority of Bermuda’s insurance and reinsurance companies and are heavily involved in the formation and structuring of new Bermuda insurance companies. They are also integrally involved in the burgeoning Cayman Islands insurance industry, which boasts the second largest domiciliation rate for captives after Bermuda. In addition, they provide insurance advice in the British Virgin Islands, which continues to grow as it shifts in focus to more varied and sophisticated segments of the insurance market. Conyers’ insurance practice is complemented by experienced corporate, trust and litigation lawyers, and its litigators regularly provide expert advice in substantial insurance and reinsurance litigation.
Funds:
The funds team provides advice on fund structures (including Shari’a-compliant funds) and asset classes including hedge funds, private equity funds and property and infrastructure funds. The team advises asset managers and investors on fund formation and structuring (including constitutional and contractual documentation) and assists with incorporation, registered office and secretarial services, regulation and compliance, as well as restructuring, liquidation, insolvency and winding up of funds.
M&A & Joint Venture:
Conyers’ M&A and joint venture practice group advises on significant offshore transactions and financing matters. Conyers is the market leader for offshore IPOs, advising clients listing on all major exchanges. Lawyers provide specialist advice on all stages of the listing process from pre-IPO restructuring, formation of the listing vehicle and listing day.
Air Finance & Shipping:
The firm’s lawyers are at the forefront of offshore airfinance and shipping, representing airlines, leasing companies, shipowners, credit agencies and export-import banks and lenders on cross-border transactions.
Litigation & Restructuring:
Conyers’ litigators appear in leading decisions before the courts and in global, multi-billion dollar disputes. Insolvency and restructuring experience includes corporate bankruptcy, reorganisations and liquidations.
Private Client: Specialising in contentious and non-contentious work, the private client team’s experience includes creation and reorganisation of trusts and corporate structures for preservation of client capital and succession planning of ownership structures for family businesses. Trust litigators support the team in substantial trust litigation, acting for trustees, protectors and beneficiaries.
Client Services:
Conyers also provides a wide range of corporate administration, secretarial, trust, compliance, governance and company management services, and works in partnership with international clients, financial institutions, investment funds, high net worth individuals and others.
Main Contacts
| Department | Name | Telephone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| BVI Litigation & Restructuring | Mark Forte, Partner, Head of BVI Litigation & Restructuring and Office | mark.forte@conyers.com | +1 284 346 1113 |
| Corporate | Robert Briant, Partner, Head of BVI Corporate | robert.briant@conyers.com | +1 284 852 1100 |
| Private Client & Trust | Robert Lindley, Partner, Head of Cayman and BVI Private Client & Trust | robert.lindley@conyers.com | +1 345 814 7360 |
| Banking & Finance | Robert Briant, Partner, Head of BVI Corporate | robert.briant@conyers.com | +1 284 852 1100 |
| Aviation | Rachael Pape, Partner | rachael.pape@conyers.com | +1 284 852 1114 |
| Insurance & Reinsurance | Robert Briant, Partner, Head of BVI Corporate | robert.briant@conyers.com | +1 284 852 1100 |
| Investment Funds | Robert Briant, Partner, Head of BVI Corporate | robert.briant@conyers.com | +1 284 852 1100 |
| Shipping | Robert Briant, Partner, Head of BVI Corporate | robert.briant@conyers.com | +1 284 852 1100 |
Lawyer Profiles
| Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Robert Briant | Partner, Head of BVI Corporate | View Profile |
|
Matthew Brown | Partner | View Profile |
|
Tameka Davis | Partner | View Profile |
|
Richard Evans | Partner | View Profile |
|
Dr Jevgenija (Jane) Fedotova | Senior Associate | View Profile |
|
Eric Flaye | Partner and Head of London Office | View Profile |
|
Mark Forte | Partner, Head of BVI Litigation & Restructuring and Office | View Profile |
|
Charles Goldblatt | Associate | View Profile |
|
Anton Goldstein | Partner | View Profile |
|
Allana-J Joseph | Associate | View Profile |
|
Nicholas Kuria | Counsel | View Profile |
|
Rachael Pape | Partner | View Profile |
|
Jerry Samuel | Partner | View Profile |
|
Christopher Smith | Associate | View Profile |
Languages
German Lithuanian Polish Russian English French Ukranian SwahiliConyers > Firm Profile
Founded in 1928, Conyers is an international law firm with a broad client base including FTSE 100 and Fortune 500 companies, international finance houses and asset managers. The firm advises on Bermuda, British Virgin Islands and Cayman Islands laws, from offices in those jurisdictions and in the key financial centres of London, Hong Kong and Singapore.
The firm’s expertise includes corporate law and finance including investment funds and private equity, equity and debt capital markets, M&A, banking and finance (conventional and Islamic), asset finance including shipping and aircraft finance, restructuring and workouts, the formation of entities including companies and partnerships, corporate governance and insurance and reinsurance.
Main Areas of Practice:
Insurance & Reinsurance:
The firm’s lawyers act for the majority of Bermuda’s insurance and reinsurance companies and are heavily involved in the formation and structuring of new Bermuda insurance companies. They are also integrally involved in the burgeoning Cayman Islands insurance industry, which boasts the second largest domiciliation rate for captives after Bermuda. In addition, they provide insurance advice in the British Virgin Islands, which continues to grow as it shifts in focus to more varied and sophisticated segments of the insurance market. Conyers’ insurance practice is complemented by experienced corporate, trust and litigation lawyers, and its litigators regularly provide expert advice in substantial insurance and reinsurance litigation.
Funds:
The funds team provides advice on fund structures (including Shari’a-compliant funds) and asset classes including hedge funds, private equity funds and property and infrastructure funds. The team advises asset managers and investors on fund formation and structuring (including constitutional and contractual documentation) and assists with incorporation, registered office and secretarial services, regulation and compliance, as well as restructuring, liquidation, insolvency and winding up of funds.
M&A & Joint Venture:
Conyers’ M&A and joint venture practice group advises on significant offshore transactions and financing matters. Conyers is the market leader for offshore IPOs, advising clients listing on all major exchanges. Lawyers provide specialist advice on all stages of the listing process from pre-IPO restructuring, formation of the listing vehicle and listing day.
Air Finance & Shipping:
The firm’s lawyers are at the forefront of offshore airfinance and shipping, representing airlines, leasing companies, shipowners, credit agencies and export-import banks and lenders on cross-border transactions.
Litigation & Restructuring:
Conyers’ litigators appear in leading decisions before the courts and in global, multi-billion dollar disputes. Insolvency and restructuring experience includes corporate bankruptcy, reorganisations and liquidations.
Private Client: Specialising in contentious and non-contentious work, the private client team’s experience includes creation and reorganisation of trusts and corporate structures for preservation of client capital and succession planning of ownership structures for family businesses. Trust litigators support the team in substantial trust litigation, acting for trustees, protectors and beneficiaries.
Client Services:
Conyers also provides a wide range of corporate administration, secretarial, trust, compliance, governance and company management services, and works in partnership with international clients, financial institutions, investment funds, high net worth individuals and others.
Main Contacts
| Department | Name | Telephone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Litigation & Restructuring | Mark Forte, Partner, Head of BVI Litigation & Restructuring and Office | mark.forte@conyers.com | +1 284 346 1113 |
| Corporate | Robert Briant, Partner, Head of Corporate | robert.briant@conyers.com | +1 284 852 1100 |
| Private Client & Trust | Robert Lindley, Partner, Head of Cayman and BVI Private Client & Trust | robert.lindley@conyers.com | +1 345 814 7360 |
Languages
English French German Lithuanian Polish Russian Ukrainian Swahili- Banking, finance and capital markets
- Corporate and commercial
- Dispute resolution
- Investment funds
Top Tier Firm Rankings
- Trusts/private client