The Legal 500

Within Corporate and commercial , Harney Westwood & Riegels is a first tier firm,

Harney Westwood & Riegels's attorneys are 'well-versed in both law and business'. The practice assisted Reynolds Group Holdings, a manufacturer and supplier of consumer food and beverage packaging, in connection with the BVI elements of its $4.6bn acquisition of Pactiv Corporation. Other highlights included acting as BVI counsel to Goldman Sachs in relation to a $61m note issue. Managing partner Richard Peters, global head of corporate and commercial Leonard Birmingham, BVI investment funds head Ross Munro, and BVI banking and finance leader Colin Riegels are recommended. Riegels has 'excellent business acumen'.

Within Dispute resolution , Harney Westwood & Riegels is a first tier firm,

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'.

Within Legal market overview,

International offshore law practices Harney Westwood & Riegels and Ogier are the largest and second largest firms in the BVI respectively. Conyers Dill & Pearman, Maples and Calder, Walkers and Appleby are the other major international law firms present. Local BVI firms, including Forbes Hare and O'Neal Webster - Barristers & Solicitors, merit mention.

Within Trusts/private client, Harney Westwood & Riegels is a second tier firm,

Harney Westwood & Riegels 'gives sound legal advice while recognising the commercial factors'. The team acts on the development of innovative trust structures and continues to expand outside of traditional markets. Recently it advised several Latin American clients on the establishment of settlor reserved powers trusts which contain protective committee powers, and advised a Brazilian client on an advanced VISTA Trust instrument which allows the settlor to enjoy a lifetime Vista relationship with trustees prior to reverting to a classic discretionary trust on death. Senior associate Henry Mander, formerly of Boodle Hatfield and Farrer & Co in London, joined in January 2011, and associate Lawrie Kearns, formerly of Rooks Rider Solicitors LLP in London, arrived in March 2011. Russell Willings is the key trusts contact.