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
FoundingÂ
The British Virgin Islands is a premier offshore financial jurisdiction, highly regarded for its progressive yet stable legal environment. In 1989, O’Neal Webster was among the first law firms to establish exclusively in the BVI to serve onshore and offshore corporate, commercial, finance, banking, business, property, and trust and estate clients. The firm has accumulated a wealth of knowledge and experience in addressing clients’ transactional, regulatory, and litigation matters in the jurisdiction.
Advantages
With deep roots in the BVI, the firm’s ability to navigate local governing bodies, courts, administrative offices, and enforcement regimes is a definitive advantage for international clients. The firm’s intimate jurisdictional knowledge and involvement in developing new BVI products and legislation are particularly notable for maximizing client outcomes.
Clients
Versatile, accessible, and collegial, the firm’s lawyers provide sound, practical advice and prompt service from its British Virgin Islands and the United Kingdom offices. International clients include major banks, financial services companies, investment funds, high-net-worth individuals, and law firms. Domestic clients include banks, public utilities, communications companies, statutory corporations, individuals, and tourism sector businesses. Clients appreciate the firm’s ability to handle legal and advisory needs and create opportunities through introductions to others with complementary interests.
Main Contacts
| Department | Name | Telephone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Managing Partner, corporate, commercial, finance | Vanessa King | vking@onealwebster.com | +1 284-393-5800 |
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 |
Diversity
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