Appleby‘s broad contentious caseload encompasses corporate governance matters, shareholder disputes, and director liability issues. John Wasty oversees the team and is well-versed in sanctions matters, insolvency, and restructuring, while Sam Riihiluoma enjoys a strong track record in both commercial and civil litigation. Other key members of the team include James Batten.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Appleby are an excellent choice to advise on the Bermuda Arbitration Act in international disputes where the contract provides for a Bermuda-seated arbitration.’
- ‘We have worked with Appleby on a wide range of trust applications, where a combination of trust law and litigation expertise is important. They demonstrated expertise in both contexts and did so seamlessly.’
- ‘The top litigators on the island. They have an exceptional team led by John Wasty, supported by great associate talent.’
- ‘They are excellent in their field. Their knowledge of their area is second to none.’
- ‘Talented and commercially astute, they are also approachable.’
- ‘John Wasty is a superb partner with great judgement, and he is very easy to work with.’
Key clients
- Jardine Matheson Holdings Limited
- Bermuda Monetary Authority
- Triton International Limited
- Scheme companies in relation to a Malaysian scheme of arrangement
- Sumitomo Pharma UK Holdings, Ltd.
- Over 400 former shareholders in the Bermuda company NKWE Platinum Ltd
- Vista Credit Partners, L.P
- Trustee of a US Trust
Work highlights
Represented Jardine Strategic Holdings Limited in eighteen hedge fund-led proceedings, including contested directions hearings, strike-out applications before the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, and Privy Council, and precedent-setting interlocutory proceedings on discovery, document control, and privilege.
Provided expert opinion on Bermuda law issues concerning an application to the Malaysian High Court for sanction of a proposed Malaysian scheme of arrangement between scheme companies and its creditors as part of the proposed financial and corporate restructuring.
Represented minority shareholders of NKWE Platinum Ltd in Bermuda’s first appraisal action to reach trial, securing a 30% uplift on share value plus interest, with precedent-setting findings on director duties, discount rates, and interest recoverability.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
John Wasty
Other key lawyers
Sam Riihiluoma; James Batten