A leading firm in shareholder disputes and insolvency work, Appleby is regularly called upon by local insolvency practitioners. The firm is active in cross-border disputes, drawing on the firm’s international network of offices, and the dispute resolution team notes a recent influx of work from the Middle East. ‘Standout advocate’ Andrew Willins KC leads the team and excels in insolvency and commercial litigation and shareholders’ disputes. Willins took Silk in April 2025, while Dan Mitchell joined the team from Ogier in September 2023, strengthening the group’s expertise in insolvency and cryptocurrency disputes. Active in multi-jurisdictional litigation, Olwyn Barry handles applications for interim relief, as well as fraud and asset tracing matters. Promoted to counsel in 2024, Tamara Cameron has particular prowess in restructuring and insolvency matters and enforcement of security. Laure-Astrid Wigglesworth is another name to note.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The team led by Andrew Willins is responsive and very analytical. They provide a thorough and comprehensive account of the legal options and strategic routes.’
‘Andrew Willins is on top of the legal issues and how they play out in the BVI. He also has an excellent grasp of the legal dimensions of international business and how it links with BVI legal issues.’
‘Andrew Willins and Dan Mitchell are both excellent lawyers and strategists.’
‘The Appleby BVI team led by Andrew Willins is a top-notch practice, deeply expert in local practice and very capable across the board.’
‘Andrew Willins and Laure-Astrid Wigglesworth are fantastic lawyers who always give grounded and strategic advice. I recommend them frequently and use them as my point of contact for Appleby generally.’
‘Andrew Willins is a very savvy litigator, who knows the local law inside out and is always thinking of a different angle on a case ’
Key clients
- Bruno Wang
- Halimeda International Limited
- AO Alfa Bank
- Unicorn Worldwide Holdings (In Liquidation)
- Tether & Bitfinex
- Multibank
- RSM Production Corp
- Petrocas Energy Ventures
- Lion Best Global Limited
- Mohammed Bahairi
- Matthew Paget and Reid Zulpo
- Rayley
Work highlights
Acting on behalf of Bruno Wang in connection with complex applications to appoint liquidators over three investment funds established in the Cayman Islands, and one in the British Virgin Islands.
Appeared in the Privy Council in April 2024 on behalf of Halimeda International Limited, in an appeal which is likely to result in a significant judgment on the scope to appoint liquidators in cases where there is an arbitration clause.
Acting on behalf of AO Alfa-Bank in a significant fraud claim against Kipford Ventures Limited, which raises issues relating to the sanctions regime.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Andrew Willins KC
Other key lawyers
Dan Mitchell; Olwyn Barry; Tamara Cameron; Laure-Astrid Wigglesworth