Appleby’s dispute resolution team is recognised for handling large, high-stakes ‘bet the company’ litigation for a global client base, often before the Cayman courts. The team acts for blue-chip clients in matters spanning fraud, insolvency, professional liability, funds, and crypto assets, working seamlessly with its international network. Practice head Sebastian Said focuses on funds and financial services disputes, professional liability, contentious trusts, and insurance matters. Alan Bercow brings significant expertise in fraud litigation, asset recovery, and insolvency, while David Lee is noted for leading complex, high-profile cases, particularly in arbitral award enforcement and contentious insolvency proceedings.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Highly competent dispute resolution practice handling some of the heaviest litigation in Cayman.’
‘Sebastian Said is responsive, litigation savvy, and extremely client-focused - all you could want from a dispute resolution partner.'
‘Brilliant lawyers, with huge disputes experience across the world.’
‘Very focused on client care, Alan Bercow is very well known in the market.’
‘The team at Appleby in Cayman is extremely capable with strong leadership and strength in depth. It is currently the stand-out firm on the island for serious litigation issues.'
- 'I would particularly highlight the experience available and the complementary skills they have brought together, from both long experience as solicitors and some astute recruitment from the Bar. The team is capable of advising across the range of complex trust and insolvency matters, and their asset recovery expertise is probably the best in the Caribbean.’
Key clients
- SVB [Silicon Valley Bank] Financial Group
- Mr Bruno Wang and Credit Suisse London Nominees Ltd
- Kroll as Joint Liquidators of China Metal Holdings Ltd
- Arrakis Capital Ltd
- Kroll as Joint Liquidators of City Credit Asset Management Ltd
- Begbies Traynor Group as Joint Liquidators of Orca and Marsh Wall, and Joint Trustees in Bankruptcy of Ramesh Dusoruth
- Dart – Cayman Shoes Development Ltd and Palm Sunshine Ltd
- China National Building Material Co Ltd
- Dan Scott OBE
Work highlights
Acted as expert witness for SVB Financial Group in US bankruptcy proceedings following Silicon Valley Bank’s collapse, the third-largest US bank failure. Provided evidence supporting SVBFG’s rejection of USD 960 million in claims by Cayman Court-appointed SVB liquidators.
Continuing to act for Bruno Wang and Credit Suisse London Nominees in the highest profile fund dispute to come to trial in Cayman in recent years, and in the many related follow-on proceedings which have led to eight liquidations.
Acting for Kroll as liquidators of City Credit Cayman in very large new Cayman insolvency proceedings, connected with a huge Asian Ponzi scheme.
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.
Practice head
Sebastian Said
Other key lawyers
Alan Bercow; David Lee; Harriet Ter-Berg; Andrew Jackson