Appleby is counsel of choice to a number of blue-chip clients looking for Cayman Islands representation in sensitive and high-value disputes. The team regularly covers contentious matters across fraud, insolvency, professional liability, funds and cryptocurrencies. Spearheading the practice is Sebastian Said, ‘an excellent advocate and disputes lawyer’ admired for his strong insolvency advice. In November 2023 the firm recruited Alan Bercow to the team from Stephenson Harwood. He adds expertise in fraud and asset recovery matters. Further key contacts include David Lee, who has niche strength in winding-up proceedings for investment funds, and Andrew Jackson, who regularly acts as sole advocate in commercial proceedings. The team did lose Ulrich Payne, who returned to the UK in November 2023, and Tony Heaver-Wren, who retired in December 2023.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘They are a very savvy, thoughtful and well-regarded disputes team.’
‘Sebastian Said is an excellent advocate and disputes lawyer, with particularly deep experience in the insolvency context.’
‘A top class team very experienced in high value offshore litigation.’
‘Sebastian Said - a rising star and go-to partner for high value disputes.’
‘David Lee and David Lewis-Hall are very dedicated, responsive and effective. They are open to clients input and sensitive in managing client and KC relationships.’
‘Alan Bercow impressed me as an excellent all-rounded lawyer, who combines good technical knowledge with the ability to put clients at ease and gain their confidence.’
‘They have excellent lawyers and are able to pick up conflict cases.’
‘Sebastian Said is an excellent litigator.'
Key clients
- China National Building Material Co Ltd
- The Joint Liquidators of City Credit Asset Management
- The Liquidators of China Metal Holdings Ltd
- Dart - Cayman Shores Development Ltd and Palm Sunshine Ltd
- Apex Prospect Limited
- The Joint Liquidators of Global Fidelity Bank
- The Joint Liquidators of Orca and Marsh Wall, and the Joint Trustees in Bankruptcy of Ramesh Dusoruth
- The Joint Liquidators of Ardent Maritime UK Limited
Work highlights
- Representing CNBM in Cayman winding up proceedings in respect of the China Shanshui Cement Group Limited (China Shanshui).
- Acting for Kroll as joint official liquidators of City Credit Cayman in Cayman insolvency proceedings.
- Acting for Apex, a Hong Kong-based private investment firm, in a shareholder dispute about its $40m investment in YS Biopharma.
Lawyers
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Practice head
Sebastian Said