Praised as ‘one of the best trust litigation teams’, Carey Olsen Bermuda Limited frequently acts for multinational corporations, ultra-high-net-worth individuals, banks and funds, insurers, and trade unions in cross-jurisdictional disputes involving multiple parties. Commercial and civil matters, employment-related disputes, and litigation surrounding trusts are all areas of expertise for the group. Regulatory disputes are also a growing area for the practice. Managing partner Michael Hanson jointly heads up the practice alongside ’powerhouse‘ Keith Robinson. Other notable team members include Kyle Masters, who boasts expertise in insolvency, regulatory, and compliance law, Sam Stevens, who is skilled in commercial litigation and arbitration, and Jay Webster who has a thriving immigration and employment practice.Claire van Overdijk KC is also a notable senior counsel.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Carey Olsen's unwavering availability and forward-thinking strategies to mitigate risks are truly exceptional. They consistently demonstrate a responsive and proactive approach, ensuring our issues and discussions are handled with the utmost diligence and foresight.'

  • 'Their commitment to being accessible at all times and their proactive stance not only address our immediate concerns but also anticipate potential challenges, making them an invaluable asset to our operations.’

  • ‘Kyle Masters' guidance as our lawyer has been invaluable. His deep understanding of our needs, coupled with his ability to direct us to the right specialists within the firm when we face specialized issues, has been crucial to our success. Kyle's expertise and proactive approach ensure we always have the best resources and advice at our disposal, making our partnership with the firm seamless and highly effective.’

  • ‘One of the best trust litigation teams I have dealt with. Great strength in depth for an island practice. Very approachable.’

  • ‘Keith Robinson is a powerhouse. Knows his subject-matter inside-out and has a wealth of valuable practical experience. The best I have worked with in this sector. Claire van Overdijk KC has been a great addition to the team. Oliver MacKay is a highly diligent associate.’

  • ‘The team possesses considerable skill in all sorts of disputes, including in particular company, insolvency and trust disputes.’

  • ‘Keith Robinson is the team leader. He qualified as a barrister and spent many years practising from London Chancery Chambers before relocating to Bermuda. He has as a result enormous experience particularly in commercial chancery matters and is a very persuasive advocate.'

  • 'Claire van Overdijk KC took silk shortly after relocating to Bermuda having practised before then from London chambers. She is very astute and easy to deal with and also has considerable experience from her London practice of all sorts of commercial and chancery disputes.'

Key clients

  • White Rock Insurance (SAC) Ltd.
  • Aon
  • Mexico Infrastructure Finance LLC
  • Michael Morrison and Charles Thresh as Joint Liquidators of Par-La-Ville Hotel and Residences Ltd
  • Fidelity National Title Insurance Company
  • Bittrex Global Bermuda Limited
  • Bermuda Electric Light Company Limited
  • Trump Panama Hotel Management LLC
  • Trump International Hotels Management, LLC
  • My Pharmacy LLC
  • BCT Limited
  • Oasis Investments II Master Fund Limited
  • Attestor Value Master Fund LP
  • JetBlue Airways Corporation et al
  • Alcority Services Limited

Work highlights

  • Acting for Aon and a number of its subsidiaries, including White Rock, in what has been described in the press as 'likely the largest fraud ever in the Bermuda (re)insurance market'.
  • Acting for Mexico Infrastructure Finance LLC, which was the lender to Par-La-Ville Hotel and Residences Ltd, in respect of a failed scheme to develop a hotel in Bermuda.
  • Advised Bittrex Global Bermuda Limited on all aspects of its relationship with the Bermuda Monetary Authority, including compliance, licensing, and other obligations, as BGBM worked closely with the BMA to develop a detailed wind-down plan with a view to protecting customers during the ceasing of operations of the business in Bermuda.

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

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Michael Hanson, Keith Robinson

Other key lawyers

Matthew Watson, Kyle Masters, Sam Stevens, Jay Webster, Claire van Overdijk KC, Honor Desmond-Tetlow, Oliver MacKay