Appleby‘s dispute practice team is highly regarded, described as ’professional, diligent, and well-respected by the judges in Bermuda’. The group represents a diverse range of parties in high-value, multi-jurisdictional litigation and mediation, as well as regulatory and corporate governance matters, including policy wordings. Leading the team is John Wasty, who is noted as ‘rightly in very high demand’ and specialises in commercial litigation, restructurings, fund claims, insolvencies and regulatory affairs, both domestically and internationally. Hannah Tildesley is a specialist in international commercial litigation, with a focus on funds and contentious trust disputes. Counsel Lalita Vaswani, known for her ’pragmatic and diligent approach‘, supports the team’s corporate litigation, particularly in restructuring and insolvency matters. Khiyara Krige specialises in (re)insurance disputes and corporate litigation, while Sam Riihiluoma’s expertise lies in civil and commercial litigation, with a strong track record in regulatory affairs, contractual disputes, and professional liability claims.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘The Appleby team is a delight to work with. They are professional, diligent and well-respected by the judges in Bermuda. Always exceptionally hard-working and consider the details.’
‘The insolvency team at Appleby Bermuda is second to none. We've been working with them to try to recover on a defaulted loan. This collection effort required a global response (with assets in multiple jurisdictions), and Appleby was able to organise, assemble and lead a global team of lawyers working to achieve results on our behalf. In each instance, we've found the lawyers to be thoughtful, prepared and thorough. We could not have achieved as good as result as we did were it not for Appleby.’
‘John Wasty - rightly in very high demand; extremely experienced and exceptionally good on client management. I will recommend John to anyone litigating in Bermuda.'
‘We've found Lalita Vaswani to be highly dedicated, practical and intelligent. She has organised and led, on our behalf, a global team of talented lawyers whose aim is to achieve a successful result on our behalf. We have found the Appleby team's wisdom to be invaluable.'
'We've found James Batten to be incredibly creative in problem solving. After listening to multiple sides on a complex negotiation, James was able to listen to everyone's needs and wants and suggest solutions that address each of the issues raised.’
'Khiyara Krige - on top of all the details and supremely reliable, notwithstanding clearly a very heavy workload.’
‘I enjoyed working with this team. They take on a collaborative approach to their work. Despite the time zone and jurisdiction, they were always accessible and beckoned to your call. I was also impressed with the attention to detail that was applied.’
‘My main contact is Lalita Vaswani. Lalita takes a pragmatic and diligent approach to her advice which is supported by her attention to detail of the facts presented. She is personable, approachable and her advice is straightforward. She is supported by James Batten who is also a standout in carrying out his duty and ensuring all the complex points were kept simple to understand.’

Key clients

Jardine Matheson Holdings Limited
Petroleos de Venezuela SA
Former Shareholders of NKWE Platinum Limited
Argus Insurance Company Limited
Bermuda Environmental Sustainability Taskforce BEST

Work highlights

Acting for Jardine Matheson Holdings Limited in litigation arising from the merger between Jardine Matheson Holding Limited and Jardine Strategic Holdings Limited relating to prices offered for shares in the merger.
Instructed by the estate of a wealthy Taiwanese businessman in claims relating to the validity of trusts.
Representing PDVSA in a dispute relating to the liquidation of its former captive PDV Insurance Company Ltd.