Ogier excels in commercial disputes and fraud cases, with particular specialism in claims involving the Middle East and FSU region. The practice consists of experts in high-profile insolvencies and restructuring schemes, as well as in the contentious trusts space. Crypto fraud also continues to be a key area of expertise for the group. Brian Lacy leads the practice and is noted for his expertise in disputes involving the Middle East. He leads the team alongside Nicholas Brookes, who is active in cross-border restructuring and insolvency matters, corporate disputes, and commercial litigation, often appearing as advocate. Nicholas Burkill‘s broad practice spans international disputes, including civil fraud, breach of fiduciary duty and asset tracing cases. Specialising in company, trusts and insolvency matters, head of the Dubai office David Welford brings a wealth of advocacy experience to the team. Alexander Muksinov and Sarah Latham are names to note.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Really solid and dependable firm capable of running substantial litigation on island and in close collaboration with other onshore and offshore jurisdictions.’

  • ‘Nick Burkill - Unrivalled in the BVI for litigation experience. Thrives on complex multi-jurisdictional litigation.'

  • 'Nick Brookes - Very bright, highly capable. A step above most BVI litigators when it comes to hands on dispute resolution.’
  • ‘Great strength in depth, long experience, user-friendly and knowledgeable partners.’

  • ‘Brian Lacy and David Welford are two of the most experienced BVI lawyers, and really understand their market and the legal system.’

  • ‘Brilliantly efficient. Nothing is too much trouble. Good legal abilities. Fast turnaround. Offices all over the world which means that work can effectively be done on cases 24 hours a day.’

  • ‘Brian Lacy is one of (if not the) standout - by which I mean exceptional - lawyers practising BVI law. Not only charming and good with clients, but also a good lawyer who is quickly on to the only points that matter. And he has a great back up team in relation to BVI law. I could not be happier with the help I get in preparing and presenting a case from this group and would happily recommend the firm to anyone needing help with a BVI problem.’

  • ‘Excellent at managing large litigation, with quality lawyers throughout the firm.’

Key clients

  • Three Arrows Capital, Ltd (in Liquidation) - via its Joint Liquidators, Teneo (The Liquidation)
  • Christopher Farmer and Russell Crumpler of Teneo as Joint Liquidators of Three Arrows Capital, Ltd (in Liquidation) (The Founders Claim)
  • BTA Bank
  • Al Thani Royal Family
  • Nam Tai Property Inc
  • Carosan Ltd
  • Mr Roy Bailey and Ms So Kit Yee Anita of Ernst & Young, as Joint Liquidators of Tsinghua Unigroup International Co., Ltd ("TUI") and Unigroup International Holdings Ltd ("UIH") (both in Liquidation)
  • Grant Thornton as trustees in bankruptcy of Anatoly Motylev

Work highlights

  • Advising Three Arrows Capital, Ltd (in Liquidation), via its joint liquidators, Teneo, in a large-scale crypto insolvency.
  • Advising Christopher Farmer and Russell Crumpler of Teneo as joint liquidators of Three Arrows Capital, Ltd (in Liquidation).
  • Acting as lead counsel to BTA Bank, which alleges that is has been the victim of a complex scheme of civil fraud.

Lawyers

Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
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.

Brian Lacy, Nicholas Brookes

Other key lawyers

Nicholas Burkill, David Welford, Alexander Muksinov, Sarah Latham, Daniel Burkitt