Providing ‘legally robust advice that is also grounded in sound commerciality’, Harneys houses a team of seasoned practitioners including managing partner Nick Hoffman, who has recently led on several notable Asian disputes and restructuring cases in Cayman; and cross-border commercial litigation and asset recovery specialist Andrew Johnstone, who leads the litigation, insolvency and restructuring group. With strong experience in trust disputes and multi-jurisdictional asset recovery actions, Jessica Williams is also highly recommended, while Paul Smith concentrates on company disputes, financial services litigation, insolvency and restructuring work, and fraud and asset tracing claims. Gráinne King was recently promoted to the partnership, and Anya Allen is a key name at senior associate level. Ben Hobden joined the group in mid-2023 from Forbes Hare, adding further contentious restructuring expertise.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

'They give legally robust advice that is also grounded in sound commerciality.’
‘Andrew Johnstone is exceptional. A really solid advocate, strong on the law, commercial, user friendly.’
‘Nick Hoffman and Gráinne King are brilliant and go the extra mile to ensure we get sound and timely advice.’
‘Team is very approachable, provides practical and useful advice. They find the right balance between following strict legal principle and yet still commercial. Excellent diverse team.’
‘Gráinne King, Jessica Williams and Paul Smith are all excellent lawyers that I would revert to for practical and commercial advice.’
‘Direct and substantive advice; they get right to the heart of the issues and don't faff around with disclaimers and boiler plate statements and overly caveated advice.’
‘A deep knowledge of the offshore funds industry, rooted in fiduciary work but now with a compelling history of Cayman and BVI dispute work, especially in the insolvency context.'
‘Gráinne King (Partner, Cayman) has a terrific "bedside manner", communicating clearly and being mindful of the details of the matter at hand, while not being afraid to face realities. Gráinne is very approachable and responsive, as well as retaining a comprehensive knowledge of the case.’

Key clients

Luckin Coffee Inc.,
China Evergrande
New Frontier Health Corporation
Seahawk China Dynamic Fund
Sina Corporation
Kaisa Group Holdings Limited
Orient TM Ruibo Limited
Oakwise Value Fund SPC
Nebula (Cayman) Limited
Citicorp International Limited
Joint Official Liquidators of the Saad Investments Finance Company
Iraq Telecom Limited
Axiom Legal Financing Fund

Work highlights

Acted as Cayman counsel to Luckin Coffee Inc. in connection with provisional liquidation proceedings in Cayman and the holistic restructuring of Luckin Coffee’s liabilities.
Acted for the ad hoc group of bondholders in relation to the circa $19bn restructuring of China Evergrande’s offshore liabilities.
Represented New Frontier Health Corporation in proceedings to determine the fair value of shares under section 238 of the Companies Act.