Offshore
An esteemed offshore set that is often instructed in multi-jurisdictional cases arising from insolvency and family matters. Areas of particular strength include company law and shareholder disputes. They frequently appear in the major offshore jurisdictions, including the Channel Islands and the Caribbean, acting on behalf of ultra high net worth families and financial services clients. Recent cases handled by the members include a family dispute arising from the execution of Datuk Wong Kie Nai’s estate.
“The clerks, led by David Goddard, are very helpful, very professional and very user-friendly.” “They treat you like royalty.”
John Brisby QC
John Brisby’s busy commercial practice sees him tackle work in Gibraltar, the Isle of Man, Bermuda and the Cayman Islands, among other jurisdictions. He has attained a fine reputation for his excellent courtroom advocacy, and has acted in cases relating to the collapses of Enron, Barings, Maxwell and Barlow Clowes. His primary expertise is in fraud and company law, including shareholder disputes.
Strengths: “He is incredibly experienced” and “very confident in court.”
Recent work: Appeared before the BVI Commercial Court and the Court of Appeal of the Eastern Caribbean in relation to the Peak Hotels litigation.
Jonathan Crow QC
A formidable offshore advocate with an outstanding track record in heavyweight commercial, company and public law cases. The broad geographic spread of his work takes him to Hong Kong, the Channel Islands and several Caribbean jurisdictions. He is sought after for his knowledge of trusts disputes and he also frequently appears before the Privy Council.
Strengths: “An exceptional advocate, who is very bright, highly responsive and always thoroughly prepared.” “He is justifiably a superstar. He has a killer instinct and he doesn’t waver.”
Recent work: Acted in Khan v Gany Holdings, a Privy Council case on appeal from the BVI concerning a dispute over the management of a substantial offshore family trust.
Robert Miles QC
Prized by solicitors for his expert ability in offshore financial, commercial and corporate disputes, he has advised on, or appeared in, high-profile financial services litigation throughout his distinguished career. He is admitted ad hoc in the Isle of Man, the Seychelles, the Cayman Islands and Bermuda, and is also a member of the BVI Bar. Miles is particularly experienced at managing significant fraud cases.
Strengths: “An Olympian barrister.” “His reputation is clearly deserved. He carries himself with confidence, and when he speaks, he is economical but very persuasive.”
Orlando Fraser QC
Has a great reputation for commercial litigation, having appeared in disputes concerning fraud, trusts, insolvency and company law. His offshore practice incorporates work in the BVI, Dominica, Nevis and the USA. He acts for trust companies, directors and liquidators.
Strengths: “An excellent advocate who is a good tactician with sound judgement.”
Recent work: Procured the discharge of freezing injunctions in Singapore and the BVI for a defendant in a fraud claim relating to the main port in Djibouti.
Sharif Shivji
An eminent junior with a background as a former derivatives trader. He delivers standout performances in financial services litigation, and has a highly international practice that sees him work in places such as Dubai, the BVI and Trinidad & Tobago. He has recently been involved in significant fraud and insolvency cases.
Strengths: “Sharif is fantastic and extremely diligent.” “His cross-examination is incisive, controlled and devastating.”
Recent work: Acted alongside Robert Miles QC in two sets of proceedings brought by Barclays, which relate to an alleged fraud perpetrated on the bank.
