“Outstanding, user-friendly, practical” - Harneys London retains top tier ranking
Harneys London has retained its top tier ranking from both Chambers and Partners and Legal 500 in their recently released 2020 rankings of law firms in the UK.
For the eighth consecutive year, Chambers has recommended Harneys as a band 1 firm for offshore British Virgin Islands law. Clients have said the firm is “very commercial and understand[s] the key points”, another interviewee stated: "They are our first choice for BVI transactions". The firm has also retained its band 2 ranking for offshore Cayman Islands law.
Global head of the firm’s Litigation, Insolvency and Restructuring group and managing partner of the London office, Phillip Kite, is noted for his experience in disputes in the BVI across areas including insolvency, shareholder disputes and trusts. Partner Indira Birkwood is particularly sought after by banks for advice on BVI banking and finance transactions. Market sources report: "She's responsive, knowledgeable and reliable. She's very quick, practical and solves problems." Partner William Peake is an experienced litigator whom clients turn to for his expertise in areas including liquidation and fraud. He specialises in Cayman Islands disputes. Clients say he is "very easy to work with, very personable and pleasant," while market sources describe him as a "super operator," adding that "no one is willing to go further for his clients."
Harneys has also been ranked in tier 1 by Legal 500; clients have said: “Harneys' London team is an outstanding, user-friendly, practical team of corporate lawyers and it is extremely helpful being able to consult them during London hours.” Other sources have noted: “The litigation and insolvency team itself is made up of commercially astute lawyers whose advice goes beyond simple statements of the law, suggesting sensible business solutions.”
Phillip Kite, Indira Birkwood and William Peake have also been recognised as leading individuals by Legal 500. A source said: “William is undoubtedly one of the top Cayman Islands litigators. He is a true rainmaker, team leader, and client service ambassador.”
Phillip Kite commented: “We are proud of the service that our team provide to our clients and we hope that these rankings show why clients return to us again and again. We believe we have earned a dominant position in London, and will continue our mission to provide quality real time advice to our clients on BVI and Cayman law.”
Harneys’ London team comprises 14 lawyers, including seven partners. Harneys network is one of the largest among offshore law firms, with locations in major financial centres in Europe, Asia, the Americas and the Caribbean, allowing the firm to provide services of the highest quality to clients in their own languages and time zones.
