Offshore (Bar)

3 Verulam Buildings offers noteworthy expertise across a range of offshore work including trusts, insolvency, civil fraud, restructuring and commercial cases. Its barristers are experienced in appearing in high-value disputes, and members are frequently called before the courts in the Caribbean, the Channel Islands, Dubai and Hong Kong. The set has appeared in high-profile cases this year, including in Abraaj Investment Management v KPMG Lower Gulf and NMC Healthcare v Dubai Islamic Bank and Noor Bank. One source comments: "3VB is a very strong chambers with good bench strength." Another peer views the set as being "the best across the board."

"Stuart Pullum, senior practice manager, is impressive and always on top of what is going on."

"Lucy Burrows, deputy senior practice manager, has also been a real pleasure to work with. She's very professional, sensible, and responsible; everything you want in a practice manager."

"3 Verulam Buildings provides excellent friendly service. Stephen Penson, senior practice manager, stands out this year."

Ewan McQuater KC
Ewan McQuater KC has a strong commercial chancery practice and is noted for his strength in banking disputes. McQuater frequently acts for BVI liquidators and has substantial experience of handling high-profile cases. "Ewan McQuater is a go-to silk for heavyweight cases. He is hugely experienced in complex trial cases; very strategic and strong in court, including cross-examination." "Ewan is a sophisticated, understated advocate. He's totally reliable and never makes a mistake. Everyone has confidence in what he does." "Ewan is a real heavyweight - someone you want with you in the toughest of fights. His gravitas and tenacity really helps. It's easy to see why he is a leader in the offshore field."

David Quest KC
David Quest KC devotes a large part of his work to international arbitration matters and offshore litigation, and has particular expertise in Cayman Islands proceedings. His broad commercial practice encompasses fraud, finance, insurance and professional negligence disputes, and he also handles government investigations. He has particular expertise in the banking sector. "David Quest is incredibly nice, charming, experienced, and fearsomely intelligent." "David is down to earth, knowledgeable, works well in a team, and is excellent on his feet." "There is nothing about offshore banking that David doesn't know. And if there is, it's not worth knowing."

Matthew Hardwick KC
Matthew Hardwick KC is a seasoned commercial litigator with extensive experience in the BVI. He is called upon for his expertise in commercial fraud and insolvency litigation. Hardwick regularly receives instructions from liquidators and creditors in insolvency procedural disputes. "Matthew is one of the best leading barristers in the market. He's incredibly diligent, really well prepared, and wonderful with clients." "Matthew is incredibly impressive. He absorbs large amounts of information in a phenomenal way. He's like a machine." "Matthew is at the top of my list for silks. He's exceptionally bright and well liked by the BVI judges. He finds the right points and is very approachable in court."

Tom Montagu-Smith KC
Tom Montagu-Smith KC is well regarded for his prowess in Dubai and the DIFC. He routinely receives instructions from banks and governments in multi-jurisdictional fraud, recovery and insolvency proceedings. "Tom is the number-one go-to advocate in the DIFC." "He is a standout advocate, and the go-to person for complex commercial or jurisdictional disputes."