Kobre & Kim launches BVI base to service Asia clients
US litigation firm Kobre & Kim is launching an office in the British Virgin Islands (BVI) in response to increasing work in the jurisdiction from Asian clients.
James Corbett QC
The office will be spearheaded by Kobre & Kim London partners James Corbett QC and Tim Prudhoe. The duo are both English barristers who are also qualified in the BVI.
Kobre & Kim Hong Kong partner William McGovern told The Lawyer the firm had seen a growing need for a presence in the Caribbean jurisdiction, generally for Asian clients with BVI structures involved in litigation. Until now the firm has turned to offshore practices for BVI advice.
“Our view is that we can provide a one-stop shop by having US capability, Asian presence and BVI capability, and really be on the ground in each of these jurisdictions to be alongside our clients,” McGovern said.
Kobre & Kim is the second onshore firm to move into an offshore jurisdiction in a matter of weeks. Ireland’s Dillon Eustace recently launched in the Cayman Islands (23 April 2012), offering funds and litigation advice. In 2009 Withers opened in the BVI, also focusing on litigation (30 March 2009).
Corbett and Prudhoe were among the raft of barrister hires made by Kobre & Kim in 2010 (19 April 2010 and 17 May 2010).
