Walkers has maintained its strong position as the go-to offshore law firm in the 2021 Chambers and Partners' Global Guide this year.
The firm leads the way with 10 "Band 1" practice area rankings (out of a market leading 23 practice areas), an overall "Band 1" ranking in 'Global Offshore' and with nine "Band 1" ranked lawyers, more than any other offshore law firm. These rankings come soon after Walkers' global Fintech group was also awarded a Band 1 ranking in late 2020.
Chambers Global Guide lauded Walkers for its depth of expertise in offshore transactional work, with one client commenting: "They're strong across the board and good at finding practical solutions – it's the hallmark of Walkers' practice."
In the Cayman Islands, Walkers once again retained its "Band 1" rankings for its three cornerstone practices: Finance & Corporate, Insolvency & Dispute Resolution and Investment Funds.
One interviewee reported: "They are unfailingly responsive, sensible and commercial in how they approach challenges and always ensure we are well protected from legal and regulatory exposure," adding: "I continue to recommend the Walkers team."
Chambers also noted that Walkers is a "Top-rated firm with an exceptional reputation for its Cayman investment fund practice. Excels in all aspects of fund-related advice, including formation, launch and restructuring. Possesses an enviable client list that features several big-name asset managers and investors."
In the British Virgin Islands, Walkers' Insolvency & Dispute Resolution team upheld its "Band 1" ranking with clients saying: "They do a great job on complex matters that involve cross-border issues [and] are phenomenal in terms of getting the papers in order."
Walkers' Asia-Pacific offices of Hong Kong and Singapore also retained their "Band 1" rankings, with Chambers noting that those offices are "Finance giants with impressive knowledge across BVI and Cayman law". Walkers Asia has had an incredibly successful year, having been named 'Offshore Law Firm of the Year' in the Chambers Asia-Pacific Awards in 2020.
In Ireland, Walkers' Capital Markets: Debt practice retained its "Band 1" ranking whilst the Irish office secured a total of five rankings, entering in the Banking & Finance and International & Cross-Border tables for the first time. Chambers notes:
"[Walkers] maintains a highly regarded DCM and structured finance offering, with particular expertise in securitisation transactions such as asset-backed securities and commercial mortgage-backed securities. Acts as listing agent, issuer's and arranger's counsel for clients from the financial sector. Often assists clients with notes issuances and CLO transactions."
The London office, led by Managing Partner Jack Boldarin (the sole "Band 1" ranked BVI lawyer in London), retained its "Band 1" rankings for both British Virgin Islands and Cayman Islands Law.
Finally, in the United Arab Emirates, Walkers retained its "Band 1" ranking for offshore law, with commentators noting that: "Walkers is a great firm and they've done a sterling job in Dubai. I'd recommend them wholeheartedly to anybody requiring top-quality offshore legal advice."
Walkers' Global Managing Partner, Ingrid Pierce, states: "I am delighted that once again our global firm has been recognised across a broad range of practices and laws in Chambers Global. We continually strive to give clients our best products and services. We are very grateful for the ongoing support and feedback from clients and others who took the time to recognise the efforts of our people."
