IFLR 1000
The Guide to the World's Leading Financial Law Firms

	Conyers Dill & Pearman Harney Westwood & Riegels Walkers
	Maples and Calder Ogier
	Appleby Forbes Hare
	Farara Kerins O'Neal Webster

Though one competitor notes that Maples "has had a troubled time since [former partner] Rob McIntyre left", there is consensus among peers that this is a solid tier-two firm, with an impressive global network to draw on. One of the top BVI corporate attorneys, Richard May, who previously headed the corporate and investment funds group at Walkers, joined Maples and Calder in 2011 and now heads the firm's respective practice.... [more]

Though one competitor notes that Maples "has had a troubled time since [former partner] Rob McIntyre left", there is consensus among peers that this is a solid tier-two firm, with an impressive global network to draw on.

One of the top BVI corporate attorneys, Richard May, who previously headed the corporate and investment funds group at Walkers, joined Maples and Calder in 2011 and now heads the firm's respective practice.

Clients seem impressed with the quality and caliber of the firm: "They're very transparent. They tell us what they're going to charge and they charge it," says one.

In 2011, partner Kieran Walsh advised Arcos Dorados Holdings, the French arm of McDonald's, on its $1.25 billion listing on the NYSE in April. Arcos Dorados, the world's largest McDonald's franchisee, operates more than 1700 McDonald's franchises throughout Latin America.

The firm also reports increasing work related to natural resources over the past 12 months, focused primarily on mining in Africa and natural gas in Latin America, with investments made by China, the US and Canada. Other areas that have become more active include asset financing related to shipping and corporate jets, as well as project finance investments in Latin America.

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	Maples and Calder Walkers
	Ogier
	Appleby Conyers Dill & Pearman Mourant Ozannes Solomon Harris
	Harneys Higgs & Johnson

	Maples and Calder Walkers
	Ogier
	Appleby Campbells Mourant Ozannes

Maples and Calder is the largest law firm in the Cayman Islands, with offices in Dubai, Hong Kong, London and Dublin, as well as the British Virgin Islands. In 2010, the firm captured a significant share of the market in funds formation and finance and corporate work, creating what one competitor refers to as, "increasing clear water" between it and its closest rivals.... [more]

Maples and Calder is the largest law firm in the Cayman Islands, with offices in Dubai, Hong Kong, London and Dublin, as well as the British Virgin Islands. In 2010, the firm captured a significant share of the market in funds formation and finance and corporate work, creating what one competitor refers to as, "increasing clear water" between it and its closest rivals. Another peer says if the firms were to be given grades, "Maples would get an A+."

Clients also praise the firm. "I wouldn't use another firm," remarks one long-term banking client. "They have the ability to understand different clients, their attitudes and sensitivities. They don't have to be reminded." Another patron adds that the firm is "excellent at coming to commercial solutions, even before the laws have been put in place".

In a 2010 financing transaction that reopened the aviation warehouse portfolio financing market, Maples and Calder acted for Avolon in the establishment of a $400 million warehouse facility. This involved creating a Cayman Islands incorporated, Irish tax-resident structure that minimised bankruptcy risk and provided tax treaty and Cape Town Convention access. Negotiations began in late 2009, and the deal closed in the second half of 2010.

Maples has assisted with a slew of confidential hedge fund launches including the largest of 2010. The firm also acted for the China New Economy Fund in the establishment and listing of a closed-ended corporate fund on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange during 2010. In 2011, Maples acted for the US private equity firm Clayton Dubilier & Rice in a transaction valued at $3.2 billion, relating to its acquisition of Emergency Medical Services through special purpose vehicles (SPV).

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