New International British Virgin Islands Law Firm Launched

Clinton Hempel, a senior corporate lawyer in the BVI, has launched a specialist BVI law firm: Hempel and Boyd

British Virgin Islands (Law Firm Newswire) February 1, 2012 – An experienced transactional lawyer, Clinton rates the BVI as the world’s leading offshore corporate jurisdiction, and Hempel and Boyd will focus exclusively on the BVI.

According to Clinton: “There is no better offshore jurisdiction for international transactional work and asset holding structures. After 13 years of practice in the BVI, I am very excited about the prospect of delivering BVI legal services to clients across the globe, under the banner of “Hempel and Boyd”.”

Clinton, a former Allen and Overy lawyer, and more recently the joint managing partner of Maples and Calder’s BVI office, will be joined by Greg Boyd, an accomplished finance lawyer. Formerly with Baker & McKenzie in London and Maples and Calder in the BVI, Greg brings significant experience to the new practice, with his London experience and hands-on BVI commercial knowledge and awareness. Both Clinton and Greg are recognised as leading BVI corporate and finance lawyers by the main international legal directories.

In outlining the ethos behind Hempel and Boyd, Clinton explains: “We understand the support role played by the offshore lawyer in international transactions. We will not un-necessarily crowd the boardroom, or conference calls, or complicate transactions. We ensure that the offshore component of the transaction complements the overall commercial objectives.”

While headquartered in the BVI, Hempel and Boyd has taken the unique step of opening an office in Cape Town – becoming the first offshore law firm to open an office in Africa.

“A significant part of our work has been on transactions involving investment into Africa – be it from China, Canada, Latin America, Russia or elsewhere,” adds Greg. “With the inclusion of South Africa in the BRICS organisation of leading emerging economies, Cape Town was an obvious location for an office, giving Hempel and Boyd the unique opportunity to offer clients BVI expertise, on the ground in Africa.”

A further advantage is that European and Russian based clients will be able to deal with Hempel and Boyd, through the Cape Town office, in a friendly time zone. While the African presence also brings the practice closer to clients in Australia and the Far East.

“These are obviously challenging times, but the BVI – a well regulated, internationally respected and business friendly jurisdiction – remains an important component in facilitating the cross-border flow of capital.”

Clinton can be reached on clinton.hempel@hempelandboyd.com and Greg on greg.boyd@hempelandboyd.com

Hempel and Boyd
HB Chambers
Rodus Building, Road Reef Marina
PO Box 3093
Road Town, Tortola
British VIrgin Islands
http://www.hempelandboyd.com
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