Barrister (England and Wales) and the Abu Dhabi Global Market Courts | Barrister (Grenada, Barbados, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Saint Lucia, British Virgin Islands, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Antigua and Barbuda and Guyana) | Chartered Director | Mediator

Mikhail Charles specialises in complex cross-border commercial litigation and offshore corporate advisory work, with an established practice across the Caribbean region.

Admitted to practice across most of the Eastern Caribbean, Barbados and Guyana, he provides comprehensive legal services to international clients navigating multi-jurisdictional disputes and transactions.

Chambers and Partners listed for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Mikhail regularly appears before the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court and has conducted matters to the Privy Council.

 His practice encompasses high-value commercial disputes, international trust and corporate structuring, cross-border insolvency, and urgent injunctive relief across multiple jurisdictions.

As a dual-qualified practitioner, he bridges common law jurisdictions effectively, offering clients seamless representation in matters spanning the Caribbean, England and Wales, and other Commonwealth territories.

International and Offshore Practice

Corporate and Commercial Advisory

Advises on the formation, administration and dissolution of international business companies, trusts, and banking structures across Caribbean jurisdictions. Recent instructions include advising major technology companies (Google, Spotify) on regional commercial contracts, structuring multi-jurisdictional transactions for Eastern European beneficial owners, and providing regulatory guidance to offshore financial institutions. Regularly provides expert evidence on Caribbean company law to English courts.

Cross-Border Litigation

Extensive experience in multi-jurisdictional disputes including enforcement of foreign judgments, Norwich Pharmacal relief, and cross-border asset recovery. Currently instructed in the largest tax assessment appeal from the Eastern Caribbean to the Privy Council. Successfully defended applications involving Russian freezing injunctions recognised across England, BVI and Russia.

Offshore Insolvency

Acts in complex international insolvencies, including challenging liquidators holding substantial funds, advising on voluntary liquidations of international hotel groups, and representing creditors pursuing judgment debts through Caribbean-domiciled structures. Particular expertise in BVI and Nevis insolvency regimes.

Trust Disputes

Represents beneficiaries and trustees in high-value international trust disputes, including matters involving Monaco and Hong Kong elements. Advises on trust restructuring, changes of proper law, and applications for injunctive relief to restrain parallel proceedings across multiple jurisdictions.

Regulatory and Compliance

Provides specialist advice on Caribbean financial services regulation, AEOI compliance, and crypto-asset structures. Acts for payment service providers, international banks, and fintech companies navigating regulatory requirements across multiple Caribbean jurisdictions.

England and Wales Practice

Maintains a commercial and chancery practice from London, focusing on matters with international elements. Appears in the High Court (including urgent applications before ICC Judges), County Courts and tribunals in commercial disputes, insolvency proceedings, trust litigation, and property matters.

This domestic practice complements and supports his primary international work.

Notable Cases and Experience

·         Currently instructed in precedent-setting Privy Council appeal on cross-border tax assessment

·         Commercial Bank of Dubai v 18 Elvaston Place - First reported case following overruling of 'Black Swan' injunctive relief route in BVI

·         Digital Wings Limited [2017] - First application for recognition of foreign liquidator under reformed Vincentian legislation

·         Multiple reported authorities before the Eastern Caribbean Court of Appeal

·         Expert witness on Caribbean law in English High Court proceedings

Jurisdictional Admissions

·         Eastern Caribbean:

BVI, St Vincent and the Grenadines (Notary Public), St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia (Notary Royal), Grenada, Antigua and Barbuda

·         Republic of Guyana

·         Republic of Barbados

·         England and Wales

·         Abu Dhabi Global Market Courts

·         Legal Education Certificate holder (admissible to any Commonwealth Caribbean jurisdiction as of right)

Advisory Roles

·         Of Counsel, Baptiste & Co. (Saint Vincent and the Grenadines)

·         Legal Team Member, HTJ Tax Singapore (oversight of global offshore structures)

·         Consultant, British Institute of International and Comparative Law (Caribbean company law reform)

·         Contributor, International Trust Laws (XXIV Old Buildings)

Professional Qualifications

·         LLM Corporate and Insolvency Law (Commendation)

·         Advanced Certificate in Trust Disputes (STEP)

·         Chartered Director (C.Dir)

·         Certificate in International Investment Law and Dispute Resolution (BIICL)

·         Accredited Mediator (international commercial disputes)

Languages

English (native), Spanish (fluent)

Direct Access

Mikhail accepts instructions directly from international clients and through foreign law firms for Caribbean matters, and accepts appropriate Direct Access instructions for England and Wales matters.