Shane Donovan

Overview

I’m a Partner in our BVI Litigation practice.

I'm a commercial litigation lawyer with specialist experience in complex international litigation, including fraud and asset recovery, insolvency, and corporate and shareholder disputes. I’m also experienced in obtaining urgent injunctions such as worldwide freezing orders and anti-suit injunctions, and Norwich Pharmacal (disclosure) orders.

Prior to joining Mourant Ozannes, I worked for Martin Kenney & Co in the BVI. I’ve also worked for PCB Litigation in London and Thynne & Macartney in Brisbane.

Professional qualifications

• Admitted to practice in the British Virgin Islands, 2012
• Admitted to practice in England and Wales, 2008
• Admitted to practice in Queensland, Australia, 2002 (currently non-practising)
• Graduated from the University of Queensland with a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Science majoring in Pharmacology, 2000

What the directories say

In Legal 500 Caribbean 2025, Shane is ranked as a Next Generation Partner in Dispute Resolution. A source comments: "Shane is extremely responsive but thoughtful. Extremely knowledgeable of the laws and provides practical advice."

In Chambers and Partners Global 2025, Shane is ranked in Dispute Resolution. A source comments: "Shane is obviously very experienced in the BVI. He knows the court system, the judges and the market generally." Another adds: "Shane is very smart and he has a good level of knowledge of insolvency laws."

Shane is recommended in the Lexology Index Report 2024 in Asset Recovery.

In Legal 500 Caribbean 2024, Shane is ranked as a Next Generation Partner in Dispute Resolution. A source comments: "Shane Donovan: very good lawyer, strong presence in court."

In Chambers and Partners Global 2024, Shane is individually ranked in Dispute Resolution. A source says: "Shane's level of technical knowledge is impressive. He retains a wealth of information, making him the go-to person for all legal matters."

In Chambers and Partners Global 2023, Shane is individually ranked in Dispute Resolution. 

In Legal 500 Caribbean 2023, Shane is recognised as a Next Generation Partner for Dispute Resolution and is described as "a first rate lawyer who is not afraid to tell clients how it is" with "excellent judgment and strong in court".

"Shane gives strong and robust legal advice." Chambers and Partners Global, 2022.

Shane Donovan is described as an, "experienced and diligent litigator with in-depth experience of BVI insolvency legislation" by Chambers and Partners Global, 2021.

"A first-class act, Shane Donovan is one of the rising stars in the BVI litigation scene; his meticulous attention to detail, diligence and creativity are second to none." Legal 500, 2020.

"Shane Donovan is a top-quality litigator who could succeed anywhere." Legal 500, 2020.