Andrew is the founder of Johnstone Law. In a career spanning over two decades, Andrew has practised in four jurisdictions and has been trusted by major corporations, market-leading liquidators and high net worth individuals to handle their most complex and sensitive disputes. Formerly head of Cayman litigation, insolvency and restructuring at a major offshore law firm, in 2024 Andrew decided that he could provide a superior client experience, with an offering focused on the highest and most consistent quality representation, with dedicated senior support unaffected by management constraints, and providing round the clock personal service. The strength of that conviction led him to leave his former senior position and start Johnstone Law.

 

Andrew was called to the bar of England and Wales in 2004 and practised in that jurisdiction until 2012. During this period he was involved in a wide range of commercial litigation, including shipping, sale of goods, insolvency and banking/derivatives disputes. Most notably he was the case handler for many of the most significant OTC derivatives disputes arising out of the global financial crisis which lead to the leading judgments on the meaning of the netting and default provisions of the ISDA master agreement. In 2012 Andrew moved to Hong Kong, making partner a year later at the age of only 33. His practice focussed on cross border fraud and insolvency and in particular the obtaining of freezing and asset discovery orders. In 2018, Andrew moved to a major offshore law firm in Hong Kong before moving to the Cayman Islands to become head of litigation at the same firm. In the course of his time as an offshore law, Andrew handled some of the most substantial cases in the Cayman Islands and British Virgin Islands, including the majority of the insolvencies arising out of the PRC property crash (both for companies and bond holders) as well as high-value multi-jurisdictional commercial litigation.

 

Andrew is known for his strategic and tactical acumen, and is often brought into matters to provide creative and effective leadership arising from his huge experience. Andrew excels as an advocate, both in Court and in his dealings with clients and opponents. He is described in testimonials to Legal 500 as follows: “Andrew Johnstone is exceptional. A really solid advocate, strong on the law, commercial, user friendly.”