Smith, Barnard & Diel.

She joined the firm six months ago, and last Friday became the first woman to be made a partner at the firm.

She has been practising law for nine years, the first eight-and-a-half with Appleby, Spurling & Kempe, as a corporate attorney in international practice in Bermuda, London and Hong Kong. She also served as head of listings at the Bermuda Stock Exchange.

She has become the sixth partner at Smith, Bernard & Diel, the growing Reid Street firm.

Ms Berry noted the success of the firm over many years, and added, "We are definitely on the way up. We are aggressively looking to make our mark.'' The corporate lawyer has had a wide range of experience handling corporate finance, insurance, securities, shipping and aviation, partnership and general and commercial matters.

Ms Berry's other contributions to the community include the fact that she chairs the Women's Advisory Council, an advisory body to the Premier's office on women's issues. She sits on various government boards and is also a director of the Bermuda chapter of the Organisation of Women in International Trade.

Smith, Barnard & Diel evolved from the law firm of Smith & Gray, whose origins can be traced back to 1820.

Angela Berry BUSINESS BUC LAWYER LEG