Leading offshore legal services firm Appleby was presented with a top award at the prestigious Hedge Fund World Awards Latin American ceremony and gala dinner in Miami.

The Bermuda International Business Association was the host sponsor of the event where Appleby was announced the winner in the Best Lawyer category. The accolade was accepted by Bryan Hunter, partner at Appleby, on behalf of the firm at the event held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel.

The awards ceremony was open to all lawyers servicing Latin America hedge fund managers and international managers investing in Latin America hedge funds.

"Appleby is honored to have received this award from our peers and competitors in the business and legal industry," said Shaun Morris, managing partner of the Bermuda office of Appleby. "This accomplishment and recognition will undoubtedly further support Appleby's growing legal business in key offshore jurisdictions as we look to gain further representation of Latin American clients in the major offshore markets."

"This deserving honor resulted from the success of Appleby's diligent work in obtaining new business relationships while enhancing existing ones in a continued effort to strengthen company services," said Cheryl Packwood, CEO of BIBA.

"On behalf of BIBA, we proudly congratulate Appleby on this accomplishment with confidence that they will continue to demonstrate an exceptional ability to succeed and project future dominance in this competitive industry."

The annual event, which attracts more than 350 delegates worldwide, is aimed to discuss the key issues currently shaping the Latin America hedge fund industry. The Best Lawyer award was based on votes received from industry participants taking part in the survey.

It recognises the organisation demonstrating majority market share with a wide geographic reach, advance of regulatory and legislative issues, high service levels and customer satisfaction as well as strong experience of lawyers in the practice.