A new law firm called Carey Olsen Bermuda has opened for business. It has been established by managing partner and Bermudian attorney Michael Hanson in association with offshore firm Carey Olsen.

Mr Hanson has a well-established practice centred on Bermuda human capital and regulatory law. He advises a number of the largest Bermudian-based insurance and reinsurance businesses. He also acts for international businesses with offices in Bermuda, including banks, accountancy firms and hedge funds.

Keith Robinson is also a partner at the firm. He has more than 20 years’ experience of a wide range of commercial litigation, including insolvency and restructuring and general commercial litigation. In addition, he has particular expertise in high-value trust litigation and court-approved trust restructurings, often with a multi-jurisdictional element.

Dispute resolution and insolvency practitioner Henry Tucker has joined Carey Olsen Bermuda as counsel. His practice covers all aspects of offshore commercial litigation with a specific focus on arbitration, enforcement and insolvency issues. He also provides non-contentious advice on unique transaction structures and matters involving cross-border enforcement and regulatory risk.

Carey Olsen Bermuda plans to recruit a number of Bermudian lawyers as it develops its full service offering.

Mr Hanson said: “Bermuda is known by many as the world’s insurance capital, with a world-class insurance and reinsurance market and a robust, resilient and highly regarded regulatory regime.

In addition, however, Bermuda is also recognised as a leading offshore finance centre and is home to a wealth of world-class financial businesses and professionals. I’m delighted to be opening Carey Olsen Bermuda and, in doing so, adding a new player in the provision of legal services in Bermuda.”

With more than 50 partners and 200 lawyers, Carey Olsen is one of the largest international offshore law firms. It has a network of nine offices covering all time zones and key financial markets.

Ross Webber, chief executive officer of the Bermuda Business Development Agency, said: “Bermuda has long been fortunate to have top international law firms supporting our jurisdiction’s global and local businesses, and in recent years, we have seen this augmented with the addition of more brand-name firms.

“The BDA is extremely happy to welcome another member of the offshore ‘Magic Circle’ to our island. Carey Olsen’s Mike Hanson and Keith Robinson have already built stellar reputations in the international offshore marketplace, and I’m sure that will continue under this new venture. We look forward to working with them.”

Carey Olsen group managing partner Alex Ohlsson said: “Bermuda is a leading offshore jurisdiction and our association with Michael, who has an excellent reputation in the Bermuda market, complements our current offering of British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Guernsey and Jersey legal advice.

“Carey Olsen Bermuda also supports our continued expansion into Asia, via our offices in Singapore and Hong Kong and ensures our clients in the region have access to the commercial excellence and outstanding levels of service in Bermuda that they are accustomed to in our other jurisdictions.”