Veteran lawyer David Kessaram has stepped down from the top job at legal firm Cox, Hallett, Wilkinson (CHW).

Now Ernest Morrison has taken over the role of managing director at the firm, with Mr Kessaram continuing to head up the firm’s litigation department.

Mr Kessaram, who has headed the practice for six years, said: “It’s good to have a change at the top every now and then and to give a chance for other ideas to flourish.”

Mr Kessaram, who has been a lawyer for more than 35 years, added: “We are very pleased to announce the appointment of Ernest as managing director.

“The directors of CHW have every confidence in Ernest’s managerial capabilities — he is someone who has always had a clear vision of where the interests of each component of the CHW business lies and has a dynamic and effective way of getting things done.”

Mr Morrison said: “On behalf of the whole firm, I would like to thank David for his invaluable contribution to CHW, its employees and clients.

“Under his stewardship, CHW has established itself as one of the three leading commercial law firms in Bermuda and cemented its reputation internationally.

“David’s ongoing involvement in CHW’s management will be key as we work to build upon what has been achieved to date.”

CHW was formed in 1998 through the merger of two long-established legal firms, Cox & Wilkinson and Hallett, Whitney & Patton.

It went on to merge with Hollis & Co., which was linked to financial services firm Ernst & Young, six years later.

The firm serves a local and international client list, specialising in corporate and commercial law, litigation, private client, estate planning, real estate and intellectual property work.

An affiliated company, Coson Corporate Services, provides corporate administrative services to local and exempted companies in various fields, including insurance, reinsurance, shipping and aviation.