Offshore law firm Appleby has received top rankings in the 2021 Chambers Global Guide.

Appleby’s Bermuda office has been ranked in Band 1, the highest tier, in all three categories: corporate and finance, insurance and dispute resolution. Appleby also has the most lawyers ranked in Bermuda across these practice areas.

The 11 lawyers ranked are: corporate and finance – Clive Langley, Steven Rees Davies, Tammy Richardson-Augustus, Jerome Wilson; insurance – Tim Faries, Brad Adderley, Alan Bossin; dispute resolution – John Wasty, Steven White, John Riihiluoma and Hannah Tildesley.

Chambers and Partners, an independent research company operating across 200 jurisdictions, conducts tens of thousands of interviews a year with in-house counsel and third-party experts, delivering detailed insight into providers of legal services.

Appleby’s “sophisticated” corporate group are noted for its representation of a diverse range of clients. Interviewees say: “The team are very responsive and work together to produce a high-quality work product on a short timeline. They are commercial and understand the needs of sophisticated international business organisations and work very hard to satisfy those needs efficiently.”

Appleby’s “renowned” insurance practice is highlighted for its proficiency in non-contentious mandates spanning multiple jurisdictions. The team regularly represents international companies and insurance clients headquartered in Bermuda. “They have a strong knowledge of law and practice relating to insurance-linked securities funds and other capital markets products relating to insurance that is probably second to none,” remarked one interviewee.

Appleby’s dispute resolution practice is known for its “high-calibre team” with a deep bench of experienced practitioners that regularly advises international clients. The team is noted for its “extensive knowledge of high-profile commercial disputes and contentious insolvency proceedings”. “They have excellent market knowledge," reported one interviewee, further highlighting that the firm's "breadth of practice and experience is excellent.”

Tim Faries, Bermuda managing partner said: “This recognition from Chambers demonstrates our excellent client service which is at the core of our business. We have an exceptional calibre of lawyers who collaborate and work on complex cross-border matters, often under very challenging deadlines. I am delighted with our Chambers rankings and proud of what our Bermuda team has achieved this past year.

Testimonials from clients, referrers and peers include:

Corporate

Clive Langley is described as a “solid practitioner” with a “good reputation”. He is adept at handling a variety of corporate matters including the representation of both borrowers and lenders in asset finance transactions.

Steven Rees Davies co-heads the firm's global technology and innovation group and is sought out for his expertise in an array of mandates, including M&A, fintech and regulatory transactions. One interviewee said: “His strengths are clearly seen in his ability to motivate his team and make sure his clients feel welcome and taken care of. He has always gone above and beyond to ensure all of our dealings resulted in a high degree of success.”

Tammy Richardson-Augustus is highly experienced handling M&A, capital markets and corporate governance mandates. One interviewee remarked: “She has a solid reputation for adopting a very personalised and client-centric approach to work,” adding: “She has great commercial sensibility, sound judgment, a strong pedigree and unparalleled relationships with industry regulators.”

Jerome Wilson is “extraordinarily responsive and well versed in Bermuda law, as well as creative and commercial in a manner that helps to achieve objectives efficiently,” reported one market commentator. He is increasingly highlighted by interviewees for his strong corporate and capital market capabilities.

Insurance

Timothy Faries is described as a “valuable and trusted adviser,” while another interviewee added: “He is always able to help find a solution to a problem.” Tim has longstanding-experience assisting clients with non-contentious insurance and regulatory compliance mandates.

Brad Adderley is an accomplished lawyer with notable experience of insurance and reinsurance mandates. He demonstrates additional strength in the regulatory space and often assists clients with insurance company formation work. "He is great at getting deals done and coming up with practical solutions," said one interviewee.

Alan Bossin “routinely provides expert advice and guidance” on insurance matters in Bermuda and is described by market sources as a “good technical lawyer”. He operates a broad practice and is particularly noted for his work on regulatory compliance and M&A transactions.

Dispute resolution

John Wasty is a well-established litigator who regularly advises clients on insolvency and commercial litigation, as well as debt restructuring and regulatory matters, among others. “He drives cases with considerable brio, tact and knowledge. His ability to achieve the client’s objectives within the legal, practical and procedural demands of large-scale litigation is impressive,” said one interviewee. Mr Wasty serves as global co-head of the firm's dispute resolution practice and head of its dispute resolution group in Bermuda.

Steven White concentrates his practice on cross-border disputes, with a particular emphasis on insolvency and trusts. One source said: "He is a highly competent and professional lawyer," adding: "He has always been quick to respond and show complete dedication to our problems." Mr White is head of the firm's Bermuda trust disputes team.

John Riihiluoma, an esteemed practitioner has longstanding experience advising on insolvency as well as corporate, trust and shareholder disputes. Interviewees describe him as a "first-class" senior litigator.

Hannah Tildesley is an up-and-coming lawyer who is noted for her experience in commercial litigation, insolvency and restructuring mandates. One commentator remarked: "She has a formidable command of the facts, the relevant law and the procedural dimensions of the case, and her ability to drive and coordinate the team to produce first-rate work on a complex case is impressive."