Founder of Mello Jones & Martin, Michael Mello QC, has joined the firm of Appleby.In a statement yesterday, Appleby announced that Mr Mello will join its award-winning Private Client & Trusts practice as counsel from next month.Appleby said Mr Mello, previously a founding and senior partner at Mello Jones & Martin, “is widely recognised in Bermuda and in the private client market as being a leading barrister and expert in the areas of trusts, wills and estates”.“We regard this as a very exciting development for our team,” said Appleby partner and local practice head of Private Client & Trusts Vanessa Schrum.“Michael brings with him a wealth of experience and seniority in the private client area that others would find difficult to match. The team is excited to be welcoming not only an expert in his field, but also a great mentor. Michael will of course be a real asset in terms of client relationships, but he will also play a significant role in nurturing our junior lawyers.”Mr Mello is the author of “The Law of Wills and Estates in Bermuda”.“Appleby’s Private Client & Trusts practice is widely recognised both in Bermuda and internationally for the quality of its advice and talented team,” Mr Mello said.“I am very much looking forward to working with Appleby to further consolidate the firm’s reputation as the leading group of lawyers advising in the private client arena.”Appleby’s Private Client and Trusts Group recently picked up a hat-trick of awards for its work, including the coveted Society of Trust and Estates Practitioners, International Private Client Law Firm of the Year award 201½012.Carlos de Serpa Pimentel, Appleby’s Practice Group Head of Private Client & Trusts added: “Michael’s recruitment adds significant weight to our private client and trusts team further enhancing the strength and depth of the service we offer clients, particularly in Bermuda.”Appleby managing Partner in Bermuda, Kiernan Bell, said: “The Private Client & Trusts Group is an important element of Appleby’s full service offering and the recruitment of Michael, a highly respected senior practitioner adds to the strength of the team.”Appleby, with 805 staff in 11 offices around the world, is the largest offshore law firm.