International law firm Appleby has added two associates to its Bermuda office.

James Batten has joined the firm’s dispute resolution department, and Melinda Mayne, a Bermudian, has joined its corporate department.

The firm said Mr Batten is an experienced advocate and litigator who, before moving to Bermuda, practiced as a barrister from Chambers in London and appeared in many trials and applications before the High Court, County Court and Crown Court in England and Wales.

He has a particular interest in insolvency and restructuring, civil fraud, directors’ and shareholders’ disputes, corporate and regulatory matters.

Before entering private practice, Mr Batten worked for the UK Business Department where he was responsible for developing anti-corruption policy and had conduct of proceedings against former directors of companies in liquidation who had defrauded creditors or committed other breaches of companies and insolvency legislation. In private practice, he continued to accept instructions from the Insolvency Service to prosecute delinquent directors in the Crown Court.

Mr Batten was a drafting lawyer of the Insolvency (England and Wales) Rules 2016, a major overhaul of the insolvency regime.

He worked with the UK Serious Fraud Office from 2017 to 2018 as disclosure counsel on a large investigation into dishonesty offences stemming from rates fixing at a London-based bank.

Mr Batten was called to the Bar by Inner Temple in 2013.

He said: “I am very excited to be joining the dispute resolution team. Appleby has a reputation for excellence in heavyweight litigation, insolvency and restructuring. I look forward to working with such an esteemed group of lawyers.”

Before joining Appleby, Ms Mayne worked in-house at an international investment bank in London, focusing on regulation, regulatory changes and compliance. She previously practiced in Bermuda at Wakefield Quin.

The firm said Ms Mayne practices in all areas of corporate and commercial law, including insurance, finance, public and private mergers and acquisitions, amalgamations, reorganisations and general corporate law.

She was called to the Bermuda Bar in September 2017.

Ms Mayne said: “Appleby’s corporate team is renowned for its prominent role in high profile transactions and advising private and listed companies, including major New York and London finance houses, as well as FTSE 100 and Fortune 500 household names. I am excited and grateful for the opportunity to join such a reputable firm.”

Brad Adderley, Bermuda managing partner, said: “We are delighted to welcome James and Melinda to our growing team. We have seen a significant increase in both our corporate and dispute resolution practices and know James’ and Melinda’s knowledge and experience will provide valuable support to both our colleagues and clients. We are thrilled to have them on board.”