Three young Bermudian lawyers have just joined Walkers Bermuda, as the firm announced the majority of their practising lawyers are now women.

Walkers said in a statement announcing the hires that it continues to invest in developing local talent and continues to grow its business in Bermuda to meet client demand.

The statement said: “The appointments of Shaunée James, Aleisha Hollis and Aariyen Murray to the firm's Corporate, Finance, Funds and Insurance Group are a welcome boost to the team of commercially-minded problem solvers advising Walkers' clients on complex corporate and finance transactions.”

Kevin Taylor, managing partner at Walkers in Bermuda, commented: "Since we launched in Bermuda in 2016 we've been committed to growing a world class practice of talented professionals who give our clients access to the best quality advice.

“At the same time, we wanted to build a diverse team and attract and develop local Bermuda talent. I'm proud that with the appointments of these three women, 60 per cent of Walkers' practicing lawyers in Bermuda are female.

"As well as bringing in talented qualified professionals like Shaunée, Aleisha and Aariyen, we offer programmes to support young Bermudians who are interested in a career in law or professional services.

“We're currently inviting applications for our 2023 internships, scholarships and pupillages."

The statement added: “Shaunée joins Walkers as senior counsel from Chenavari Investment Managers where she was legal counsel advising on securitisation, leveraged finance and private credit transactions, and on governance and regulatory matters.

“Prior to joining Chenavari, Shaunée was an associate in the structured finance teams of Morgan Lewis & Bockius LLP and Reed Smith LLP in London.

“Aleisha and Aariyen join as associates, further boosting this key practice area. Both have previously worked at the local office of international offshore law firms, with Aleisha having done so for three years and Aariyen having also trained as a lawyer at Liberty Specialty Markets.”

Jonathan Betts, partner and head of the Corporate, Finance, Funds and Insurance Group at Walkers in Bermuda, added: "Shaunée, Aleisha and Aariyen are welcome additions to the team. They add to the strength and depth of trusted advice and support our clients have come to expect.

“We are particularly pleased to add Shaunée to the team at a time when Walkers has established itself as the market leader for the formation or migration of CLOs to Bermuda.

“Shaunée's experience in the securitisation space will be invaluable as we look to grow this new business line in the jurisdiction."