Law firms Wakefield Quin Ltd and HCS Law Ltd have agreed to merge and continue in the name of Wakefield Quin Ltd.

HCS Law is a boutique Bermuda law firm located on Pitts Bay Road. The merger includes Hollis Corporate Services Ltd, a corporate administration company administering the corporate affairs of many of Bermuda’s leading businesses as well as a select group of international companies based in Bermuda.

Wendell Hollis, the principal of HCS Law, has practiced law in Bermuda for over 40 years and founded and managed some of Bermuda’s leading law firms.

In addition, he has had significant government and public service experience having served as a senator and chairman of many of Government’s advisory boards.

He chaired the Government appointed Task Force on Gaming, the Defence Board, the Bermuda Regiment Promotions Board and the Permanent Arbitration Tribunal and is chairman of the Labour Laws Reform Committee.

HCS Law and Hollis Corporate Services act generally for the largest entrepreneurial business in Russia, Roust Trading Ltd. It is a Bermudian-based company with more than 100 subsidiary companies, principally in the vodka and spirits business, and is a major player in banking and insurance in Russia.

Mr Hollis sits as a director and vice-president of Roust Trading Ltd. He also acts for the Bermuda interests of a number of globally known individuals from both the entertainment and the global business community.

Wakefield Quin is one of Bermuda’s leading law firms. It is a full-service firm with a history of advising local and international clients in the areas of banking, corporate and commercial, real estate, restructuring and insolvency, trusts, private client and litigation.

Wakefield Quin, through its affiliates, provides a full range of fund and trust administration, corporate secretarial, accounting and management services.

Mr Hollis said the merger indicated that he was honoured for HCS Law Ltd to merge with Wakefield Quin, who “distinguish themselves by the quality of their work and their approach to their clients”.

He explained they are entrepreneurial and innovative, take the time to understand clients’ needs and understand the high service standards that their clients require.

“We have been working together on a number of matters over the last six to seven years and I believe that the combination of the two firms will result in the advent of one of Bermuda’s most formidable law firms.

“Most of my clients have been with me for more than 30 years and I feel very comfortable that I am placing them, by the merger, in even more capable hands.

“I intend to continue to look after the needs and requirements of my clients in the capacity as senior consultant to Wakefield Quin.”

Ian Stone of Wakefield Quin said: “We are very pleased to be joining forces with Wendell and his group. They have a great business and are good people.

“The HCS businesses will be a very positive addition to WQ and we are looking forward to working together with Wendell and his staff.”

The agreement took effect on May 12.