Four Join Appleby Bermuda Trainee Programme
Appleby has welcomed Ashley Bento, Amber Farrington, Kier James and Monica Kelly to the Appleby legal trainee programme.
The two-year trainee programme involves being called to the Bermuda Bar and completing four, six-month seats in various practice groups including the Corporate, Dispute Resolution and Private Client & Trusts departments in Bermuda.
The goal of the programme is to provide trainees with a thorough legal foundation and expose them to a variety of practice areas, helping them identify the areas they may wish to specialise in the future. Each trainee is assigned a senior attorney, often a partner, as a mentor in every seat throughout the two years.
Monica Kelly, Ashley Bento, Kier James and Amber Farrington
Ashley Bento, obtained a Bachelor of Laws [LLB] at the University of Greenwich in London in 2018, graduating with First Class Honours. After receiving her LLB, she completed the Legal Practice Course [LPC] at BPP University in London Holborn.
In 2016, she received a bursary from Appleby and in 2018, was one of the recipients of Appleby’s Legal Education Award and training contract. Ms Bento said, “My experience working as a legal student with Appleby was incredibly rewarding as I was able to experience the firm’s inviting work environment that I heard so much about. With commencing my pupillage with Appleby, I am striving to hone the skills and knowledge achieved throughout my various seats to be able to contribute to Bermuda’s legal community in the future.”
Amber Farrington, obtained a Bachelor of Laws [LLB] at the University of Bristol in 2018. After receiving her LLB, she completed the Legal Practice Course [LPC] at the University of Law in London Bloomsbury.
Ms Farrington was a summer student at Appleby in 2017 and 2018. Ms Farrington commented, “Appleby felt like the right match for me even before starting. In 2016, I attended an Appleby networking event and was warmly welcomed.” In 2017, Ms Farrington received the Legal Education Award and training contract which Ms Farrington says “sealed the deal” for her.
Ms Farrington also had the opportunity while at Appleby to represent the firm in the Hector Barcilon Memorial Moot mock trial, in which her team won. “My career goal for the next two years during my pupillage is to embrace every seat and opportunity. I am excited to get a flavour of each department so I can make an informed decision about which area[s] of law to practice.”
Kier James, obtained a Bachelor of Laws [LLB] at the University of London in 2014. After receiving his LLB, he completed the Legal Practice Course [LPC] at the University of Law in London.
Prior to his legal studies, Mr James pursued a Doctor of Philosophy [PhD] in Biophysics and Biotechnology at the University of Leeds. Upon completion of his research, he entered the reinsurance industry where he held analytics positions over a period of 10 years. Mr James also has his Advanced Diploma in Insurance [ACII] and the CISI Diploma in Commodity Derivatives.
When Mr James was given the opportunity to pursue a training contract with Appleby, he said, “I didn’t hesitate to take the opportunity due to the exceptional reputation the firm has and the opportunity to learn from experience and accomplished lawyers. During my pupillage I intend on relishing every opportunity that Appleby provides. This I hope will place me in the best possible position to decide which specialism I would like to practice.”
Monica Kelly, obtained a Bachelor of Laws [LLB] at the University of Kent in Canterbury, Kent in 2017. After receiving her LLB, she completed the Legal Practice Course [LPC] at the University of Law in London Bloomsbury.
Ms Kelly was one of the recipients of Appleby’s Legal Education Award in 2018. She commented, “I had the privilege of working at Appleby as a summer student and as a legal intern in the Corporate and Compliance teams respectively, where I was exposed to an array of tasks.
“These experiences helped to equip me with the tools necessary to successfully complete my Legal Practice Course. I am very much looking forward to continuing my legal career with Appleby so that I can continue to develop new skills and be a benefit not only to the firm but to the overall legal community as well.”
Bermuda Managing Partner Tim Faries said, “Our trainee programme has proven to be highly successful over the years with attorneys going on to practice in all areas of the firm, in a variety of different specialisms. We are delighted to have Ashley, Amber, Kier and Monica join our team and look forward to watching them grow.”
GO LOUISEY!!!!!!!! I’m so proud of you!
Well done. Impressive and they have a bright future.
Good jod keyer
Go Monica! You inspire me.