Appleby Bermuda Top-Ranked In Chambers
Law firm Appleby has received top rankings in Bermuda in the 2024 Chambers Global Legal Guide. Appleby’s Bermuda office has been ranked in Band 1, the highest tier, in three categories: Corporate & Finance, Dispute Resolution and Insurance.
A spokesperson said, “Appleby also has 10 lawyers ranked across the categories:
“Corporate & Finance: Partners Matthew Ebbs-Brewer, Clive Langley, Tammy Richardson-Augustus and Jerome Wilson
“Dispute Resolution: Partners John Wasty and Hannah Tildesley, and Senior Counsel John Riihiluoma
“Insurance: Partners Brad Adderley, Alan Bossin and Tim Faries
“Appleby’s “sophisticated” corporate group is noted for its representation of a diverse range of clients. Clients say: “Appleby gives commercial and pragmatic advice. They have a good relationship with the authorities in Bermuda and are available around the clock” and “they have done a good job of navigating the nuances of Bermuda law.” Another source explained, “Whether interacting directly with us or with other counsel, the relationship with Appleby is productive and their answers are comprehensive, even on complex issues.”
“Appleby’s dispute resolution practice has a “longstanding reputation as a top law firm” to go to for litigation matters in Bermuda. It maintains a deep bench of high-calibre lawyers and has a strong client following. The team is noted for its frequent handling of high-profile commercial disputes and insolvency proceedings, with further expertise in contentious employment and regulatory matters. Clients say: “The Appleby Bermuda team are among the best lawyers I have worked with. I find the advice they give to be both practical and effective. They are able to anticipate issues well in advance of them developing in court” and “the firm has the resources and quality to handle large international litigation in Bermuda.” Another client stated, “Appleby’s commercial awareness is one of their most significant strengths. They work hard to ask questions and to understand the needs and desires of each of the parties involved in our dispute, and they suggest alternatives that satisfy all sides.”
“Appleby’s “globally renowned” insurance team regularly represents international companies and insurance clients in Bermuda in non-contentious mandates spanning multiple jurisdictions, including key work for insurers and reinsurers in licensing, restructuring and insurance company formation. Clients say: “Appleby has a full suite of corporate capabilities, with commercially oriented lawyers who are focused on helping clients execute transactions. They are also the go-to Bermuda counsel on corporate transactions, providing clients with deep and nuanced market insight.” Another source explained, “Appleby is an all-around excellent law firm with great experience and connections.”
Brad Adderley, Bermuda Managing Partner said: “We are delighted with our Band 1 rankings across our corporate, dispute resolution and insurance practices which speak to our long-standing, market-leading expertise. We are honored and grateful for the continued recognition by our many clients. Thank you to our dedicated team of exceptionally talented lawyers for all their hard work and ingenuity.”
“Chambers and Partners, an independent research company operating across 200 jurisdictions, conducts tens of thousands of interviews a year with in-house counsel and third-party experts, delivering detailed insight into providers of legal services.
Comments from Chambers and clients include:
Corporate:
“Matthew Ebbs-Brewer [Up and Coming]: Matthew has a growing reputation on the island, with experience in a variety of M&A and financing transactions. He regularly acts for high-profile clients.
“Clive Langley [Band 2]: Clive is a well-established Bermuda lawyer who is adept at handling a variety of transactional matters. His experience extends to the representation of both borrowers and lenders in asset finance transactions.
“Tammy Richardson-Augustus [Band 3]: Tammy is well recognised among her peers in the Bermuda market, while onshore counsel appreciate her high-level input on all aspects of non-contentious work. She has experience assisting with restructuring and refinancing. Clients say, “Tammy is very sensible and she’s pleasant to work with.”
“Jerome Wilson [Band 3]: Jerome who is head of the Technology sector in Bermuda has a wide-ranging practice which encompasses M&A and finance transactions. He has notable experience advising clients from the technology and financial services sectors. Clients say, “Jerome is very practical and incredibly pleasant to work with” and “he is really exceptional and excellent in complicated issues.”
Dispute Resolution:
“John Wasty [Band 1]: John who is head of the Dispute Resolution practice in Bermuda is a well-established litigator who regularly advises clients on insolvency and commercial litigation, in addition to debt restructuring and contentious regulatory matters. Clients say, “John is very commercial, good at client management and hugely responsive. He picks things up at the drop of a hat and he has good judgement. He knows what judges in Bermuda generally want to see and he ensures the wider legal team is alive to the particular issues that arise in Bermuda.” Another client stated, “He’s a bright guy and he’s commercial. We enjoy working with him. He is professional and dedicated in how he organises clients and communicates.”
“Hannah Tildesley [Band 3]: Hannah is noted for her extensive experience in commercial litigation, with her recent work spanning intellectual property, insurance and merger-related cases. Clients say, “Hannah is absolutely a class act. She deals with difficult, high-stakes litigation and is always across the detail, and a dream to deal with. Her manner is pitch-perfect” and “she provides excellent, pragmatic and commercially minded counsel.”
“John Riihiluoma [Senior Statesperson]: John is an esteemed Bermuda lawyer who has immense experience advising on insolvency proceedings. He is additionally noted for his deep knowledge of trust and shareholder disputes. Clients say, “John is the brains trust. You always want somebody like John who has 40 years of experience.”
Insurance:
“Brad Adderley [Band 1]: Brad demonstrates extensive experience in the insurance regulatory space and often assists clients with insurance company formation and licensing work. He has additional experience acting for re/insurers on corporate and financing transactions, including advising on the launch of ILS funds. Clients say, “Brad does a very good job for his clients. He has a very strong work ethic and is definitely business-oriented.” Another source explained, “Brad is a subject matter expert in insurance and securities, and he helps point us towards experts in other areas” and “it is a tremendous benefit to have his experience on our matters.”
“Alan Bossin [Band 2]: Alan is particularly noted for his work on regulatory compliance and licensing, including leading on applications for Class IGB designation. Clients say, “Alan is dynamic and a great problem solver” and “he is client-friendly and a great partner to have on innovative and fast-paced transactions.” Another client stated, “On the insurance side we work with Alan who is a steady hand and very responsive.”
“Tim Faries [Eminent Practitioner]: Tim has longstanding experience assisting clients with non-contentious insurance mandates, including advising on corporate transactions involving insurance companies.”
