Appleby Achieves Continued Distinction in Bermuda as the Only Law Firm Ranked Tier 1 Across All Six Practice Categories, with the Most Lawyers Ranked
Brad Adderley and John Wasty Achieve the Highest Level of Recognition with ‘Hall of Fame’ Rankings
Leading offshore law firm Appleby continues to be the only law firm in Bermuda ranked Tier 1 across all six practice categories in Legal 500’s 2027 Caribbean Guide, in addition to having the most lawyers ranked in the market.
Legal 500 ranks Appleby as Tier 1 in: Banking, Finance & Capital Markets; Corporate & Commercial; Dispute Resolution; Insurance/Reinsurance; Regulatory & Compliance; Trusts/Private Client.
Brad Adderley, Bermuda Managing Partner and Head of Corporate, and John Wasty, Partner and Head of Dispute Resolution have also achieved ‘Hall of Fame’ recognition, the pinnacle of individual distinction, with Appleby the only Bermuda firm represented at this level.
Appleby has 35 lawyer recognitions across the six Legal 500 categories, with 26 lawyer rankings specifically in the ‘Hall of Fame’, ‘Leading Partners’, ‘Next Generation Partners’ or ‘Leading Associates’ categories.
Brad Adderley said, “Our sustained recognition as the only firm in Bermuda to achieve Tier 1 rankings across all six categories is a distinction we greatly value. It reflects the reputation we have worked hard to build: trusted to navigate complexity, known for our responsiveness and focused on delivering thoughtful, practical solutions for our clients. We are sincerely grateful to our clients for their continued trust and to our exceptional team for the dedication and expertise behind this achievement.”
Legal 500: Praise from Clients & Referrers
“Appleby are professional, insightful, zealous advocates who are easy to work with. Their offshore capabilities and connections are unmatched. I highly recommend them in every capacity and would work with them whenever possible.”
“Appleby is well in line with top European and American firms. They provide very high-quality legal work and respond to our queries quickly.”
“The team is responsive, talented and efficient – couldn’t ask for more.”
“Appleby has been an outstanding legal partner. They go above and beyond to ensure we fully understand complex legal issues.”
“An all-around excellent firm with great strength in depth. Very responsive, commercial, and on-point advice at all times.”
“Appleby provides a comprehensive and relationship-driven service, focusing on the overall growth of the client rather than a purely engagement-based transaction focus.”
“What sets this team apart is swift and transparent billing practices, and strong accountability and a trusted advisory approach.”
“Their ability to draft high-quality documents quickly, combined with their commitment to client service, makes them a trusted and reliable advisor.”
“The litigation team at Appleby is first-rate. They are all approachable, hard-working, and ready to get into the weeds of technical issues to support their clients and co-counsel.”
“Superb Bermuda insurance and reinsurance market knowledge and local network.”
“Excellent service and capabilities in the Bermuda market, including regulatory insights and transactional capabilities.”
“Appleby has an impressive cast of trusts lawyers and is one of the top firms in Bermuda.”
‘Brad Adderley is immersed in the Bermuda (re)insurance market, with impressive market and regulatory contacts. Brad gives you confidence he has seen and done it before and will get your transaction over the line.”
“John Wasty is a brilliant litigator. He consistently demonstrated exceptional attention to detail. His thorough approach, strategic thinking, and comprehensive knowledge provide significant value and confidence throughout the engagement. He is highly reliable and delivers work of the highest quality.”
“Claire van Overdijk KC provides the expertise of a chancery silk alongside the soft skills of a top solicitor – this makes the team stand apart.”
“Clive Langley is highly dependable and gives practical advice. Efficient in managing opposing Bermuda-based counsel when dealing with issues that are unique to Bermuda and may impact the timing of offshore clients.”
“Jerome Wilson is highly efficient, delivers quality work in a timely manner. His expertise, responsiveness, and client-focused approach make him a trusted advisor.”
“Max Tetlow is very responsive and technically excellent. He is one of my go-tos in Bermuda for (re)insurance-related M&A.”
“Matthew Ebbs-Brewer is a pleasure to work with, and always provides timely, helpful and practical advice on transactions.”
“Lalita Vaswani is an extraordinary lawyer who leverages her deep corporate and bankruptcy law knowledge to achieve the best possible outcomes for her clients. She is attentive, kind, intelligent, and a fierce advocate.”
“Arielle DeSilva is extremely dedicated and moves heaven and earth to get a transaction completed on time.”
“Katie Blundy possesses a deep bench strength and understanding of the matter at hand, helping to interpret and craft a logical response to regulatory matters.”
“Khiyara Krige is a star. Across all of the detail and approaches each challenge with composure, identifying solutions to some of the trickiest problems.”
“Anna Markiewicz, professional, and provides practical advice. Her expertise and understanding of complex matters make her a trusted legal counsel.”
“Mike Goulborn is great to work with: collaborative and responsive.”
Ranked and Recognised lawyers include:
Banking, Finance & Capital Markets:
- Leading Partners: Brad Adderley, Bermuda Managing Partner and Head of Corporate; David Clark, Partner; Clive Langley, Partner
- Leading Associates: Arielle DeSilva, Counsel
- Other Key Lawyers: Matthew Ebbs-Brewer, Partner; Max Tetlow, Partner; Rawan Hussein, Associate
Corporate & Commercial:
- Leading Partners: Brad Adderley, Bermuda Managing Partner and Head of Corporate; Matthew Ebbs-Brewer, Partner; Sally Penrose, Partner; Jerome Wilson, Partner
- Next Generation Partners: Lalita Vaswani, Partner
- Leading Associates: Josephine Noddings, Counsel
- Other Key Lawyers: Katie Blundy, Counsel; Arielle DeSilva, Counsel
Dispute Resolution:
- Hall of Fame: John Wasty, Partner and Head of Dispute Resolution
- Leading Partners: Daniel Burkitt, Partner; Claire van Overdijk KC, Partner and Head of Private Client & Trusts
- Next Generation Partners: Sam Riihiluoma, Partner
- Leading Associates: James Batten, Counsel
- Other Key Lawyers: Khiyara Krige, Counsel
Insurance/Reinsurance:
- Hall of Fame: Brad Adderley, Bermuda Managing Partner and Head of Corporate
- Next Generation Partners: Matthew Carr, Partner; Cathryn Minors, Partner; Max Tetlow, Partner
- Leading Associates: Josephine Noddings, Counsel
- Other Key Lawyers: Melinda Mayne, Senior Associate
Regulatory and Compliance:
- Leading Partners: John Wasty, Partner and Head of Dispute Resolution; Sally Penrose, Partner
- Leading Associates: Katie Blundy, Counsel
- Other Key Lawyers: James Batten, Counsel; Anna Markiewicz, Counsel
Trusts/Private Client:
- Leading Partners: Claire van Overdijk KC, Partner and Head of Private Client & Trusts
- Next Generation Partners: Sam Riihiluoma, Partner
- Leading Associates: Mike Goulborn, Senior Associate
Legal 500 ranks law firms and their lawyers following a thorough and independent research process, drawing on law firm submissions and recent work, market analysis, peer feedback, and feedback from clients and referees.
