Leading offshore law firm Appleby continues to be the only firm in Bermuda ranked Tier 1 across all of the six practice categories in Legal 500’s 2026 Caribbean Guide, in addition to having the most lawyers ranked in the market.
Appleby has 27 lawyer recognitions across the six Legal 500 categories, with 24 lawyer rankings specifically in the ‘Leading Partners’, ‘Next Generation Partners’ or ‘Leading Associates’ categories.
Brad Adderley, Bermuda Managing Partner said, “We are profoundly honored to once again be recognized as a Tier 1 firm, distinguished by the highest number of Tier 1 category rankings in the Bermuda market. This continued recognition reflects the unwavering dedication, depth of expertise, and client-first ethos of our exceptional legal professionals. We extend our sincere gratitude to our valued clients, whose enduring trust in our counsel inspires us to deliver thoughtful, solution-oriented service with integrity and excellence.”
Key highlights from Legal 500, clients and referrers:
‘The Appleby team know the jurisdiction inside out. They all have strong global reach and contacts, which is often important.’
‘Appleby has a well-established relationship with the Bermuda Monetary Authority and demonstrates a solid understanding of the regulator’s expectations.’
‘The top litigators on the island. They have an exceptional team led by John Wasty, supported by great talent.’
‘They are excellent in their field. Their knowledge of their area (dispute resolution) is second to none.’
‘Their service is timely, and the advice provided is dependable and reflects a good balance between legal accuracy and commercial practicality.’
‘The team (corporate) has made it easy for us to manage our Bermuda entities for several years. They were there for us when it mattered.’
‘Appleby are an excellent choice to advise on the Bermuda Arbitration Act in international disputes where the contract provides for a Bermuda-seated arbitration.’
‘We have worked with Appleby on a wide range of trust applications, where a combination of trust law and litigation expertise is important. They demonstrated expertise in both contexts and did so seamlessly.’
‘Talented and commercially astute, they are also approachable.’
‘Brad Adderley remains a key authority on regulatory matters and continues to be a valuable resource for broader legal and commercial insights.’
‘John Wasty is a strong commercial lawyer and knows how things actually get done, because he’s seen it before.’
‘Brad Adderley and Max Tetlow (in insurance) stand out. They are both incredibly hard working, capable, and thoughtful attorneys. I have found them to be highly commercial and apply a heavy dose of common sense.’
‘John Wasty is a superb partner with great judgement, and he is very easy to work with.’
‘Matthew Ebbs-Brewer demonstrates strong knowledge of the legal landscape related to funds. His advice is thoughtful, detailed, and he appropriately involves internal specialists when needed.’
‘Jerome Wilson is very responsive and knowledgeable. A safe pair of hands for any corporate matter in Bermuda.’
’Arielle DeSilva is noted for being hardworking, responsive, and diligent.’
Ranked and Recognised lawyers include:
Banking, Finance & Capital Markets:
- Leading Partners: Brad Adderley, Bermuda Managing Partner; David Clark, Partner; Clive Langley, Partner
- Leading Associates: Arielle DeSilva, Senior Associate
- Other Key Lawyers: Matthew Ebbs-Brewer, Partner
Corporate & Commercial:
- Leading Partners: Brad Adderley, Bermuda Managing Partner; Matthew Ebbs-Brewer, Partner; Jerome Wilson, Partner
- Leading Associates: Josephine Noddings, Counsel
Dispute Resolution:
- Leading Partners: John Wasty, Partner and Head of Dispute Resolution
- Next Generation Partners: Sam Riihiluoma, Partner
- Leading Associates: James Batten, Counsel
Insurance/Reinsurance:
- Leading Partners: Brad Adderley, Bermuda Managing Partner
- Next Generation Partners: Matthew Carr, Partner; Max Tetlow, Partner; Cathryn Minors, Counsel
- Leading Associates: Josephine Noddings, Counsel
- Other Key Lawyers: Melinda Mayne, Senior Associate; Ojeda Smith, Senior Associate
Regulatory and Compliance:
- Leading Partners: John Wasty, Partner and Head of Dispute Resolution; Sally Penrose, Partner
- Leading Associates: Jordan Knight, Counsel; Katie Blundy, Senior Associate
Trusts/Private Client:
- Leading Partners: Nicola Bruce, Partner; Claire van Overdijk KC, Partner; Vanessa Schrum, Senior Counsel
- Next Generation Partners: Sam Riihiluoma, Partner
Legal 500 ranks law firms and their lawyers following a thorough and independent research process which includes feedback from 300,000 clients, private practice lawyers and in-house peers as well as the assessment of a law firm’s own deals.
