Fielding a team that ‘consistently provides excellent, high-quality and timely legal advice,’ Appleby’s cross-practice trusts and dispute resolution team is adept at advising on the entire spectrum of trust law and is frequently retained by blue-chip trust institutions. Practice co-head Vanessa Schrum is a key contact for non-contentious matters and has extensive experience in acting for ultra-high-net-worth clients across the globe. Fellow co-head Hannah Tildesley specialises in commercial litigation, with a particular focus on trust disputes. Other notable figures include senior associates Caljonah Smith, who concentrates on non-contentious estate matters and routinely handling probate and seal applications to the Supreme Court; and Sam Riihiluoma, who acts for liquidators in winding up proceedings.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Brilliant client service. They always take a commercial approach and are always willing to help and go the extra mile to get deals over the line within tight deadlines.’

  • ‘Vanessa Schrum - an excellent practitioner - such a delight to work with and really drives matters forward.’

  • ‘Appleby's team in Bermuda consistently provides excellent, high-quality and timely legal advice for all of our Trust and Private Client needs.'

  • 'Appleby in Bermuda represents an excellence benchmark against which other firms are competing to be viewed and judged against.'
  • 'The Appleby team are fully prepared to go the proverbial extra mile with all aspects of the delivery of their services.’
  • ‘Vanessa Schrum - always able to respond, help and deliver with even the tightest of deadlines. A leading authority in Bermuda on all things trust and private client related.'

  • 'Caljonah Smith - metronomic in her ability to deliver and ability to assist. A rising force and authority on her subject matter.’
  • ‘Appleby Bermuda have a very aligned team for seamless delivery of their services. Their team is well resourced, always ready and able to help, even with very tight deadlines and unexpected or emerging matters requiring immediate assistance. Appleby are my, like many other professionals, primary "go to" team in Bermuda for trust and private client matters.’

Lawyers

Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Vanessa Schrum, Hannah Tildesley

Other key lawyers

Caljonah Smith, Sam Riihiluoma