Carey Olsen Bermuda Limited > Hamilton, Bermuda > Firm Profile
Carey Olsen Bermuda Limited Offices
Rosebank Centre, 5th Floor
11 Bermudiana Road
Pembroke HM 08
Bermuda
Carey Olsen Bermuda Limited > The Legal 500 Rankings
Bermuda > Dispute resolution Tier 1
From handling multi-party, cross-jurisdictional litigation to domestic claims, the ‘broad and deep’ dispute resolution practice at Carey Olsen Bermuda Limited has expertise in the full range of disputes, with notable experience in insolvencies, employment claims, restructurings and high-net-worth family law disputes. Michael Hanson, who has significant expertise in multi-jurisdictional crisis management work and regulatory investigations, co-heads the practice alongside the ‘incredibly hardworking’ Keith Robinson, who is an experienced trust litigator. Regulatory specialist Kyle Masters, multi-national civil and commercial disputes specialist Sam Stevens, and employment expert Jay Webster are also key names to note in the practice, while Claire van Overdijk KC took silk in 2023.Practice head(s):
Michael Hanson; Keith Robinson
Other key lawyers:
Matthew Watson; Kyle Masters; Sam Stevens; Jay Webster; Claire van Overdijk KC; Honor Desmond-Tetlow; Ashley Fife
Testimonials
‘Carey Olsen offers client care that is second to none on the island.’
‘Michael Hanson is the most commercially-minded lawyer in Bermuda. He is solution oriented and innovative while providing sound advice.’
‘Keith Robinson is my go-to lawyer in Bermuda – practical, commercial, incredibly hard-working and great fun to work with.’
‘Jay Webster – Jay is responsive, attentive and a great listener. He approaches every matter thoughtfully and with a clear head. He strikes the balance between providing enough information for us to take an informed decision but not too much information, leaving you feeling overwhelmed or unclear. He reads situations (and people) well and has excellent judgment.’
‘The quality of service that we receive is flawless.’
‘The people are pleasant, knowledgeable and have amazing response times.’
‘Ashley Fife – intelligent and knowledgeable and happy to look for new ways.’
‘The dispute resolution team is highly skilled and responsive. The capabilities are broad and deep.’
Key clients
BCT Limited
Annuity & Life Re Limited and Pope Asset Management LLP
Mexico Infrastructure Finance LLC
Fidelity National Title Insurance Company Limited
NewOcean Energy Holdings Ltd
Trump Panama Hotel Management LLC and Trump International Hotels Management, LLC
JetBlue Airways Corporation et al
Alcority Services Limited
Bermuda Electric Light Company Limited
Fortitude Re Limited
Granville Technology Group Limited (In liquidation); VMT Limited (In liquidation); OT Computers Limited (In liquidation)
Work highlights
- Representing BCT Limited, the trustee appointed as a result of the Court of Appeal decision in February 2021 in relation to a very substantial Bermuda trust matter.
- Acting for two Plaintiffs, Bermuda and Delaware investment companies, in Bermuda Supreme Court proceedings arising out of alleged breaches of a settlement agreement entered into following a long-running minority shareholder oppression claim that concluded in the Bermuda Court of Appeal.
- Represented Mexico Infrastructure Finance LLC which was the lender to Par-La-Ville Hotel and Residences Ltd in respect of a failed scheme to develop a hotel in Bermuda.
Bermuda > Regulatory and compliance Tier 1
Carey Olsen Bermuda Limited's versatile practice covers a wide range of both contentious and non-contentious regulatory and compliance issues, with core strengths in providing transactional and non-transactional regulatory guidance for new businesses and advising on ongoing compliance. Michael Hanson, managing partner and co-head of the practice, specialises in multi-jurisdictional crisis management, regulatory investigations, and complex executive disputes. Steven Rees Davies, an expert in the fintech and digital asset sector, and Gavin Woods, renowned for his ‘knowledgeable and tailored’ approach in the insurance sector, also co-head the team. Kyle Masters contributes his expertise in regulatory matters in the telecoms and energy sectors, and in connection with corporate disputes. Other team members include senior counsel Michael Frith, whose experience spans the full spectrum of Bermuda corporate law, and counsel Ashley Fife, who similarly assists with a wide range of corporate and regulatory matters, with a particular focus on private and commercial trust structure transactions.Practice head(s):
Michael Hanson; Kyle Masters; Gavin Woods; Steven Rees Davies
Other key lawyers:
Michael Frith; Ashley Fife; Charissa Ball; Alexandra Fox; Max Tetlow
Testimonials
‘Reliable and accurate advice taking into account all aspects of regulatory framework including both strict legal requirements, interpretative nuances and regulatory approach to enforcement.’
‘Gavin Woods and Max Tetlow provide knowledgeable and tailored advice factoring in a wide range of considerations to ensure commercial realities are not lost in the context of the provision of personalized regulatory advice which is as succinct as possible whilst highlighting key risks and other relevant considerations for the client.’
Key clients
Alcority Services Limited
Annuity & Life Re Limited and Pope Asset Management LLP
BCT Limited
Bermuda Captive Network
Bermuda Electric Light Company Limited (BELCO)
Cactus Limited
Chard Re Investment Management
Fidelity National Title Insurance Company Limited
Fortitude Re
Granville Technology Group Limited (In liquidation)
Hiscox
JetBlue Airways Corporation
Mexico Infrastructure Finance LLC
NewOcean Energy Holdings Ltd
OT Computers Limited (In liquidation)
RenaissanceRe Holdings
SiriusPoint
Teneo Bermuda
Transocean
Trump Panama Hotel Management LLC and Trump International Hotels Management, LLC
VMT Limited (In liquidation)
Waterloo Investment Holdings
World on Wireless Ltd (Joint Provisional Liquidators of World on Wireless Ltd)
Work highlights
- Advised Chard Re Investment Ltd, in respect of the Investment Business Act 2003 and liaised with the Bermuda Monetary Authority regarding same in respect of the designation of Chard Re Investment Management Ltd., as a Non-Registerable Person under the Investment Business Act 2003 as a result of its registration as an insurance agent.
- Acted for BELCO, the sole electricity provider in Bermuda, in an appeal proceeding before the Supreme Court of Bermuda.
- Acting for the liquidators (Grant Thornton UK) in a Supreme Court action which seeks the enforcement of an $80 million English High Court judgment in Bermuda against the shares of a Bermuda subsidiary of a Taiwanese judgment debtor.
Bermuda > Trusts/private client Tier 1
The trusts and private wealth practice at Carey Olsen Bermuda Limited advises on a wide spectrum of trust matters, encompassing both contentious and non-contentious issues, including high-profile proceedings. Leading the practice and recognised as ‘a powerhouse of unquestionable ability,’ Keith Robinson has extensive experience in major trust cases, while Ashley Fife specialises in advising on trust restructurings, trust disputes and trust documentation. Claire van Overdijk KC, who took silk in 2023, is an expert in cross-border trust and estate disputes; and Stephanie Bernard has extensive experience in international and local estate planning arrangements, wealth management structures, and international and local pensions issues. Key senior associates include Laura Kearns, who has experience in lifetime and succession planning work, and Oliver MacKay, who excels in contentious trust matters.Practice head(s):
Keith Robinson
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Carey Olsen Bermuda is now the leading private client/trust services law firm in Bermuda.’
‘Keith Robinson continues to impress with his vast breadth of knowledge and experience. He provides decisive, clear and concise advice without ever being condescending when explaining a particularly complex legal problem. Oliver MacKay has proved to be hard working, diligent and approachable with a positive attitude. Claire van Overdijk KC is insightful, friendly and very knowledgeable.’
‘The trusts and private client team that has been created is extremely strong at all levels. This allows for certain matters not to have to be dealt with at partner level therefore provides a cost efficient service for the client. CO Bermuda is truly a full service practice which is helpful as many of our matters touch numerous other service departments. The team at CO are always open to having a general discussion on any current hot topics and provide wonderful insight.’
‘Keith Robinson – Keith has a wealth of experience on a wide range of topics. Keith is always quick to get to the nub of a matter and always develops a pragmatic and sensible solution.’
‘The best trust litigation team I have worked with in any jurisdiction.’
‘Keith Robinson, Claire van Overdijk KC and Oliver MacKay are very thorough, knowledgeable and detailed. Very proactive in their case management and highly competent in court.’
‘Carey Olsen Bermuda is very responsive and is very good for quality of service, attention to detail, partner inclusion.’
‘The Carey Olsen team’s strengths include their outstanding experience and breadth of knowledge in the industry. I am always impressed by the team’s dedication to excellence and quality of service as their availability and response times go above and beyond.’
Key clients
BCT Limited
Bermuda > Banking, finance and capital markets Tier 2
Praised for its ‘depth of knowledge,’ the multidisciplinary team at Carey Olsen Bermuda Limited advises on a wide range of high-profile matters encompassing leveraged financings, restructurings, asset issues and bilateral and syndicated lending mandates. Gavin Woods, who has extensive experience in insurance and investment fund matters, co-heads the practice alongside Steven Rees Davies, a renowned specialist in the fintech and digital asset sector, and Matthew Grigg, who advises on all forms of corporate and finance transactions. The firm’s roster of key contacts also includes counsel Charissa Ball, who has particular expertise in corporate reorganisations, redomiciling issues and debt and equity offerings; senior associate Michelle Falcucci, whose focus lies on insurance and investment fund law; and counsel Max Tetlow, who possesses experience in the (re)insurance investment fund, financial services and private equity sectors.Practice head(s):
Gavin Woods; Steven Rees Davies; Matthew Grigg
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘We use the Carey Olsen Bermuda team as they know their stuff and are very user-friendly.’
‘Depth of knowledge and responsiveness.’
‘CO Bermuda has unique knowledge of Digital Assets regulation and has proven to be a trusted partner for the purposes of our business. CO is clearly the firm to go to in Bermuda and the Caribbean for Digital Asset business and I can recommend them without hesitation.’
‘Specific knowledge of digital asset regulation and business models, challenges and opportunities for the jurisdiction and unique insight in how to present information to the regulator.’
‘Direct exposure to relevant but sometimes niche areas of law, e.g. Economic Substance legislation.’
Key clients
Renaissance Reinsurance
Hiscox
Waterloo Investment Holdings Limited
Work highlights
- Advised RennaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. in connection with its underwritten public offering of $750m aggregate principal amount of 5.750% senior notes due 2023.
- Advised Hiscox on its £250m investment grade bond issuance.
- Advised Waterloo Investment Holdings Limited and Caribbean Investment Holdings Limited on Bermuda listing rules and relevant Bermuda Stock Exchange procedures related to an acquisition.
Bermuda > Corporate and commercial Tier 2
The expansive corporate practice at Carey Olsen Bermuda Limited provides comprehensive guidance across a diverse array of areas, encompassing restructurings, M&A, financings and digital assets-based matters, with extensive experience in high-value, cross-border commercial transactions. Gavin Woods, an expert in corporate finance and structuring work, co-leads the practice with a particular emphasis on insurance matters, including licensing and regulatory issues. Fellow co-head Steven Rees Davies lends his expertise as a fintech and digital assets specialist, having played a pivotal role alongside the Bermuda government in crafting its regulatory framework, while co-head Matthew Grigg handles the entire spectrum of corporate and finance transactions across the banking, funds, and insurance sectors. The firm also fields a cadre of other notable contacts, including Charissa Ball, Michelle Falcucci and Max Tetlow, who are all highly proficient in various aspects of commercial and corporate law.Practice head(s):
Gavin Woods; Steven Rees Davies; Matthew Grigg
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Transocean Ltd.
Waterloo Investment Holdings Limited
Clarien Bank Limited
Bermuda Captive Network
Cactus Limited
RenaissanceRe
SiriusPoint
Work highlights
- Advised RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd on its $3bn acquisition of American International Group Inc.’s treaty reinsurance business.
- Advised on the establishment of a joint venture between Transocean Inc., Perestroika A.S. and funds managed by Lime Rock Management L.P.
- Advised a client on its acquisition by amalgamation of two independent and licensed Bermuda trust and fiduciary service companies with and into the client’s two existing trust and fiduciary service companies.
Bermuda > Insurance/reinsurance Tier 2
Carey Olsen Bermuda Limited is highly regarded for its 'knowledgeable, responsive, and commercial' advice, offering comprehensive guidance on all facets of the Bermuda insurance industry, with a specific emphasis on company formations, licensing issues and regulatory compliance for insurance companies and intermediaries across various classes and categories. At the helm of the team, Gavin Woods specialises in insurance transactions and regulatory matters with a wealth of experience in insurance company licensings, alternative risk financings, and debt and equity financings. Further key names include Michelle Falcucci, who is a specialist in the licensing and regulation of insurance companies and intermediaries; Max Tetlow, who excels in advising private listed and overseas entities; and Alexander Collis, whose expertise extends to incorporations, M&A, reorganisations and restructurings.Practice head(s):
Gavin Woods
Other key lawyers:
Michelle Falucci; Max Tetlow; Alexander Collis
Testimonials
‘Very proactive, know the Bermuda insurance market and regulation, and responsive.’
‘Gavin Woods is excellent and one of our “go-to” senior lawyers in Bermuda.’
‘The most important thing to know is that the Carey Olsen Bermuda insurance/reinsurance team hits all of the following in their advice: knowledgeable, responsive, and commercial.’
‘Very approachable, personable team, and desire to work on innovative projects.’
‘Gavin Woods – very knowledgeable and efficient.’
‘Gavin Woods and his team are great to work with. I find them very open and practical, while demonstrating a great knowledge of the matters we are referring to them on. CO are a trusted partner for us, with deep industry knowledge, coupled with a friendly ‘can do’ attitude.’
‘Gavin Woods is my main point of contact. He is a great sounding board and centre of knowledge, always willing to listen and understand our needs, prior to trying to find a solution for them. He is extremely capable, yet pragmatic in his approach.’
Key clients
RenaissanceRe
Bermuda Captive Network
Chard Re Investment Management Ltd
Hiscox Ltd.
SiriusPoint
Work highlights
- Advised RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. on its £3bn acquisition of American International Group Inc.’s treaty reinsurance business.
- Advised Hiscox Ltd. on its £250m investment grade bond/note issuance.
- Advised a US life insurance company on establishing a presence in Bermuda, including the incorporation and licensing of a Bermuda captive insurer (Class 2) and a Bermuda life reinsurance company (Class E).
Carey Olsen Bermuda Limited > Firm Profile
The firm: With a heritage that dates back to 1898, Carey Olsen is one of the most established and distinguished offshore law firms, advising on Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Guernsey and Jersey law across a global network of nine international offices.
Carey Olsen Bermuda was established in 2017 by managing partner and highly-regarded Bermudian attorney Michael Hanson. The team has a deep local knowledge of Bermuda law and regulation coupled with a global perspective, and has quickly established itself as a leading player in the Bermuda legal market.
Carey Olsen Bermuda Limited’s lawyers work alongside major international law firms and their clients include a number of the largest Bermuda-based global insurance and reinsurance businesses and insurance intermediaries, as well as other global financial institutions with offices in the jurisdiction such as banks, trust companies, accountancy firms and hedge funds.
Carey Olsen is a leading offshore law firm advising financial institutions, corporations and private clients on Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Guernsey and Jersey law from a network of nine international offices.
Carey Olsen Bermuda Limited is a company limited by shares incorporated in Bermuda and approved and recognised under the Bermuda Bar (Professional Companies) Rules 2009. The use of the title “Partner” is merely to denote seniority. Services are provided on the basis of our current terms of business.
Main Contacts
Department | Name | Telephone | |
---|---|---|---|
Corporate | Michael Hanson | michael.hanson@careyolsen.com | |
Corporate | Mary Ward | mary.ward@careyolsen.com | |
Corporate | Gavin Woods | gavin.woods@careyolsen.com | |
Dispute resolution and litigation | Michael Hanson | michael.hanson@careyolsen.com | |
Dispute resolution and litigation | Keith Robinson | keith.robinson@careyolsen.com | |
Employment | Michael Hanson | michael.hanson@careyolsen.com | |
Regulatory | Michael Hanson | michael.hanson@careyolsen.com | |
Regulatory | Keith Robinson | keith.robinson@careyolsen.com | |
Restructuring and insolvency | Keith Robinson | keith.robinson@careyolsen.com | |
Trusts and private wealth | Keith Robinson | keith.robinson@careyolsen.com | |
Insurance | Mary Ward | mary.ward@careyolsen.com | |
Insurance | Gavin Woods | gavin.woods@careyolsen.com | |
Corporate | Steven Rees Davies | steven.reesdavies@careyolsen.com | |
Banking and Finance | Steven Rees Davies | steven.reesdavies@careyolsen.com | |
Investment Funds | Steven Rees Davies | steven.reesdavies@careyolsen.com | |
Taxation and Economic Finance | Steven Rees Davies | steven.reesdavies@careyolsen.co |
Lawyer Profiles
Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
---|---|---|---|
Charissa Ball | Charissa Ball is counsel in the corporate team at Carey Olsen Bermuda. Charissa… | View Profile | |
Stephanie Bernard | Stephanie Bernard TEP is counsel in the trusts and private wealth team… | View Profile | |
Adam Collieson | Adam Collieson is head of the property department in Bermuda. Adam’s core… | View Profile | |
Alexander Collis | Alex is counsel in the corporate and finance team of Carey Olsen… | View Profile | |
Honor Desmond-Tetlow | Honor is a Counsel in Carey Olsen’s Dispute Resolution and Litigation team… | View Profile | |
Charlotte Donnelly | Charlotte is an associate in the dispute resolution and litigation team at… | View Profile | |
Michelle Falcucci | Michelle is counsel at Carey Olsen Bermuda and advises on all aspects… | View Profile | |
Ashley Fife | Ashley Fife TEP is counsel in the trusts and private wealth team… | View Profile | |
Alexandra Fox | Associate Alexandra advises on all aspects of Bermuda corporate and commercial law,… | View Profile | |
Michael Frith | Michael Frith is Senior Counsel at Carey Olsen Bermuda, and Managing Director… | View Profile | |
Matthew Grigg | Matthew is a partner in the corporate and finance practice of Carey… | View Profile | |
Michael Hanson | Michael Hanson is the managing partner of Carey Olsen Bermuda. His core… | View Profile | |
Bradley Houlston | Bradley is a senior associate in the employment team at Carey Olsen… | View Profile | |
Laura Kearns | Laura Kearns TEP is a senior associate in the trusts and private wealth… | View Profile | |
Oliver MacKay | Oliver is counsel in the dispute resolution and litigation team at Carey… | View Profile | |
Oliver MacKay | Oliver is counsel in the dispute resolution and litigation team at Carey… | View Profile | |
Kyle Masters | Kyle is a partner in the firm’s Bermuda office with extensive experience in… | View Profile | |
George McCallum | George is an associate in the corporate group of Carey Olsen, Bermuda… | View Profile | |
Cheri Minors | Cheri Minors is a senior associate in the dispute resolution practice and… | View Profile | |
Steven Rees Davies | Steven’s practice covers a broad spectrum of corporate and commercial law with… | View Profile | |
Keith Robinson | Keith Robinson is a partner in the dispute resolution and trusts and… | View Profile | |
Sam Stevens | Sam specialises in the resolution of complex corporate and commercial disputes, frequently… | View Profile | |
Marcus Symonds | Marcus is an associate with Carey Olsen Bermuda Limited, working across the corporate,… | View Profile | |
Max Tetlow | Max advises on all aspects of Bermuda commercial and corporate law with… | View Profile | |
Jay Webster | Jay Webster is partner in the dispute resolution team at Carey Olsen Bermuda. Jay… | View Profile | |
Gavin Woods | Gavin advises on all aspects of Bermuda commercial and corporate law, specializing… | View Profile | |
Claire van Overdijk | Claire is counsel in the dispute resolution and litigation team and trusts &… | View Profile |
Comparative Guides
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British Virgin Islands: Private Client
Published: January 2024
Authors: Bernadette Carey
This country-specific Q&A provides an overview of Private Client laws and regulations applicable in British Virgin Islands.
-
Cayman Islands: Private Client
Published: January 2024
Authors: Bernadette Carey
This country-specific Q&A provides an overview of Private Client laws and regulations applicable in Cayman Islands.
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Jersey: Private Client
Published: January 2024
Authors: Keith DixonElizabeth Le Guillou
This country-specific Q&A provides an overview of Private Client laws and regulations applicable in Jersey.
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Bermuda: Private Client
Published: January 2024
Authors: Keith RobinsonAshley FifeStephanie BernardLaura Kearns
This country-specific Q&A provides an overview of Private Client laws and regulations applicable in Bermuda.
- Dispute resolution
- Regulatory and compliance
- Trusts/private client