‘Risky Business’ draws top lawyers

Appleby is co-sponsoring ‘Risky Business – A Trust Litigation Seminar’ on Thursday, June 6.

Appleby along with the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners Bermuda branch and overseas law firm Baker & McKenzie as well as London Barristers’ chambers XXIV Old Buildings are combining to put on the seminar, which will be held at Appleby’s Bermuda offices.

It will focus on risk management issues. Featured speakers are Baker & McKenzie partner Anthony Poulton and associate Gemma Willingham.

Also speaking are XXIV Old Buildings Barristers’ Elspeth Talbot Rice QC, Stephen Moverley Smith QC and Andrew Holden, along with leading trust lawyers STEP Bermuda chairman Randall Krebs and Appleby Counsel Keith Robinson.

Delegates are expected to discuss risk factors affecting the industry during a time when the global economy, heightened competition from other jurisdictions and ongoing compliance policies create challenges for and place pressure on Bermuda’s trust industry.

Mr Robinson, counsel in Appleby’s Litigation & Insolvency department, said in a press release: “We’re pleased to be able to host such high calibre speakers with international expertise here in Bermuda, each of whom will facilitate in-depth discussions around current risk issues affecting our industry.

“All of the presenters are highly-respected in their legal practices which include advising in respect of large international trust disputes and re-organisations, commercial litigation and insolvency, banking and finance, partnership and charities.”

Other speakers facilitating breakout sessions are Appleby’s Private Client & Trusts team members Vanessa Schrum, Michael Mello, Naresh Chand and Caljonah Smith.

Ms Schrum will be part of a discussion on using family constitutions and corporate governance for family trading companies.

She said: “Bermuda has a formidable reputation as being one of the premier offshore jurisdictions in which to develop trust structures. Staying on top of recent developments in the trusts and private client practice area and staying competitive as a jurisdiction is what drives our business.

“With representatives from Baker & McKenzie, XXIV Old Buildings and Appleby providing insightful and practical commentary, this is an event not to be missed by trust practitioners.

It is certain to provide the perfect combination of thought-provoking seminar sessions, together with ample opportunity for individuals to meet and network with fellow trust industry peers, enabling them to build on existing and new professional relationships.”

‘Risky Business’ seminar topics include:

• Exoneration, firewalls and other risk management tools for trustees;

• Family dynamics, using family constitutions and corporate governance for family trading companies;

• The impact of family and divorce disputes on trusts

• Creditors’ attacks on trusts and their assets to satisfy claims and judgments against settlors or beneficiaries;

• Fixing historical mistakes;

• Selling Bermuda;

Randall Krebs, whose three-year term as STEP Bermuda Chairman concludes after the ‘Risky Business’ seminar, added: “Events like this will continue to benefit Bermuda.”

See more at www.applebyglobal.com.