A leading Island law firm believes the strength of Bermuda as a financial centre was a major factor behind it receiving one of the legal industry’s top awards.

Conyers Dill & Pearman Ltd was named Offshore Law Firm of the Year by Chambers & Partners, publisher of the world’s foremost guides to the legal profession. It beat out competition from seven shortlisted rivals — Appleby, Bedell Cristin, Carey Olsen, Harney Westwood & Riegels, Maples and Calder, Mourant Ozannes and Walkers.

The Chambers Global Awards recognise the achievements of the leading global law firms based on the results of research for the 2014 edition of the Chambers Global guide. Further, the Awards commend cross-border achievements by firms, in particular their outstanding work and entrepreneurial spirit.

Chambers also recognised Conyers’ cross-border work which has involved lawyers travelling around the globe promoting Bermuda as a jurisdiction that is open for business.

Narinder Hargun, co-chair, Conyers Dill & Pearman, said: “Over the course of last year our Bermuda lawyers were out meeting current clients and prospective clients in North America, Europe and Asia — they were talking about Bermuda.

“The success we have experienced demonstrates that despite the recent recession, Bermuda continues to be a leading financial centre and it is that strength that has made our award possible.”

In its announcement of award winners, Chambers notes that “Conyers is acclaimed for its coverage of the Caribbean, Asia, the UK, Mauritius and the UAE”. It is singled out for its exceptional strength in Bermuda.

The recognition comes after Chambers ranked Conyers as the sole Band 1 firm for corporate and finance work in Bermuda.

Chambers highlighted the practice for its “top-end corporate work, with a deep and broad bench of lawyers” and its “notable strength in aircraft financing and registration, as well as M&A, securitisation, banking and capital markets work”.

The firm’s Bermuda office also received a Band 1 ranking for its dispute resolution practice, with the directory citing the Firm as having “one of the largest and most esteemed litigation practices on the Island”.

Mr Hargun said: “The Bermuda office also houses the leading private client practice on the Island. The combined strength of corporate, litigation and private client teams working together is a big factor in achievement of the accolades for Conyers.”

He added: “In the last year, we have seen Bermuda gain positive momentum in the offshore marketplace. Bermuda has seen a sustained increase in international legal work.”

Mr Hargun added: “While some law firms have shifted their focus to other offshore jurisdictions, Conyers has always remained committed to Bermuda while still continuing to grow globally.”