An international law firm which specialises on servicing the insurance industry is considering opening an office in Bermuda next year — and is already talking with candidates to staff it.

Nelson Brown Hamilton & Krekstein LLC (Nelson Brown & Co) has offices in the United States and London and yesterday announced a series of strategic decisions designed to strengthen the firm’s focus on insurance.

One of the changes was in the name of the firm, which was formerly known as Nelson Levine. The move follows the appointment of Kevin Toth as executive vice president, chief operations and strategic officer last month.

Mr Toth told The Royal Gazette the firm was “actively exploring establishing a physical presence in Bermuda” in 2015.

“Bermuda is a global insurance hub,” he said. “It’s the second largest reinsurance market in the world, with deep and long-standing influence on the capital markets that fund and drive the insurance industry. Bermuda also is a centre of innovation and underwriting expertise.

“It is home to the largest number of captive insurers and service providers worldwide; a rapidly growing number of international specialty insurers; and it is at the leading edge of the many emerging risk transfer solutions that are shaping the global insurance landscape.

“What happens in Bermuda touches all of the clients who look to Nelson Brown & Co to help them run better, stronger insurance companies.”

Asked about the likely headcount in the potential new office, Mr Toth said: “What’s top of mind for us right now is not the number of lawyers, but the quality of the talent — and our ability to become an even stronger presence and voice.

“Discussions with highly experienced and influential candidates already are underway, and we’re excited to share our plans as they develop.”