Appleby Spurling Hunter became the first Bermuda firm to win ?Offshore Law Firm of the Year? at the Chambers Global Awards 2005.

Chambers Global is a London-based publishing company that annually conducts objective research throughout the world by interviewing thousands of lawyers and their clients to determine the key service providers in each area. The survey results in a six-point ranking scale for top firms and attorneys. Their Market Research methodology has been approved by the British Market Research Bureau and is audited annually. Warren Cabral, the managing partner of Appleby?s London office received the award from Cherie Booth Q.C., wife of UK Prime Minister, Tony Blair at a ceremony in London attended by some 1,000 guests.

?We are honoured to receive this endorsement from Chambers Global, particularly in light of last year?s combination between Appleby Spurling & Kempe in Bermuda, and Hunter & Hunter in the Cayman Islands, and the rapid expansion of our BVI office. To be recognised on an international level by our colleagues and peers is most gratifying,? Mr. Cabral said.

Appleby was the only Bermuda firm to be nominated for the award. Other offshore nominees included Carey Olsen, Hassans, Maples & Calder, Mourant du Feu Jeune, Ogier, Ozannes and Walkers.

Peter Bubenzer, managing partner of Appleby Spurling Hunter said: ?To receive an award of this stature from Chambers Global is a tremendous achievement, particularly as we are the only Bermuda and BVI firms to have ever received recognition in this category. Our attorneys and staff have worked immensely hard promoting our capabilities in all jurisdictions.?

James Jardine, CEO, Appleby Spurling Hunter said the award puts the firm on the map as one of the leading offshore law firms. ?We didn?t know we were being considered until about ten days ago when we were notified that we had been shortlisted as one of the firms being considered for this award. We were quite surprised and very pleased,? he said pointing to the firm?s expansion including its recent merger with Hunter and Hunter in the Cayman Islands as part of the reason for winning.

??We try to guide clients to the jurisdiction that best suits their needs and because we have a variety of jurisdiction at our disposal now, clients like that and they are obviously pleased with the service we give,? he said.

On its winners list, Chambers Global describes Appleby as: ?One of the largest and most respected providers of sophisticated, specialised offshore legal and business services. Uniquely positioned in the key offshore jurisdictions of Bermuda, the Cayman Islands and the British Virgin Islands, the firm also has offices in London and Hong Kong to provide easy access for offshore needs. With approximately 430 lawyers and staff, the group is frequently cited for its outstanding corporate, litigation and insolvency services.?