Appleby Spurling Hunter has added two new lawyers to its ranks.

Bermudian Michael M. Fahy is an associate in the Litigation and Insolvency Department, and practices in the area of general commercial litigation with a special emphasis on insurance/reinsurance disputes and construction disputes.

He previously practised at the niche insurance/reinsurance and shipping litigation law firm of Elborne Mitchell in the City of London where he was involved in several reported cases in the English High Court and was also seconded to the Investigations Department at Lloyds of London.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree (Hons.) from McMaster University, a Post Graduate Diploma of Law and the Legal Practice Certificate from the College of Law, Guilford, UK.

Simon Benedek is an associate in the Property Department and practises in the areas of property and banking law, specialising in advising on property finance transactions and secured lending.

He previously practised at Davies Arnold Cooper in London and has advised a number of banks, including an English clearing bank in relation to the provision of loan facilities of up to ?24 million for a number of joint borrowers to refinance their commercial and residential property portfolio.

He graduated from Liverpool University and University College, London and articled with Denton Wilde Sapte in England.

Managing Partner Peter Bubenzer said: ?The arrival of Michael and Simon is reflective of Appleby?s vision of continued growth and expansion.

?We welcome these talented attorneys to the firm, who offer a wide array of experience and knowledge in their areas of practice. We have high expectations that they will continue the impressive quality of work that they have sustained over the course of their careers.?

International Bonded Couriers (IBC) has promoted two young employees who have been with the firm about eight years.

Lisa Furtado, who has been with the company since 1997, has just been promoted to the position of supervisor, information systems, after spending five years as an assistant manager with IBC. Ms Furtado has an Associate Degree in Business Administration (1997) from Bermuda College, with a concentration in Computer Information Systems.

In her role as supervisor, Ms Furtado liaises with local and overseas vendors to ensure that networks and systems are performing correctly, helps formulate and implement IT strategies, performs software and hardware maintenance, identifies any issues with computer networks and develops solutions, and administers staff technology training.

Ms. Furtado brings eight years of IT experience to the position, and reports to IBC?s CEO Gordon Bussell and COO Rick Craft.

Shawn Gravito has recently joined IBC?s Hamilton office after relocating from the company?s airport location to assist Ms Furtado. Mr. Gravito joined IBC in 1997 while he was still a high school student at Mount St. Agnes.

He started working full-time with IBC in April 1998, and has just been promoted to the position of IT Technician.

In his current role, Mr. Gravito assists company staff with technology issues, acts as the primary contact for scheduled training and client enquiries, performs nightly back-ups to the technology system, and handles any other technology support duties that arise. He reports to Ms Furtado.

Rick Craft said: ?I am delighted to announce Lisa and Shawn?s promotions. Technology is extremely important for a company of our size and it is important that we have constant access to our systems.

?Both Lisa and Shawn have proven themselves to be valuable assets to this company and to our clients, and we are confident that they will continue to advise us as our needs change and grow.?