Claire van Overdijk, King’s Counsel, has been appointed as head of private client and trusts in Bermuda. Ms van Overdijk is responsible for the firm’s contentious and non-contentious private client and trusts practice. She specialises in all aspects of Bermuda trust law advice and trust litigation.

Ms van Overdijk is KC and partner at Appleby’s Bermuda office. She heads the firm’s private client and trusts team and is a member of the Dispute Resolution team.

She has a broad private client practice advising on domestic and offshore wealth structuring and estate planning matters including the creation, restructuring and termination of trust structures, matters relating to trust administration, as well as probate and testamentary issues.

And she has extensive experience with global businesses, financial institutions, public bodies, trustees, beneficiaries, settlors, protectors, private individuals and families.

Ms van Overdijk’s dispute resolution practice extends to advocacy, strategic expertise and tactical advice in domestic and multi-jurisdictional high-value litigation and the resolution of complex disputes in the fields of trusts, estates, commercial and civil law.

Called to the Bermuda Bar in 2022, Ms van Overdijk had previously practised as a barrister in London, which led to her appointment as KC in 2023.

John Wasty, head of dispute resolution in Bermuda, said: “Claire’s appointment recognises the depth of her technical judgment and the confidence clients place in her advice across both advisory and contentious trust and private client matters.

“She brings a rare combination of private client expertise and dispute resolution experience, particularly in complex, cross border situations. Claire’s appointment builds on Appleby’s longstanding strength in this practice.”

Ms van Overdijk said: “It is a real privilege to be appointed to this role. Appleby Bermuda’s private client and trusts practice has a long-established reputation for excellence in this field, and I am proud to lead such a highly regarded team.”