The Bermuda office of international law firm Walkers has appointed Bermudian lawyer Malacia Madden to its corporate, finance, funds and insurance practice group following her successful completion of articles with the firm.

Ms Madden, who joins as an associate, previously worked as a paralegal in the London-based finance departments at both Hogan Lovells and Linklaters. She also recently spent time in the banking and finance team at Charles Russell Speechlys LLP in New York City.

Jonathan Betts, lead partner of the firm’s Bermuda corporate, finance, funds and insurance group, said: “Malacia's practical experience in the finance, corporate and insurance markets has served her well during her pupillage and she has proven to be a bright and dynamic lawyer.”

He added: “We are delighted to welcome her to the team and I know she has a very promising future ahead of her."

Ms Madden was Called to the Bar in Bermuda earlier this month before Narinder Hargun, the Chief Justice.

Joined by friends, family, colleagues and wellwishers, she thanked the Chief Justice turning her thoughts towards her parents, Errol and Marlene.

Ms Madden said: "From young you have raised me to be an individual by learning to be comfortable in my skin. You have advocated to me the importance of being a strong woman of substance, a free thinker and being a voice of reason. Because of you both I have undertaken my professional journey with persistency and resilience.

“You have taught me to be fearless in seeking opportunities and in chasing my dreams … well here we are in 2020, experiencing my second admissions ceremony, during a time of uncertainty, and all I can say is that my guardian angels were right. Thank you for holding me accountable and never allowing me to give up."

She added: “To my managing partner Kevin Taylor, thank you for being fearless and having the strength to challenge the status quo. You have given young Bermudians such as me another great opportunity.

“To my Walkers family, locally and globally, thank you for your help and support during the past 12 months. I want to give a special mention and big thank you to Nicole Tovey, my pupil master, and supervisors Nathalie West, Benjamin McCosker and Kai Musson who have supported me, been extremely patient, invested their time, shared their experiences, encouraged and provided guidance during my pupillage. To Jonathan Betts, my department head, thank you for welcoming me to the team."

Ms Madden graduated from the University of Essex in 2011 with a Bachelor of Laws degree with upper second class honours before earning a postgraduate diploma in legal practice from the University of Law in London.