Three law graduates have joined a trainee programme at a prominent island legal firm.

Kinika Armstrong, Jeffrey Blair and Ryann Hollis have joined Appleby’s two-year training programme.

Brad Adderley, Appleby’s Bermuda managing partner, said: “I am pleased to welcome Kinika, Jeffrey and Ryann to Appleby as they officially begin their law careers.

“Our programme will introduce them to a variety of practices and sectors to help them identify which areas they wish to specialise in the future.

“I’m looking forward to seeing where their journey in law takes them, and wish them enjoyable and fulfilling careers.”

The trainees will complete three seats in their first year, each lasting four months, and a yearlong seat in various practice groups in their second.

The longer second-year seat, which takes place after the trainees are called to the Bermuda Bar, is expected to allow for more in-depth training and a chance for trainees to adjust to their sector of choice.

It will involve work in sectors such as corporate law, dispute resolution and private client and trusts.

Mr Adderley said about the programme’s structure: “Our ultimate goal with the newly structured programme is to build on its success and provide the best possible training for our pupils and future lawyers.”

Ms Armstrong, who completed her bachelor of law and Legal Practice Course master’s programme, also known as an LPC, at the University of Law in Britain, returned to Appleby as a trainee after a summer internship with them.

She said: “I chose Appleby because of its reputation for having an outstanding trainee programme.

“I had the opportunity to intern with the corporate department this summer, receiving hands-on experience and exposure to the firm's culture and teaching methods.

“I look forward to gaining more experience and exposure to the variety of practices within the firm.”

Mr Blair joined Appleby with an LPC with master’s and a graduate diploma in law, or GDL, from the University of Law, as well as a master’s and bachelor of science from University of Portsmouth, and an Arts Foundation Degree in security and risk management from the University of Leicester.

He said: “My decision to pursue my legal training with Appleby was an easy choice — I firmly believe Appleby possesses the requisite tools to facilitate my professional growth and development as I aspire to become a proficient and well-rounded lawyer.

“To this end, I look forward to the invaluable knowledge and experience I will gain from my mentors.”

Ms Hollis interned with Appleby last year and returns with an LPC with master’s and a GDL from the University of Law.

She said: “I chose Appleby because I am confident that I will receive invaluable training from knowledgeable lawyers in an environment that encourages innovative thinking.

“Additionally, I admire Appleby’s philanthropy; I am proud to join a firm that greatly contributes to Bermuda’s legal market and wider community.

“I hope to soak up as much insight as I can in each seat and develop a solid foundation for my legal career.”

The three trainees are also joined by second-year pupils Karim Creary, an associate in dispute resolution, Ojeda Smith, an associate in the corporate department, and Kiara Wilkinson, also an associate in dispute resolution.