Walkers, the international law firm, has increased its Bermuda headcount by 25 per cent in the past 12 months, it said in a press release Wednesday.

The firm said the rapid expansion was required to meet growing market demand and included investments in people, skills and technology.

Walkers has added 20 new hires since January, with three further team members due to join before the end of this month.

The new hires in 2022 include nine lawyers and seven professional services experts.

Growth has come in each of its practice areas: finance, funds, corporate, insurance, fintech, insolvency and dispute resolution and Walkers professional services.

The statement said: “When Walkers launched its Bermuda office six years ago, the leadership had a clear vision to nurture top local talent and develop a market-leading legal practice that would benefit the jurisdiction through its global legal network.

“The local team has grown from four in 2016 to nearly 50 to support clients with their complex challenges, innovative ideas and global opportunities.

Managing partner Kevin Taylor said: "This growth reflects increased demand for services and the trust in our advice from clients who are attracted by the quality of the jurisdiction and the business opportunities here.

“Bermuda is holding up very well internationally. This is, in no small part, thanks to the progressive regimes for fintech and insurtech, the globally recognised regulatory environment and the quality of practitioners based on island — many of whom operate under the Walkers banner."

New hires include partner Steven White (insolvency and dispute resolution), director April Thomas (WPS), and senior associates Shaela Rae, Cathryn Minors, John McSweeney, Tim Molton and Rehana Popal.

Over the summer, Walkers also welcomed six Bermudian legal interns for a comprehensive legal training programme. Kalshae Matthews, Caitlin Hyland, Jasmin Brown, Sarah Medeiros, Ella Rouja and McKenzie-Kohl Tuckett gained valuable insights into the day-to-day life of a Walkers attorney and the demands of the international financial services legal sector.