Bermudian lawyer Hildeberto de Frias has made a partner at law firm Mello Jones & Martin, the company announced yesterday.

Mr. de Frias, 36, joined the firm in 1994 after working for another local firm now disbanded, Smith Barnard & Diel.

His appointment, effective from February 1, coincides with the retirement this week of founding partner Elizabeth Jones.

Ms Jones, who was said to be in her mid-50s, plans to devote her time to personal pursuits including travel. It was also said that she ? as a founding partner ? is likely to continue her association with MJM.

Meanwhile, Mr. de Frias expects to take on a "much larger role in management and leadership" while continuing to focus on his areas of expertise: international trusts, wills, probate, estate planning and real estate transactions.

"My preferred area is trust. I do quite a few other (areas) but will be putting more emphasis on the trust (arena)," he told

Although the Island's legal landscape has seen significant change in recent years with multiple mergers/demergers, as well as the high-profile international joining a year ago between Bermuda leader Appleby Spurling & Kempe and Cayman Islands' firm Hunter & Hunter into Appleby Spurling Hunter, Mr. de Frias said MJM did not feel any pressure to follow the merger trend.

While not ruling out consolidation, he said it wasn't on the cards right now.

"We are well positioned in the Bermuda marketplace as the third largest firm on the Island. We pretty much handle all aspects of what an international legal practice would offer. We don't really need to merge to compete."

Mr. de Frias earned undergraduate degrees from York University in Toronto (1990) and Keele University in the UK (1993). He gained his legal qualification with a commendation from The College of Law in York, United Kingdom the same year he joined MJM as an associate.

When asked if he felt any pressure with his being named the company's seventh partner just as one of the founders steps down, Mr. de Frias said: "Of course; not that I am filling her shoes... it is coincidental that it worked out the way it did."

Senior partner Michael Mello said: ""Hil has demonstrated a sound ability to handle his practice with great skill, efficiency and charm. He is well respected both in the firm and with our clients."

For his part, Mr. de Frias said he looked forward to acting as a mentor to young Bermudian lawyers within the firm.

Elizabeth Jones became a partner of Mello & Jones in 1982 and a founding partner of Mello Jones and Martin in 1994.

She was thanked for her service by Mr. Mello: "Liz has been highly influential in building the strong reputation of Mello Jones and Martin and she will be greatly missed by all her colleagues and clients."