Former Deputy Premier Jerome Dill is to retire from private law practice after 21 years with Appleby Hunter Bailhache as he seeks to move into the world of business.

The partners of Appleby Group have announced Mr. Dill will be leaving as of March 31.

He originally joined the firm in 1986 and has spent over 20 years practising in the firm’s Litigation and Insolvency Group.

In 1991 he became a partner and was appointed team leader of the firm’s Immigration and Employment practice in 2001.

He also served as an MP between 1991 and 1998 including a spell as Deputy Premier from 1995 to 1998.

Mr. Dill is seeking “another professional opportunity in the business community” and therefore wished to retire from the Appleby Group.

Peter Bubenzer, Appleby Group managing partner, said: “Jerome’s departure will represent a loss to the firm. He is a partner for whom we have a great deal of affection and respect, and his counsel and participation within the firm will be missed.

“His entry into the commercial world, from a role as a partner of this firm, is a first in Bermuda and follows the trend found in all major financial centres where senior lawyers are recruited out of professional practice into the business community. We wish Jerome the very best of success in his future endeavours.”

Office managing partner Shaun Morris, who like Mr. Dill attended the Bermuda College, Dalhousie University, and the London School of Economics before joining the Appleby group, has known his colleague for more than 30 years. He said: “He has made a valuable contribution to the firm, and we will certainly miss his sage advice, acumen and wit.”

Mr. Dill said: “I have immensely enjoyed my time with Appleby. It has been a privilege to contribute to and participate in the partnership’s growth, both locally and internationally. I am leaving colleagues and friends, with whom I am confident I will maintain a continuing professional and personal link.”

Following Mr. Dill’s departure, Tammy Richardson will become a partner of the Bermuda office as of April 1. She joined the firm as an associate in October 1998 having studied accounting and economics at St. Mary’s University, Canada and graduated cum laude with a bachelor of commerce degree, with majors in accounting and economics, in 1993.

She read law and completed the legal practice course (with commendation) at the University of Bristol in England and studied further in Bermuda and Hong Kong before being called to Bermuda Bar in 1998.

Presently an associate and a member of the banking and asset finance team practising in the area of corporate and commercial law, specialising in asset finance, securities, and capital markets, she has been recognised as a “leading lawyer” in Bermuda, by Chambers & Partners.

Ms Richardson has also served as a Justice of the Peace, a member of the Human Rights Commission and Law Reform Committee and most recently as a Trustee on the End to End, Bermuda Civic Ballet and as the President of Raleigh International Bermuda.

Office managing partner, Shaun Morris said: “I have personally had the pleasure of monitoring Tammy’s maturation and professional development during her tenure. Tammy is a competent and valuable member of the Corporate and Commercial practice group. Tammy has worked diligently over the last eight years, and is deserving of her elevation to partner.”