Bermuda-based Appleby was named Offshore Law Firm of the Year at the Legal Week British Legal Awards held in London last Thursday.

Carlos de Serpa Pimentel, Appleby partner and Cayman practice group head of private client and trusts, collected the award. The ceremony, which was held at Old Billingsgate Market, was attended by more than 1,000 top international lawyers.

The win confirms Appleby’s position at the top of the so-called ‘Offshore Magic Circle’ of international law firms. It also represents a double first for the firm who also won The Lawyer’s Offshore Law Firm of the Year award in June 2010.

The Legal Week Award is presented to the firm which has demonstrated not only that they are leaders in the offshore market, but also that they have made significant progress over the past 12 to 18 months. Appleby were able to demonstrate legal expertise, innovation, strong strategic vision, and high levels of client care and employee development.

In 2009, Appleby opened offices in the Seychelles and Bahrain and leading Isle of Man law firm Dickinson Cruickshank joined the Appleby Group. In March this year the firm opened its Guernsey office, making it the only provider of offshore legal services with a presence in each of the three British Crown Dependencies of Jersey, Isle of Man and Guernsey.

In 2009/10 the firm has added five lateral partners, six partner promotions and 11 promotions to counsel to support growth across the Appleby group. Most recently, the group appointed Mike Ellis to the newly-created role of general counsel to consolidate the strategic growth of the firm worldwide.

Shaun Morris, managing partner of Appleby’s Bermuda office, said: “We are delighted to have won this award. We have had an excellent run of awards in 2010.

“This reflects the significant amount of time that we have spent on building a solid global platform. On behalf of the Appleby group, I would like to extend my thanks to all our clients for their support.

“I would also like to thank our staff for their ongoing commitment, hard work and dedication.”