Offshore law firm Conyers Dill & Pearman (CDP) has announced the election of Alec Anderson to The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC) based on his professional ability and work in trusts and estates law.

Mr. Anderson is a partner based in CDP's Bermuda office, where he is head of the trust and private client team.

His election to the organisation, traditionally open only to US lawyers, means Conyers is the first and only offshore law firm to be represented at ACTEC.

ACTEC is a professional association of more than 2,600 trust and estate lawyers, who are elected to membership by demonstrating integrity, commitment to the profession, competence and experience as trust and estate counsellors. A lawyer cannot apply for membership in the college, but must be nominated by other Fellows in their geographic area and then elected by the membership.

"I am delighted to welcome Alec as a member of ACTEC and look forward to working further with him," said Terry Christensen, Partner at McDermott Will & Emery, who is a member of ACTEC and President of the International Academy of Estate and Trust Law.

"Alec's appointment is a testimony to his contributions to the field of trust law. Many of us in the United States have enjoyed working with Alec for many years, and we look forward to further opportunities to discuss issues with him at ACTEC meetings."

Mr. Anderson said: "I am honoured to be appointed a member of ACTEC. The association is extremely well-respected, and I look forward to working together with other Fellows as we strive to provide efficient and quality services to clients and enhance the association's reputation.

"It is a privilege to be recognised by ACTEC and elected to join the association."

Mr. Anderson is a regular speaker at international private client conferences and writes for a number of trade and legal publications. He is also the chairman of the Law Reform Sub-Committee on Trust Law in Bermuda and a member of The International Academy of Estate and Trust Law.