Top lawyer and head of legal firm Appleby’s dispute resolution team Kiernan Bell is to retire.

Ms Bell, who has been with Appleby for 23 years, is to step down next April and will be replaced by John Wasty, who specialises in commercial dispute resolution, restructuring, insolvency and funds litigation.

He also leads Appleby’s insurance and reinsurance disputes group.

Ms Bell said: “It has been an honour and a privilege to work with my friends and colleagues at Appleby over the last two decades. While I am excited about the future, I leave Appleby secure in the knowledge that the next generation of Appleby lawyers are rich in talent and integrity, and the firm will go from strength to strength.”

Tim Faries, Bermuda managing partner, added: “Kiernan has a passion for the law and for Bermuda.

“She has always been the ultimate team player and made a significant contribution to the success of Appleby over the years.

“Some of these efforts have been unsung, visible only to her partners, and some, like Appleby becoming the Official Law Firm of the 35th America’s Cup have been well known by all.

“The fact is that she has made a huge impact on our firm and leaves us better for it. Kiernan is leaving the firm at the top of her game and I have every confidence that she will bring that same energy and intellectual vigour to her next venture.”

Mr Faries added: “John is a first-class litigator who has long been recognised as a leading lawyer in the jurisdiction. He brings a wealth of expertise and unwavering commitment to his clients. I am confident he will serve the team exceptionally well in his new role.”

Ms Bell has been a partner at Appleby for 15 years, serving in several leadership roles including Bermuda managing partner, a position she held until December last year.

She is a past president of the Bermuda Bar Council and is chairman of the Immigration Appeals Tribunal.

Ms Bell was also recently appointed as chairman of the Bermuda Business Development Agency, after serving as a director for the agency’s first three years.

Chambers Global has consistently ranked Ms Bell as a leader in her field, and noted her key role in some of the firm’s most complex commercial disputes. She was recognised for her expertise in insolvency, professional negligence and fund disputes.

Clients regard her as “an effective, intelligent solicitor and very clever lawyer”.

Ms Bell is also consistently recommended by Legal 500, another leading research publication to the legal profession.

Mr Wasty is admitted to the Bar in Bermuda, New York (Southern District) and four other jurisdictions and is also a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators.

He has been involved in numerous institutional and ad hoc arbitrations in Bermuda and internationally.

He is also consistently recognised by Chambers Global as a leader in his field and recommended by Legal 500.