Hong Kong QC Denis Mitchell is set to become Bermuda's newest judge, The Royal Gazette can reveal.

For Mr. Mitchell, a Scots-born barrister in the former British colony, has beaten several other candidates for the post of Puisne Judge in Supreme Court.

Mr. Mitchell, who was in private practice in Hong Kong, is believed to have won the post because of his skills in commercial law -- regarded as vital experience in an offshore jurisdiction like Bermuda.

It is understood big business on the Island was asked earlier this year what was needed to help modernise and upgrade the legal system.

And executives said Bermuda -- to protect its position as a major international business centre -- needed a specialist in commercial law on the bench.

A spokeswoman at Mr. Mitchell's Hong Kong chambers said yesterday he had already left the firm for London and would travel from there to Bermuda.

Mr. Mitchell, who is expected to arrive at the end of the week and start work at the beginning of December, replaces former Puisne Judge Richard Ground, who was recognised as a senior figure in civil and commercial law.

Mr. Justice Ground quit his job to become Chief Justice of another British Overseas Territory, the Turks and Caicos Islands in the Caribbean.

Hong Kong judge for Bermuda Mr. Mitchell, who qualified in English law, has worked for many years in Hong Kong, which -- like Bermuda -- operates its legal system along English lines.

He once regularly appeared on the major Scottish independent TV station, Scottish Television, on its business programmes.

David Ezekiel, chairman of the International Companies Division of the Chamber of Commerce was yesterday off the Island and unavailable.

But ICD vice-chairman, Harry Wilken, welcomed Mr. Mitchell's appointment.

He said: "From the ICD's point of view, we're glad to see that action has been taken.'' Mr. Wilken added the offshore sector had also been "encouraged'' by last week's Throne Speech commitment to improving the legal system generally, especially in the area of the recording of complex evidence.

He said: "It shows both Government and business recognise the necessity for a strong judiciary in the face of a very fast-moving international business scene.'' Mr. Wilken, who worked for the now Bermuda-based Jardine Mathieson empire in Hong Kong for many years, added there were similarities between the two jurisdictions.

He said: "He is coming from a major financial centre in the east and he has a very great range of experience. The experience gained there will stand him in good stead here. The appointment is a very positive thing and something to be welcomed.'' COURTS CTS