Appleby is pleased to welcome new pupils Kinika Armstrong, Jeffrey Blair and Ryann Hollis to its two-year legal trainee programme.

The firm recently restructured its successful trainee programme to provide pupils a longer seat in the second year, allowing for more in depth-training and alignment with pupils’ practice group or sector of choice.

Under the new structure, Appleby trainees will now complete three, four-month seats in the first year and one 12-month seat in the second year across various practice groups, including the Corporate, Dispute Resolution and Private Client & Trusts departments. Pupils will continue to be assigned a senior attorney, often a partner, as a mentor in every seat. After completing three seats in the first year, trainees are called to the Bermuda Bar.

In addition to Kinika, Jeffrey and Ryann, three pupils are currently in second-year seats: Karim Creary, an Associate in the Dispute Resolution department; Ojeda Smith, an Associate in the Corporate department; and Kiara Wilkinson, an Associate also in the Dispute Resolution department. Additional trainees are planned for enrolment in the near future.

Before joining Appleby, Kinika completed both the Legal Practice Course (LPC) Masters programme and Bachelor of Laws (LLB) at The University of Law. She recently worked as a summer legal intern with the firm.

“I chose Appleby because of its reputation for having an outstanding trainee program,” Kinika explained. “I had the opportunity to intern with the Corporate department this summer, receiving hands-on experience and exposure to the firm’s culture and teaching methods. I look forward to gaining more experience and exposure to the variety of practices within the firm.”

Jeffrey graduated from The University of Law after obtaining an LPC with Masters and a Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL). He holds both a Masters and Bachelor of Science (Hons) from University of Portsmouth, and an Arts Foundation Degree, Security and Risk Management from University of Leicester.

Jeffrey stated: “My decision to pursue my legal training with Appleby was an easy choice. I firmly believe Appleby possesses the requisite tools to facilitate my professional growth and development as I aspire to become a proficient and well-rounded lawyer. To this end, I look forward to the invaluable knowledge and experience I will gain from my mentors.”

Ryann, who was an intern with the firm in 2021, holds an LPC with Masters and a GDL from The University of Law. Prior to that, she obtained a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) from University of Kent.

“I chose Appleby because I am confident that I will receive invaluable training from knowledgeable lawyers in an environment that encourages innovative thinking,” Ryann commented. “Additionally, I admire Appleby’s philanthropy. I am proud to join a firm that greatly contributes to Bermuda’s legal market and wider community. I hope to soak up as much insight as I can in each seat and develop a solid foundation for my legal career.”

Brad Adderley, Bermuda Managing Partner, said: “Our ultimate goal with the newly-structured programme is to build on its success and provide the best possible training for our pupils and future lawyers.

I am pleased to welcome Kinika, Jeffrey and Ryann to Appleby as they officially begin their law careers. Our programme will introduce them to a variety of practices and sectors to help them identify which areas they wish to specialise in the future. I’m looking forward to seeing where their journey in law takes them, and wish them enjoyable and fulfilling careers.”