Size: 53.2 km²
Population: ~ 68, 000
Capital: Hamilton
Tax: 4.75%
Key areas: Litigation, Corporate, Finance, Funds
Salaries: $125, 000 - $180, 000+

​Located off the Eastern coast of the US, in a sun-drenched patch of the Atlantic Ocean, Bermuda offers a perfect alternative to its fellow offshore legal hubs in the Caribbean. The chain of 181 picturesque islands was first settled in the 17th Century by the British and still retains an air of the colonial era, with winding lanes flanked by quaint cottages throughout St George (the old capital) and beyond.

Life on Bermuda offers something for everyone. The rich heritage can be seen in the Old Town area of St George (a UNESCO world heritage site) and is evident in some of the islands’ outstanding fine dining restaurants that date from the 1600s. Moving out of the capital, you can explore the islands’ many beaches or hike through some of their spectacular nature reserves. As with other offshore locations, Bermuda is perfect for those who enjoy outdoor pursuits, with sailors and surfers particularly well catered for.

Most law firms are based in the islands’ capital, Hamilton, close to the many locally domiciled international companies that make up Bermuda’s highly developed business economy. In particular, the island is home to a number of major international insurers and although known as an insurance jurisdiction, many opportunities present themselves across transactional areas as well as within the disputes space.

As with Cayman, in order to be admitted to practice in Bermuda you must have 3 years post qualification experience from a commonwealth jurisdiction. Given this threshold, firms compete for the best talent at the 3PQE mark and so will often begin conversations with prospective employees when they reach approximately 2.5PQE with a view to bringing them on island 6 months later. As such it is worth beginning to consider your options from 2PQE onwards. Once an offer of employment is made, expats will need to obtain a work permit. This, again is a fairly straight forward process undertaken by your prospective employer.

If a move to Bermuda is something that you would like to discuss further please get in touch at chloelam moores@hydrogengroup.com or on 02070020143