Hildeberto (Hil) de Frias

Hildeberto (Hil) de Frias is a Partner and Co-Head of MJM’s Private Client Team with over 30 years of experience advising on complex international and domestic private client matters. His practice spans the structuring of trusts, wills, estate planning, probate, and real property transactions for both local and international clients. Hil is widely recognised for his depth of knowledge and pragmatic approach to private client issues.

Education & Qualifications

• Diploma in Legal Practice, The College of Law, UK (1994)
• B.A. (Law), Keele University, UK (1993)
• B.A. (Economics), York University, Canada (1990)

Areas of Practice

• Trusts & Administration
• Wills & Advanced Estate Planning
• Probate & Administration
• Real Property Initiatives

Jurisdictions

• Bermuda Bar (1995)

His early career with Smith, Barnard & Diel provided a strong foundation in Bermuda’s legal system, and since joining MJM in 1998, he has been instrumental in strengthening the firm’s reputation as a leading advisor in private client matters. He contributes to thought leadership through published works and has been consistently recommended by Legal 500.

Representative Work

• Advises international families on structuring and administration of Bermuda trust arrangements.
• Represents high-net-worth individuals in cross-border estate planning and succession matters.
• Acts for local and international clients in Bermuda real property sales and purchases.
• Guides executors and beneficiaries through complex estate administrations in Bermuda.

Awards & Recognition

• The Legal 500 (2025) – Band 3 

Publications & Speaking Engagements

• Practical Law Company – Private Client Law in Bermuda: An Overview (2017, 2016, 2015)
• The International Comparative Legal Guide to Private Client – Bermuda Chapter (2015, 2014 editions)
• Contributor, Practical Law Company Multi-Jurisdictional Guide to Dispute Resolution, Private Client and Finance