MJM Limited’s Private Wealth group advises on both contentious and non-contentious private client matters for private individuals and institutions, with particular expertise in long-term estate, succession, wealth and tax planning, as well as philanthropic objectives.

We have experience with administrating and managing across the full range of private wealth-holding and management structures, including Bermuda law trusts and private trust companies, often with underlying corporate and partnership vehicles. We routinely advise institutional trustees, beneficiaries and trust protectors on Bermuda law issues. The team is highly experienced and well positioned to give effective advice and implement practical solutions.

Our services include estate planning, will drafting, powers of attorney, receivership applications, probate applications and estate administration, all handled with care, sensitivity and confidentiality. We regularly act for local and international families, high net worth and ultra-high net worth individuals with multi-jurisdictional investments and complex structures. MJM attorneys also routinely work with the “Big Four” accounting firms and internationally recognised law firms in the UK and worldwide.

We also regularly work with our Dispute Resolution team on contentious trust and estate matters to provide cohesive support when disputes arise. Drawing on market experience of sophisticated structuring and cross-border coordination inspired by best practice in the private wealth sector, we offer an integrated, client-centred approach that aligns governance, asset protection and succession objectives across jurisdictions. For specific advice on contentious trusts and estates, please see our Dispute Resolution team page.

Representative Work

• Acted for the executors of a complex cross-border estate, overseeing the efficient administration and distribution of assets held in multiple jurisdictions, including the coordination with overseas counsel and local financial institutions.
• Assisted a high-net-worth family in establishing bespoke trust structures and a private trust company to enable intergenerational succession planning and governance aligned with their long-term objectives.
• Advised on and prepared enduring powers of attorney and advanced healthcare directives, ensuring that clients retained control over their financial and personal affairs in the event of future incapacity.

Recognition

• “They have an excellent team of attorneys who are well versed in the intersection of Bermuda and US law as it pertains to private clients and wealth management.” – Chambers Global 2024
• “The team has good technical skills across the board and is extremely focused on client satisfaction.” – Chambers Global 2024

Insights & Publications

Our lawyers contribute to leading international guides and author regular updates on Bermuda Private Wealth law. See our News & Insights for the latest thought leadership.

Areas of Practice

• Establishment, Structuring & Restructuring of Trusts and Charitable Entities: We advise clients on the full spectrum of trust and charitable structures, including the creation, rearrangement, and purposeful management of complex trusts and philanthropic vehicles to support succession planning, asset protection, and long-term objectives for families and individuals both locally and internationally.
• Wills and Estate Planning: We develop and update tailored estate plans, crafting wills and trust solutions that safeguard assets, provide for loved ones, and address tax efficiency, working closely with clients to adapt strategies to changing circumstances and secure peace of mind for future generations.
• Powers of Attorney: Our specialists prepare enduring powers of attorney and advanced directives, enabling clients to appoint trusted individuals to manage financial, property, and healthcare matters, ensuring that personal wishes are upheld should capacity be lost.
• Probate & Estate Administration: We expertly guide families, executors, and beneficiaries through all stages of Bermuda estate administration, managing probate applications, asset transfers, liability settlements, and providing cross-border advice for multi-jurisdictional estates.
• Trust Administration: We support trustees, beneficiaries, and protectors with practical guidance on day-to-day management, regulatory compliance, and effective governance of trusts, helping to address both routine and complex issues as they arise.
• Receivership Applications & Ongoing Support: We represent clients in applications to the Supreme Court for the appointment of Receivers under the Mental Health Act 1968 and offer ongoing advice to ensure effective financial management and protection for vulnerable individuals.

Our Team

Group Leader

• Hil de Frias – Partner, Head of Private Wealth

Group Members

• Fozeia Rana-Fahy – Partner, Head of Dispute Resolution
• Sorcha McGillycuddy – Associate
• James Stone – Associate
• Stephanie Matthews – Legal Executive
• Donna Munoz-Pitcher – Paralegal