Laura Williamson
Profile
Laura is a partner in Kennedys’ Bermuda office and a member of the commercial litigation team, handling matters involving financial services, insurance, professional negligence, insolvency and trusts. She has recently been recognised in the Legal 500 Caribbean as a ‘Rising Star’ in the field of dispute resolution.
Laura has a broad commercial practice with a particular focus on trusts disputes and on litigation and arbitration involving the financial services and insurance industries. Many of her cases have a multi-jurisdictional element, including in relation to the UK, US, Brazil, Hong Kong and others. She is an affiliate member of the Society of Trusts and Estate Practitioners (“STEP”) and is working towards full TEP status. She is also a member of the Restructuring and Insolvency Specialists Association of Bermuda (“RISA Bermuda”).
Prior to joining Kennedys, Laura practised as a barrister in London for five years, during which time she was regularly instructed as sole counsel at every stage from pre-action advice through to final determination at trial or on appeal, as well as acting as junior counsel alongside leading counsel.
Laura is a particularly strong advocate and has been consistently praised by clients and judges alike for her outstanding advocacy skills, for which she has won various awards and prizes.
Laura Williamson is hard-working, thorough and committed in her work and shows an enviable sense of judgment in her practice.
Market recognition
- Rising Star and recommended lawyer for 'Dispute Resolution (Bermuda)'
"Laura Williamson is reputed for her 'enviable sense of judgment' in insurance arbitrations and professional liability matters."
The Legal 500 Caribbean 2023 - Recommended lawyer for 'Insurance/Reinsurance (Bermuda)'
"Laura Williamson is hard-working, thorough and committed in her work and shows an enviable sense of judgment in her practice."
The Legal 500 Caribbean 2023 - Recommended lawyer for 'Dispute Resolution (Bermuda)'
"Laura Williamson plays a key role in the department."
The Legal 500 Caribbean 2022 - Recommended lawyer for 'Insurance/Reinsurance (Bermuda)'
The Legal 500 Caribbean 2022
Work highlights
- Representing a fund administrator in a claim alleging dishonest assistance and breach of duty in relation to the apparent misappropriation by the investment manager of a $10 million investment
- Representing a former director in relation to a claim concerning the alleged misuse of the company’s confidential information
- Representing a law firm in a high value claim for professional negligence in relation to a high-profile property development scheme
- Representing shareholders in the largest appraisal action to be brought in Bermuda to date
- Representing an insurer in a Bermuda Form arbitration concerning a coverage dispute with a major pharmaceutical company
- Representing various beneficiaries to three discretionary trusts in relation to a “momentous decision” application by the trustee
- Advising a big four accountancy firm on sensitive regulatory matters involving different Bermuda regulators
- Advising an insurer on the prospects of avoiding the policy for material non-disclosure and misrepresentation
- Various applications for anti-suit injunctions (including non-contractual anti-suit injunctions) to enforce compliance with arbitration agreements
- Coverage counsel in respect of various matters, including a high-value dispute between social media companies and UK recognition proceedings in respect of a solvent Bermudian winding-up
Presentations and publications
- Bermuda: Restructuring & Insolvency 2021 (International Comparative Law Guides)
- Bermuda: Private Client 2021 (International Comparative Law Guides)
- Bermuda: International Arbitration 2020 (International Comparative Law Guides)
- Investment fund administrators: liability for ‘gross negligence’
- Piercing the privilege: beneficiaries’ right to obtain legal advice provided to a trustee