Member Profile
Caljonah Smith
Counsel | Appleby
Office Location: Bermuda
Jurisdiction
Bermuda
Top Specialisms
Charitable Planning and Philanthropy
Estates: Planning
Trusts: Planning
Connect
Professional Biography
Caljonah is Counsel in the Private Client & Trusts and Corporate teams of Appleby’s Bermuda office with notable experience in connection with trusts and investment funds. Caljonah’s key areas of practice and in-depth experience include advising on all areas of non-contentious trust matters ranging from advising individuals, structures (including purpose trusts and unit trusts). She also advises on all non-contentious estate matters, including making applications for probate and reseal applications to the Supreme Court of Bermuda, and the drafting and review of estate planning documents such as trusts, wills, enduring powers of attorney and health care directives for local and international clients. Caljonah also assists in making applications under the charities act of Bermuda for organizations to be registered as charities. Her practice also extends to general corporate matters and she has advised on corporate refinancing matters, advising both lenders and borrowers in cross jurisdictional transactions. In addition, her practice includes advising on all aspects relating to the structuring, formation and ongoing operations of investment funds.
Question : What drew you to specialise in private client law/ wealth advisory?
Answer: The ability to provide advice to individuals to help them preserve, build and maintain wealth for themselves and their descendants.
Question : For lawyers entering private client law, what are key skills you think are essential?
Answer: A genuine interest in people and their personal affairs, with good communication and drafting skills whilst at the same time exercising patience and empathy.
Question : With the evolving landscape of the private client world, what are recent trends or shifts you are excited to explore?
Answer: Restructuring of trust structures for the purpose of benefiting the next generation of beneficiaries due to changes in nationality/domicile, amongst other reasons.
Question : Where is your favourite place to take a peer for a cocktail or coffee?
Answer: Generally wherever the person wishes to meet up.