The annual report profiles 100 of the most powerful women who are power players within the international community who lead businesses and direct teams.

Vanessa is a Partner and Group Head of the Private Client & Trusts department in Bermuda. She first qualified as a solicitor in the UK and is admitted to the bars of Bermuda and the BVI. Vanessa has extensive experience on a wide range of trust and estate planning matters, including the use of Bermuda private and commercial trust structures, private trust companies, applications for probate and the administration of complex and large estates. She drafts and reviews all forms of trusts and ancillary documentation, wills, enduring powers of attorney and other estate planning documents.

Vanessa has been awarded professional accolades throughout her career. She is recognised in Chambers Global 2019 High Net Worth guide as a 'Notable Practitioner' and in Legal 500 as a 'Leading Individual'. Vanessa was also named 'Woman of the Year: Leadership (Professional Services)' at the 2017 Citywealth Powerwomen Awards. She is recognised in Legal Week's Private Client Global Elite Directory 2019, featured in the ´Women in Business Law´ guide as one of the leading Trusts and Estates practitioners in the world and named in The International Who's Who of Private Client Lawyers.

Vanessa is a member of ITPA (International Tax Planning Association), STEP (Society of Trusts and Estate Practitioners) and sits on the Bermuda trusts law reform committee. Vanessa is also a coach for WeSpeak, an organisation dedicated to coaching and increasing opportunities for professional women to be effective presenters.

Appleby's highly regarded Private Client & Trusts group provides trust and foundation services and advice to high net worth individuals, families, and fiduciary companies. They advise on all aspects of trust law, including the establishment, administration restructuring and termination of private, charitable, purpose commercial trusts and foundations. Members of the team act in a personal capacity as Protector, Enforcer and Director (of PTCs) for a number of discretionary trusts and are frequently instructed by blue-chip trust institutions.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.