Bermuda Lawyer Ojeda Smith Charts Course in Reinsurance Legal Sector

Ojeda Smith is a senior associate in Appleby’s corporate department in Bermuda, specializing in corporate and commercial law with a focus on insurance and reinsurance. Admitted to the Bermuda Bar in 2021, she provides legal counsel on various transactions such as mergers and acquisitions, private placements, catastrophe bonds, and insurance-related regulatory matters. Smith’s career path shifted from criminology to law, driven by her interest in the analytical structure of law and its real-world applications, particularly in reinsurance, a sector central to Bermuda’s economy. Bermuda is recognized as a leading global reinsurance hub, making Smith’s specialization a strategic choice to engage with a dynamic, evolving industry that addresses global risk management and regulatory challenges. The reinsurance sector offers young professionals international exposure, complex legal and financial issues, and opportunities to engage in high-value, cross-border transactions. However, Smith acknowledges the challenges of entering a fast-paced, demanding field where experience is highly valued, requiring resilience and adaptability. She credits mentorship from senior leaders in her firm for supporting her growth and leadership development. Her generation brings fresh perspectives on technology, innovation, and diversity to the insurance space, reflecting broader trends such as digital transformation and sustainability initiatives. The Bermuda insurance industry is proactive in training and development efforts to attract and retain talent, recognizing the importance of younger professionals to the sector’s ongoing success. Smith aims to deepen her expertise and take on leadership roles while contributing to Bermuda’s status in the global reinsurance market. She also emphasizes the importance of mentoring to cultivate the next generation of insurance professionals. Bermuda’s continued leadership in reinsurance depends on innovation, including embracing insurtech and ESG products, and investing in local talent pipelines. Smith’s career exemplifies how dedication, strategic mentorship, and engagement with evolving market trends support professional growth in the insurance legal field within Bermuda’s prominent reinsurance market.