Juliana M. Snelling

Email: jsnelling@canterburylaw.bm

Juliana Snelling (born Horseman), barrister and attorney, is a Rhodes Scholar and Director of Canterbury Law Ltd., member of the Bar of England & Wales (1994), and the Bermuda Bar (1995).  She has a Certificate in Company Direction from the UK Council of the Institute of Directors (2021).

Ms. Snelling has 29 years of experience in advising local and multi-national companies, public authorities and high-level business executives on Bermuda employment, labour and human rights laws.  She also advises in civil matters generally, including contract and tort matters, landlord tenant, defamation, and personal injury matters.

Ms. Snelling served for 5 years as Counsel on the Bermuda Medical Council, advising that governing medical body on legal issues affecting medical practitioners to help maintain high standards of medical practice on the Island. She served for 3 years as Chair of Bermuda’s Land Valuation Appeal Tribunal and on the Treatment of Offenders’ Board in the Island’s prisons. She also served for 6 years on the Professional Conduct Committee of the Bermuda Bar Association.

In 2012, Ms. Snelling co-founded the boutique litigation and employment advisory firm Canterbury Law Limited with fellow director Mr. Paul Harshaw. Together they have mentored many young Bermudians in the field of law and have called 4 women to the Bermuda Bar.

Canterbury Law is Bermuda’s exclusive Employment Law Alliance (ela.law) partner, giving the firm access to the world’s largest network of labour and employment law experts. Multinational companies choose ELA lawyers such as Canterbury Law’s attorneys to champion their employment law challenges with fast, efficient, and responsive service tailored to meet the unique needs of their global workforce. With more than 3000 lawyers in 135 countries, including every state in the United States, the ELA’s employment attorneys represent the best legal minds in the world who must meet the alliance’s stringent eligibility criteria after making it through a rigorous vetting process. The ELA is a top-ranked Chambers and Partners Elite Global Network.

Ms. Snelling’s education includes:

• Graduate, Inns of Court School of Law (Outstanding Designation), London, England (1993-1994)
• B.A. (Jurisprudence), St. John’s College,University (First Degree, Rhodes Scholar), England (1991-1993)
• UCLA School of Law, California (1990-1991)
• B.A. (History), Stanford University, California (Phi Beta Kappa Hons.) (1985-1989)
• Institute d’Etudes Politiques, Paris, France (1986-1987)

In 2025 Ms. Snelling was recognised in the King’s Honour’s List with a King’s Certificate and Badge of Honour for her work in the community with SPS and the Grateful Bread.  In highlighting her contributions, Government House noted::

“Juliana has been the driving force behind these organisations since inception. Her ongoing leadership and hands-on involvement in each of these organisations exemplifies the highest ideals of public service. The direct beneficiaries of her programmes number in the hundreds of individuals who have received meals, supplies, financial assistance or educational support. From before the pandemic through the height of the lockdowns and beyond, Juliana has shown unparalleled consistency in serving Bermuda’s vulnerable population, ensuring each project remains active and effective.””

The 2024 edition of WWL: Labour, Employment & Benefits wrote:

 “Juliana is one of the smartest barristers around, she is incredibly hard working and knowledgeable”

The 2023 edition of WWL: Labour, Employment & Benefits wrote:

“Juliana is committed to her clients and is a consummate professional.” 

The 2022 edition of WWL Labour & Employment wrote:

“Her work product is consistently exceptional.”

The 2021 edition of WWL: Labour, Employment & Benefits wrote:

“Juliana Snelling is lauded as a very professional, dependable and efficient lawyer who always exceeds requirements and expectations.”

The 2020 edition of WWL Labour & Employment wrote:

“Juliana Snelling is an exceptional lawyer with extensive experience in complex workplace disputes.” 

The 2018 edition of WWL Labour & Employment wrote:

“Juliana Snelling stands apart as the top labour and employment lawyer in Bermuda, according to our research, thanks to her comprehensive understanding of the area.”

In 2012 and 2015 Ms. Snelling won “Best of Bermuda Awards” in The Bermudian magazine for being Bermuda’s “Most Tenacious Lawyer” and for being the “go to” lawyer for employment/ immigration advice.

In 2011 she was recognized by the Bermuda Government as one of the 100 Women honorees, an award that highlights the achievements of 100 women in Bermuda who have had a positive impact on the Island of Bermuda in the business sector.

She is the author of the Bermuda Chapter of Carter-Ruck on Libel and Privacy (6th ed. 2010), Reed Elsevier (UK) Ltd. and author of the Bermuda Chapter of The Employment Law Review (8th-16th eds. (2017-2023), Law Research Business Ltd. / Lexology in-Depth.

When not lawyering, Ms. Snelling, through Canterbury Law’s support resources, founded and continues to lead two community-action initiatives:

• The Grateful Bread (2017), a group of volunteers that donates clothes, household, and other goods to the less fortunate in Bermuda in regular free giveaway events, bringing together residents from all racial and social backgrounds to help heal divisions in society; and
• SPS.bm (Support Public Schools, Bermuda) whose mission is to equip public school students with the instructional resources they need for a better-quality education. In 2019 SPS.bm was selected by The Bermudian magazine as the winner of their Public and Service Award in the category of Company Community Project. SPS was selected as a Meritus Foundation Fellow for 2024. This award recognizes community leaders helping People and Planet and demonstrating values of passion, courage, humility, and empathy.