Countless hours of hard work and commitment paid off for three young Bermudian women yesterday as they were Called to the Bermuda Bar before Chief Justice Ian Kawaley.

Sisters Laura and Amanda Burns, along with Jennifer Woods, were joined by scores of friends and family yesterday at Supreme Court 1 in Session’s House to mark the occasion. The three new Appleby attorneys, dressed in wig and gown for the first time, all gave emotional speeches to thank their family, friends and mentors for their support.

Mrs Woods, 26, spoke of the trials and tribulations she faced as she pushed forward with her legal studies in Bermuda and England despite major financial problems and working two jobs.

She also described overcoming bullying at school, two chronic illnesses and the personal tragedy of losing her brother, Mark, in May 2011 to achieve her ultimate ambition.

Mrs Woods said: “Determination, faith, discipline, perseverance and focus best describe my journey to accomplishing my dream of becoming a qualified barrister and attorney.

“I encourage those who are struggling to continue with your journey to persevere on. Everyone can rise above their circumstances and achieve success.

“Standing here today symbolises the fruition of one of the biggest accomplishments that I have attained thus far in my short 26 years.

“I promise to exceed this court’s expectation and to leave a meaningful, positive mark on the community in Bermuda.

“Today is the beginning of a new journey and I am privileged that I stand before you, deemed worthy and fit to be called and admitted as a barrister and attorney of law.”

For the Burns sisters the proceedings represented a unique achievement — two siblings being Called to the Bermuda Bar at the same time.

They were also following in the footsteps of their father, Michael Burns, a former corporate lawyer and Appleby senior partner.

Both thanked their father and mother, Kim, for their support and guidance as they recounted stories of visiting their father’s law offices after church on a Sunday as youngsters.

The young women, along with sister Jessica, embarked on a round-the-world trip before Amanda and Laura started the final stage of their legal studies together at BPP University Law School in Leeds, England.

Amanda, 28, said: “My life has come full circle; my first memory of Appleby was through the eyes of a five-year-old me.”

Laura, 25, added: “This is a significant milestone in my life, and I feel very honoured to be here.

“I think my legal journey started before I even knew it when my dad stopped in at the Appleby offices on the way to hospital after my mum went into labour.”

Mr Burns described his great pride at seeing his two daughters Called to the Bermuda Bar, and spoke of his “privileged existence as a father”.

He said: “If they have half the fun and exciting and interesting work I had, then they will enjoy one of the most professionally rewarding careers possible.

“For our daughters, this is the end of a long journey — educationally, emotionally and financially.

“But even more importantly, today marks the beginning of an exciting journey that will last a lifetime and will see them stand at the foothills of our profession through pastures as yet unknown helping to move our beloved Bermuda forward.”