William Cooper was yesterday named the newest member of the Bermuda Bar in a ceremony in the Commercial Courts.

Making his first speech as a member of the Bermuda Bar, Mr Cooper thanked those at both Conyers, Dill and Pearman and Appleby for their assistance in helping him develop as a lawyer and providing “many, many reference letters”.

He also thanked his father, Alex Cooper, himself a respected lawyer and a sailor who represented Bermuda in the Olympics. He described his father as a “humble, fun-loving person” although he added that those who knew him from being on his sailing crew might use different adjectives.

Mr Cooper also thanked his mother, Sheelagh Cooper, who he said inspired him with her dedication and selflessness in helping vulnerable members of the community through the Coalition for the Protection of Children.

“Bermuda lawyers have a great tradition of good service and innovation, a tradition I hope to further,” he said.

Presenting Mr Cooper before the courts, Christian Luthi said it was a unique pleasure as it was Mr Cooper’s father had moved his own application to join the Bermuda Bar 23 years ago.

“It’s nice to be able to repay his father,” Mr Luthi said. “But this application, regardless of family ties, I have no hesitation in making.”

Mr Luthi noted not only Mr Cooper’s academic achievements but also his commitment to assisting the community through Habitat for Humanity and the Coalition for the Protection of Children, where he provided family mediation and taught peer mediation.

He praised Mr Cooper’s discipline, diligence and willingness to apply himself towards difficult tasks, saying he would be a fine lawyer and a credit to the Bermuda Bar.

Accepting the application, Puisne Justice Stephen Hellman said he was impressed by Mr Cooper’s record, saying he had both a solid academic foundation and had demonstrated a commitment to improving the community as a whole.

Mr Justice Hellman called on Mr Cooper to not only strive for success in his work ventures, but also continue his work to help the wider community.