Bermuda's legal community came together yesterday to pay tribute to the late Julian Hall.

Almost a dozen lawyers and judges attended a special sitting in Supreme Court in honour of the prominent lawyer and former Progressive Labour Party MP, who died on July 18 after a lengthy illness.

Puisne Judge Ian Kawaley described Mr. Hall as a pioneer who served as a bridge between segregated Bermuda and the modern Bermuda.

"He integrated people of all different backgrounds. At the time he established [his law firm] Julian Hall and Partners, that was a revolutionary idea," said Mr. Kawaley. "He was the most intellectually gifted Bermudian lawyer of the 20th century, if not in Bermuda's 400 year history."

Mr. Kawaley, along with several lawyers and judges in attendance at yesterday's hearing, expressed his fear of having to go against Mr. Hall in the courts.

"I don't think I've ever suffered such blinding terror."

Puisne Judge Geoffrey Bell agreed, saying "Every time Julian started speaking, I would have great doubts about my own case."

Tanoo Mylvaganam, a barrister from Britain, described Mr. Hall as a magnetic individual, and called for the establishment of a centre of legal learning on the Island.

"The creation of a centre of excellence and legal learning, a Julian Hall Legal Institute, would be a befitting tribute to a national legend," Ms Mylvaganam said. "Such a centre will ensure that his reputation and standing remain like a beacon for those who dare to follow in his footsteps."

Ms Mylvaganam praised Mr. Hall's ability to go beyond racial prejudice as well as his passion for justice.

"He was, in a way, an urban warrior. It was not his way to turn away from suffering, misery, or oppression.

Lawyer Victoria Pearman described Mr. Hall as a larger than life figure who was an inspiration to many in the community.

"When history records Mr. Hall's contribution, what it will do is hold him up as a leading light which inspired many in the community to fight," she said.

"For Bermudians, so often those of us who grow up eating loquats and cherries are made to feel, sometimes by ourselves, but made to feel like we're less than others. We'd say someone's good for a Bermudian. Mr. Hall was a great lawyer anywhere."

Lawyer Elizabeth Christopher described Mr. Hall as a beacon, saying: "He was a young black man from town. It was inspiring."

Lawyer John Perry QC said that Mr. Hall brought him to the Island, saying: "I owe it all to him. He was a dear friend. Bermuda has lost a son."

Bermuda Bar Association president Kiernan Bell praised Mr. Hall's skills as a lawyer and his contribution to the legal community.

"Never has a single member of the bar been friends with so many, encouraged so many," she said. "No one was more fun than Julian. He mentored young Bermudians, and he never stopped doing it. The best of him continues to influence all of us."