Bermuda's newest legal eagle was called to the Bar last week by Puisne Judge Vincent Meerabux.

English-born David Charles Fountain brings extensive experience to the Island's mediating industry.

The 52-year-old lawyer is a member of the Bar of England and Wales, the Bar of Riverside County California, the International Bar Association and the Middle Temple Inn of Court in London.

Mr. Fountain has also completed training courses in mediation and advanced mediation at the Centre of Dispute Resolution in Switzerland and Strass Institute for Dispute Resolution respectively. He also attended law school in Malibu, California.

Mr. Fountain, a commercial and trust law specialist, said mediation is an efficient, amicable alternative to the drawn-out legal procedure of court room dramas.

"Many matters can and ought to be settled at the earliest stages,'' he said.

"Bermuda is a challenging and exciting jurisdiction in which to practice by virtue of its world-class reputation in the business sector.

"Nevertheless, disputes always arise. (Attorney) Keren Lomas and I look forward to our developing a practice in this field.

"I have been extended a warm welcome by many of my new colleagues here whom I gratefully thank for their kindness in my early days.'' Among Mr. Fountain's cases, he is currently mediating a labour and procedure dispute in the Peoples Republic of China.

He takes up a post as an associate at the Keren V.P. Lomas Associates firm.

David Charles Fountain