A former magistrate and senior lawyer this week dismissed claims that Bermudians returning home with law degrees would have a tough time finding work.

Referring to the warning sounded by Bermuda Bar Association president Mr. John Cooper last month, Mr. Richard Hector, at the call to the Bar of Bermudian Mr.

Mark Telemaque, said: "It is not true that Bermudians can't expect to find places in their country.'' Mr. Cooper, at a call to the Bar of another Bermudian, had said the Bar was welcoming two barristers each month and therefore approaching "saturation point''.

"We are reaching the point where Bermudians studying law abroad may have difficulty finding employment (when they return home),'' he said.

Mr. Cooper later told The Royal Gazette there were 191 lawyers practising in Bermuda.

One of the reasons for the increase was year-round programmes allowing students to qualify faster, he said.

And although some non-Bermudians called to the Bar leave to work in other jurisdictions, many stay.

However, Guyanese-born Mr. Hector pointed out the same warning was expressed some 20 years ago.

"But it hasn't happened,'' he said, "and I can't see it happening.

"There's a large number of foreigners here who would be happy if they were relieved of their tasks by Bermudians.'' Mr. Hector said he was pleased that Mr. Telemaque, who had not yet decided for which law firm he would work, was joining the "very small group who are trying to be advocates''.

"I look forward to hearing him and I expect great things from him,'' Mr.

Hector said.

The 23-year-old former Rotary Exchange student and Berkeley Institute head boy will specialise in litigation.

Mr. Telemaque, the son of Mr. Michael Telemaque who was called to the Bar last month, attended Paget Primary and Berkeley Institute.

From 1986 to 1987 he taught English in Brazil as a Rotary Exchange student.

After returning home for a brief period, he attended Grenville Christian College in Ontario, Canada.

Mr. Telemaque obtained his LLB with honours from the University of Buckingham.

He also attended the Council of Legal Education in London.

He was called to the Bar at Grays Inn in May.

During his summer vacations, Mr. Telemaque worked for the Attorney General's chambers, in the Supreme Court, and the Island's largest law firm Appleby, Spurling & Kempe where he completed his pupilage.

Before a court room packed with family members and friends, Mr. Telemaque stressed the importance of family support to his success.

Noting his father, in his call to the Bar speech, had said it was a long road to travel, he quipped: "This year seems to have been the year of the long distance run.

"I have travelled my own road and it hasn't been easy. But I succeeded through the help of family.

Mr. Telemaque paid particular tribute to his father and his mother, Velma. He has a younger brother, Michael Jr.

He joked that two lawyers in the family was sometimes the recipe for disaster and made for lively dinner conversation.

Mr. Telemaque also expressed his gratitude to his grandmother Mrs. Marie Simons.

"Without her I would not be here,'' he told the Chief Justice, the Hon. Mr.

Justice Ward.

Mr. Telemaque also paid tribute to some of his relatives who had passed on, including his cousin Mr. Denton Hurdle and his great aunt and uncle, Margaret and Gordon Hurdle.

"The influence they have had on my life is immeasurable,'' he said, adding that this week would have also been the 89th anniversary of his great grandparents.

Appleby, Spurling and Kempe lawyer Mrs. Monica Jones welcomed Mr. Telemaque on behalf of the Bermuda Bar Council and wished him well.

Crown counsel Mr. Diarmuid Doorly echoed similar sentiments on behalf of the Attorney General's chambers.

Lawyers Mr. Julian Hall and Mr. Michael Scott said they also looked forward to seeing Mr. Telemaque in practice. Mr. Hall noted that success in the profession required intellect, courage, and a sense of justice.

"He possesses all of those characteristics and is a fit and proper person for admission to the Bermuda Bar,'' Mr. Hall added.

Mr. Ward agreed and said he had no doubt that Mr. Telemaque would succeed.

NEW LAWYER -- Bermudian Mr. Mark Telemaque was called to the Bermuda Bar on Monday before the Chief Justice, the Hon. Mr. Justice Ward and a packed courtroom of family and friends.