Australian lawyer Matthew Watson described his relocation to the island to practice law as a “privilege” as he was called to the Bermuda Bar this week.

Mr Watson was welcomed to the Bar by Chief Justice Ian Kawaley on Friday afternoon during a short hearing at the Commercial Courts.

The senior associate said Bermuda consistently offered “high-quality matters that are interesting and challenge the mind”.

“In particular, I thank the Bar Council for its recent support in my development of a Bermuda Young Lawyers Group with a number of others that aim to strengthen the collegiate nature and technical expertise of Bermuda’s young lawyers,” he said.

“I very much look forward to working with our committee and the Bar Council in continuing that initiative.”

Mr Watson, 30, who hails from Melbourne, relocated to Bermuda in September 2015 to work for Cox Hallett Wilkinson.

He thanked the firm for taking him on and also colleagues for their support since his arrival.

He added: “I look forward to appearing before the court on future occasions and positively contributing in the future towards the Bermuda legal profession, the clients I serve both locally and internationally and to the wider community.”