The first Bermudian law student to complete a training contract in memory of Dame Lois Browne-Evans has been Called to the Bar.Antoine Lightbourne, 47, from Southampton, won a year-long training contract, known as a pupillage, at one of the UK’s leading chambers in 2009.His contract came with a $15,000 bursary, although the amount has since been increased to up to $25,000.Winning it is viewed as a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” since Carmelite Chambers is one of the oldest and largest law firms in the UK. It receives around 200 applications for every pupillage.Mr Lightbourne said of his time at Carmelite Chambers: “It truly was an amazing experience, and one that provided many opportunities for professional growth and development.”Chief Justice Ian Kawaley presided over the ceremony calling Mr Lightbourne to the Bermuda Bar, which means he is allowed to work as a barrister in the local courts.He is currently working as a legal advisor to the Registrar General but hopes to pursue a career in litigation, including criminal law.He was Called to the Bar of England and Wales in 2009, having studied law at Buckingham University and City University in London.He first thought of a career in law 21 years ago when working as a trust administrator, and described his journey since then as “a long and eventful one with many challenges along the way”.The courtroom was packed with his family and friends for Friday afternoon’s ceremony, to the point where it was standing room only.Mr Lightbourne thanked his parents father William and mother Audrey, who died last October for their financial and emotional support.“I would never have made it to this point without the support, encouragement and prayers of my family and friends, many of whom are in court today,” he said.He also referred to his Christian faith which “carried me through” and the support he got via the scholarship.His contract was awarded in honour of Dame Lois, who died in May 2007, and was Bermuda’s first female lawyer.She was also the first black woman elected to Parliament, the first female Attorney General and the first female leader of the Opposition.Mr Lightbourne described her as a “trailblazer with vision and integrity”.He pledged: “The best tribute that I can pay to the Dame, and my family, and my mother is if I follow the Dame’s example in upholding the same type of leadership and values in my practice here in Bermuda, and that is what I intend to do.”Delroy Duncan, chairman of the Bermuda Bar Association, spearheaded the award in memory of Dame Lois.He said Mr Lightbourne is “an exemplary recipient of this award,” who has “done Bermuda proud”.Mr Justice Kawaley said: “Mr Lightbourne has a great contribution to make, and I look forward to seeing him in the Bermuda courts.”Two law students have since followed in Mr Lightbourne’s footsteps at Carmelite Chambers Richard Ambrosio and Kenlyn Swan.Useful websites: www.bermudabar.org and www.carmelitechambers.co.uk.