A hockey athlete who played exceptionally for the island overcame her challenges and “stuck to the wicket” to become the latest lawyer to be Called the Bermuda Bar yesterday.

Chrysda Smith started her pupillage at the Bermuda office of Walkers in October 2024.

The former Bermuda High School student spent six months with the firm’s corporate, finance, funds and insurance team and six months with its insolvency and dispute resolution team.

She told Puisne Justice Andrew Martin: “I am both thrilled and humbled to be joining the legal fraternity in Bermuda.

“I am eager to become a member of the community of forward-thinking individuals who are trailblazers in law. Here’s to embarking on a new journey.”

Ms Smith, who studied at the University of Law in Britain, added: “Although this is a celebration of all that I have accomplished thus far, this also marks the beginning of what I hope will be a very meaningful and fulfilling career.”

She thanked her family and friends for supporting her throughout her journey to the ceremony yesterday.

“To my family and friends who are present today — thank you for showing up. You are my village. Each and every one of you means so much to me.”

The lawyer received praises from Kevin Taylor and Alexis Haynes, who worked as her mentors.

Mr Taylor, of Walkers, said: “We are delighted to have Chrysda join the regulatory team.

“She has a talent for being able to advise across a diverse range of sectors on both contentious and non-contentious matters.

“She is already distilling complex legal matters into clear, logical and practical risk based solutions for clients.

“I am looking forward to watch her soar in her career.”

Ms Haynes said her relationship with Ms Smith began in the summer of 2023 when she interned at Conyers Dill and Pearman under her supervision.

She said she made it known to the firm’s human resources department that Ms Smith “had something special and embodied great potential”.

She challenged the new lawyer to pick up her “momentum in pursuit of excellence and success”.

She added: “Today Chrysda, while I applaud all of your accomplishments, I challenge you to grow in your greatness.”

Mr Justice Martin told the new attorney that yesterday marked the “beginning of your learning experiences”.

Academically, he said she was a strong performer, adding: “You should savour the moment and bask in the glory of your achievements.”