A Bermudian who was badly injured in a serious road traffic incident three weeks before entering law school was overcome with emotion when she was admitted to the Bermuda Bar on Friday.

Skye Burrows started her pupillage at Appleby in September 2024.

The former student of The Berkeley Institute rotated with the firm’s insurance, dispute resolution and corporate teams.

She told Larry Mussenden, the Chief Justice: “I’m excited for the years ahead in the legal profession and look forward to contributing not only to the field of law but also to the wider community.”

Ms Burrows, who studied at The University of Buckingham in England, said she was always fascinated with the courtroom.

She said: “Watching Law & Order on television, I was captivated by the lawyers skilfully arguing their cases and bringing justice by the end of each episode, even though I knew TV didn’t reflect the real day-to-day life of a lawyer.

“I’ve always been inspired to give back to my community and to advocate for others, and I believe that becoming a lawyer is the path that will allow me to do just that.”

An emotional Ms Burrows thanked her family and friends for supporting her throughout her journey to the ceremony.

“I am ever so grateful to my parents, even though I don’t always express it,” she said.

“Deep down, they know I truly appreciate all the sacrifices they have made for my brothers and me,” she added.

“With Mom having a background in teaching and Dad in business, they always laid the foundation and paved the pathway for us to experience the same opportunities.”

She also thanked her brother, Shane, who is also at law school, for supporting her throughout her journey.

Ms Burrows recounted a “major obstacle” she faced when she was admitted to hospital for three days after the incident in August 2019.

Emergency surgery was performed on her forearm and she said that while she recovered, her mother reassured her that everything would be all right.

Ms Burrows was praised by Jordan Knight and Ligaya Sanchez-Wilson who worked as her mentors.

Mr Knight, of Appleby, said: “I want to make sure that I extend my sincere congratulations to Skye for reaching this milestone.

“Everyone here today knows it wasn’t easy but you made it. You’re one of us now.

“Make sure that you embrace and enjoy the moment.”

Ms Sanchez-Wilson said she admired Ms Burrows spirit of resilience as the two worked together over the past year.

She said: “She’s experienced her fair share of ups and downs but I watched her use each challenge as motivation to push herself further.

“To learn something new and to come back stronger.”

She added: “Paired with her resilience is a profound sense of empathy. She approaches her work and the people around her with genuine care and understanding.

“She listens with attention and responds with a balanced perspective.”

Mr Justice Mussenden advised Ms Burrows to develop a “good working relationship” with her colleagues and with lawyers outside the firm.

“I want you to take advice from other lawyers. I want you to think about your clients in the work that you do, do excellent work for your clients,” he added.

He said it would be a pleasure to see her in court.

“But wherever you may go, I know that you’re going to do an excellent job,” he added.