A Bermudian who took a plunge and switched from studying music to law while at university was admitted to the Bermuda Bar on Friday.

Kaleb Phillips started his pupillage at Walkers a year ago and completed stints with the firm’s corporate, finance, funds, insurance and insolvency and dispute resolution teams before joining the corporate team full time.

He told Larry Mussenden, the Chief Justice: “I am both humble and grateful to be standing here today.

“Being called to the Bermuda Bar feels like the culmination of a long journey and also the beginning of a new one.

“Completing my law education was probably one of the most difficult things I have done.

“The transition from practising my instrument daily and composing music to reading legal texts for hours on end was stark, to say the least — but I always had the belief I could persevere through it,” added the violinist.

“I came to realise that studying music taught me a lot about discipline and patience — qualities that gave me the foundation I needed to make it through those tough years of studying.”

Mr Phillips, who studied at the University of York in Britain, recalled how choosing to return to Bermuda after university had been “at first, a difficult decision for me”.

He said: “Life, where I was living at the time, in London, had become so familiar — I had built a strong sense of independence after being away for so long that I thought I might struggle to find again at home.

“But I couldn’t have been more wrong. Returning to Bermuda has been incredibly fulfilling and rewarding. Being supported by my family network has helped to ground me in ways I hadn’t expected.”

He said his pupillage had been marked with “some stumbling around in the dark at the beginning”.

However, he said: “Slowly but surely, things began to make sense.

“There is still, of course, a long way to go, but I am excited for where the journey will take me.

“Of course, even more crucial in my journey has been the unwavering support of my family and friends.”

Mr Phillips is also the holder of a master’s of science in law, business and management from the University of Law.

He holds a bachelor’s of music with honours and is active in the arts as a member of the London Lawyers’ Symphony Orchestra.

As he crossed the finish line, Mr Phillips received praise from John McSweeney who moved the new lawyer’s application before Mr Justice Mussenden.

Mr McSweeney said: “Kaleb has demonstrated strong critical thinking, professionalism and a collaborative spirit throughout his pupillage.

“I'm confident he will continue to grow and contribute meaningfully to the law community in Bermuda.”

Kevin Taylor, managing partner of Walkers’ Bermuda office, added: “Kaleb’s admission to the Bermuda Bar is a proud moment for both him and our firm.

“He has shown determination and enthusiasm throughout his training, and we're looking forward to seeing his career continue to grow.”