The courts and government departments were competing to have one of the newest members of the Bermuda Bar join their ranks based on her exceptional personal and professional abilities.

Denzelle Swan, who was Called to the Bar yesterday afternoon, was noted for her intellectual brilliance and deep sense of empathy reflected in an unwavering desire to serve her community.

During the sitting, it was revealed that the Legislative Drafting Section of the Attorney-General’s Chambers had “won the battle” to retain her in her ongoing employment.

Ms Swan was surrounded by family, friends and esteemed colleagues, including Kim Wilkerson, the Attorney-General, and Kim Swan, the Progressive Labour Party MP and Ms Swan’s uncle. There was standing room only, even after several extra chairs were crammed into the court room.

Ms Swan first thanked God and then became moved when thanking her parents for the sacrifices they had made for her. With tears in her eyes, she quickly composed herself before delivering a speech that was commended by Larry Mussenden, the Chief Justice presiding.

Ms Swan, who undertook her pupillage training within the Ministry of Justice in Bermuda, said: “Reflecting on the path that has led me here, I am in awe of how each experience has woven together into a beautiful tapestry. They say that when the door for the right opportunity arrives, it suddenly makes sense why all the other doors were closed or didn’t work out. That is true of my pupillage training with the Ministry of Justice. It has been enriching and inspiring.”

She thanked the many people involved in her pupillage training, including her pupil master, Wendy Greenidge, Crown counsel, who shared her love of politics and “walks of nature”.

Speaking of her passion for politics and desire to draft legislation, Ms Swan added: “I always had an interest in understanding how the world and our country was framed with legislation. I was quite excited to embark on that endeavour.”

Mr Justice Mussenden said this was “different” to many lawyers who come across drafting because of their experience in other areas.

Ms Swan continued: “I couldn’t be more grateful to not only be a member of this prestigious legal fraternity but to be placed within the public law sector.

“I am excited to return home at such a time as this, when our island is heartbreakingly crying out for help. I aspire to be a vessel of hope and change in whatever capacity I can be.”

Ms Swan, who is a graduate of CedarBridge Academy, completed an International Foundation programme in Humanities with the Cambridge Education Group at Coventry University in England.

She went on to attend the University of Essex, where she obtained her bachelor of laws degree with honours and then attended the University of Law, where she was awarded her master of laws in legal professional practice.

Throughout the course of her academic pursuits, she built her professional proficiency within compliance and anti-money laundering, taking on employment opportunities locally and in London.

She wanted to pursue a career in legislative drafting.

She began her 12-month pupillage with the ministry on October 1, 2024. She completed rotations within the Attorney-General’s Chambers, the Civil Advisory and Litigation Section, the Legislative Drafting Section, the Legal Aid Office and the Department of Public Prosecutions.

She also completed an external rotation with the Financial Intelligence Agency.

Ms Greenidge said: “Ms Swan had an invaluable experience of observing the dissolution of the legislature and the 2024 General Election from the perspective of the Parliamentary Counsel.”

Ms Swan’s work in her area of interest, legislative drafting, included assisting with the drafting and publication of the Tax Reform Commission and amendments to the Explosive Substance Act 1974 and the Proceeds of Crime Act 1997.

“Ms Swan has an empathetic nature, especially when working with matters that involve vulnerable persons,” Ms Greenidge said.

“She is keen to serve in the area of public law and public service and I am confident that she will be an asset as a barrister and attorney to the Bermuda Bar and to her local community.”

Susan Mulligan, Acting Senior Legal Aid Counsel, recalled her disbelief on learning that Ms Swan did not want to become a barrister and outlined her attempts to persuade her to.

She added: “Her goal, once she is admitted to the Bar, will be to serve her community. There is no higher calling, there is no higher purpose.”

Adley Duncan, Acting Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions, said he was still trying to convince Ms Swan to remain at the DPP.

He said: “It is one thing to have the brain for the job, and yes, competence. Ms Swan has that. But what is necessary in service of your country, in service of your community, is the heart for the job and, My Lord Chief, Ms Swan has that.”

Mr Duncan added: “In the course of working with her and seeing her approach to case preparation, seeing her approach to advocacy and always trying to get it right, and always trying to do a good job earnestly, I saw in her the appetite to be a good lawyer.”

He said the practice of law could get “ugly” but that Ms Swan brought “sunlight to a dark task”.

Cristal Hanna, the director of the Financial Intelligence Agency, drew a few comparisons between her journey and that of Ms Swan, including her early desire to become a drafter of legislation.

She said during her time with the agency, Ms Swan “demonstrated sharp analytical skills and the ability to digest complex issues and information quickly”.

She said: “To put it plainly, she was so capable that I was convinced that if she did not find employment after today, I would make space for her.”

After the announcement of Ms Swan going to the legislative drafting section of the Bermuda Government, the Chief Justice himself made an attempt to lure her into the courts, saying that perhaps there may be a registrar or assistant registrar position available.