a practising certificate, passed in the Senate on Wednesday.

The Bermuda Bar Amendment Act 1999 stipulates that lawyers attend ten hours of continuing education in lectures, seminars or conferences each year. Failure to complete the hours will prevent lawyers from obtaining their practising certificates.

Local lawyer and Opposition Sen. Mark Pettingill noted that although it could be argued that it should be an individual's personal decision and responsibility to further their education, "the Act is in the public interest'' and he encouraged all members of the Bermuda Bar Association to take advantage of the lectures.