Dozens of lawyers, lawmakers and other dignitaries welcomed an "extraordinarily talented'' young Bermudian as she was called to the Bar this week.

Tammy Richardson, the daughter of former cabinet secretary Kenneth Richardson, has started working for Appleby Spurling & Kempe in the insurance department.

And she took some good-hearted ribbing for making that choice from a senior criminal lawyer and the Chief Justice at a ceremony in a packed Supreme Court One.

Chief Justice Austin Ward heard that Ms Richardson earned ten GCE's at Warwick Academy and Saltus Grammar School before attending St. Mary's University in Canada where she earned a bachelor's degree cum laude in Accounting.

Ms Richardson earned her legal degree at Bristol University in the UK while on a scholarship from the law firm of Conyers Dill and Pearman.

Senior Partner at AS&K John Campbell said she also pursued courses in Women and the Law, Environmental Law, and Law and Ethics.

Ms Richardson completed her pupilage at AS&K and has worked in the firm's Hong Kong office.

Mr. Campbell added: "She is a shining example of what Bermuda has to offer.

Ms Robinson is a star in the making. I have gained the impression that to her every day is a learning day.'' Ms Richardson thanked lawyer Julian Hall who was her inspiration to become a lawyer.

She added: "I have now come to learn there is only one Julian Hall.'' She also thanked lawyers Sir John Sharpe, Wendell Hollis, current cabinet secretary Leo Mills, Renee Foggo, and James Keys, her pupilmaster.

Harry Wilkin of Jardine Matheson was also singled out for helping her during her stay in Hong Kong.

She also thanked fellow Bermudian students who studied with her in London, including Ms Foggo and Bermudian professional footballers Shawn Goater and Kyle Lightbourne and their wives.

Ms Richardson also thanked her brother Andrew, an accountant, and good friend Nicole Belboda.

Ms Richardson said of her journey to her law career: "I have learned along the way that innate ability and talent are no substitute for motivation, application and prayer.

"A cheering section is important too,'' she added, responding to the chuckles around the room.

Ms Richardson also had high praise for her parents Kenneth and Brenda from whom she learned "loyalty, virtue, courage and kindness.'' Mr. Justice Ward said Ms Richardson's academic preparation speaks for itself and wished her well.

He added: "In these courts we often refer to a person's antecedents. In your case there are no better antecedents than your parents.

"I have no doubt you will achieve all success in your career,'' Mr. Justice Ward concluded.

Mr. Mills said he knew Ms Richardson well and she represents the "best of what Bermuda can produce.'' He added: "It seems to me that she represents the best of the talent and capabilities that we have. She will contribute greatly to the future of Bermuda.''