Bermudian lawyer Michael Patrick Hanson has been called to the Bermuda Bar.The 32-year-old paid warm tribute to the Island during the ceremony, having spent more than 20 years overseas pursuing his education and career.The application to admit him to the Bar was made by Kelvin Hastings-Smith of Appleby (Bermuda), the firm Mr Hanson has joined as an associate specialising in employment and immigration litigation. The ceremony was presided over by Chief Justice Ian Kawaley.Mr Hanson paid tribute to Mr Hastings-Smith in his speech, marking the fact that he is due to leave Bermuda soon.“It is highly unfortunate for me that my arrival back home coincides with his departure,” he said.“It is clear that he is highly respected at Appleby, within the legal community, and by the Bermuda community as a whole. He will be missed, but I am glad to know he will be keeping in touch with us at Appleby as he continues onto new adventures.”He also paid tribute to his family including parents Barry and Elizabeth Hanson and grandmother Sylvia Cheeseman, who recently passed away aged 95.Mr Hanson, who practised as a solicitor in England before his return to Bermuda noted: “On my return home last month, and after a small hiccup with Immigration, I arrived at the Customs bag-checking area. The charming Customs offer greeted me back and expressed surprise that I was returning. Indeed, she said, and I paraphrase, ‘what with the crime and recession, people are leaving Bermuda for the UK and elsewhere’. I did mention that crime and recession were unfortunately a reality everywhere, but her view did unsettle me. I have left a good career and life in the UK, and perhaps coming home was an error.“My Lord, within a week those doubts evaporated. Yes, there is more of an edge in Bermuda then I remember, and yes, there are serious issues both social and economic in nature. However, I can categorically state, after only being back one month, that the opportunities in Bermuda for both expatriates and Bermudians are staggering. Doors that you would have to smash down in the UK, or indeed never even find, are opened for you with a smile in Bermuda.”Mr Hanson added: “If I take one thing from my experience abroad it will be that I will always remember how privileged I am to be able to live and work in this jurisdiction, and never take the opportunities it presents for granted.”