Two young Bermudians were called to the Bermuda Bar, surrounded by friends and family in a standing-room only ceremony

Jevon Williams, 30, and Tanya Tucker, 23, both told the courthouse they were humbled by the honour and the high praise of their colleagues.

Ms Tucker, who is currently working with Trott and Duncan, hopes to become a litigator, helping those who might not know the ins and outs of the legal system.

She told Chief Justice Ian Kawaley, who was presiding over the ceremony: “It’s a dream to be one day sitting where you are sitting, eventually, as the Chief Justice of Bermuda.”

She said working at Trott and Duncan had been a humbling experience, adding: “I have had the opportunity to work with the best in the field and had the privilege to learn at their feet.”

She tearfully thanked God, Warwick Academy, her congregation at the Mount Zion AME Church and her family for helping her overcome the challenges placed before her.

“It takes a village to raise a child and, as you can see in this room today, that’s what I had,” she said. “I’m excited for my future, I’m excited to be a part of such a prestigious legal profession, and I’m excited to master the steps in front of me.”

Mr Justice Kawaley remarked it was a pleasant thing to hear a new lawyer say she was driven to the field by an urge to help others.

“There’s a need in Bermuda for people to specialise in and provide legal service for people whose pockets are not filled with gold,” he said. “Not that those whose pockets are filled with gold don’t deserve to be represented.”

Kim Wilkerson, of XL Ltd, said that Mr Williams had demonstrated character, courage and compassion in his time working with her, noting that in addition to his legal studies he is an active member of the Big Brothers programme and had helped the company “adopt” his alma mater, the Victor Scott Primary School. “On top of all that, he’s nice,” she added.

Mr Williams himself thanked God, his family, friends and co-workers for helping him to achieve his goals and providing advice even when it was not requested.

“I’m humbled, happy and excited to be part of this and grateful for the opportunity,” he said. “The future is bright. I don’t know what it brings, but I know that with these people, whatever it holds will not be too big an obstacle for me to overcome.”

Mr Justice Kawaley said that in his personal experience, Mr Williams had shown a rare combination of humility and confidence.

“As you tread the road ahead, continue to be yourself,” he said. “If you are true to yourself, you will do good not just for yourself but [for] all those that have influenced you.”