instead of defending clients.

Deborah Goins officially joined the legal ranks yesterday during a ceremony before a standing-room-only crowd in the Supreme Court.

Conyers, Dill and Pearman lawyer John Collis boasted that the former Sandys Secondary student would become a "valuable and contributing member of the bar''.

Ms Goins first joined Conyers, Dill and Pearman as a secretary in 1978 and has worked in numerous departments since then while pursuing a career in law.

But she will not be gracing the halls of the law firm nor the courts.

Instead, Ms Goins will set up shop at the Bermuda Monetary Authority.

Ms Goins told those in attendance that she first became aware of her destiny to become a lawyer when she was 11 years old.

She said a neighbour, after hearing her speak, told her that she should become a lawyer.

During her address, Ms Goins also paid tribute to her family, friends, two sons and her mother for their "love, prayers, support and sacrifices''.