Bermuda's 91st female lawyer was called to the bar, appropriately on International Woman's Day.

Laurita Burrows said she was overwhelmed with tears as she reflected on the events she had experienced in her journey so far.

And Conyers, Dill and Pearman partner Anthony Whaley said: "She is a role model for other young Bermudian women and for the many others whom I expect will draw inspiration from her achievements.'' He noted that it was a great honour for him to be presenting this particular call, adding that Ms Burrows' success had been a result of her remaining "true to herself''.

He described how she, a graduate of Warwick Academy, obtained 12 GCE O Levels, all but one achieved with A and B grades. From there she went on to Bermuda College, where she received a diploma in Arts & Science with distinction winning the Arts & Science Award for highest overall grade.

From 1993 to 1996, Ms Burrows attended the University of Sussex in England where she obtained a joint honours degree in Law and Economics.

She completed the Legal Practice Diploma in 1997 and served her pupillage with Conyers, Dill and Pearman from August, 1998 until August, 1999.

"Ms Burrows has not only achieved excellence but has also been hailed as a well rounded young woman with a great sense of community awareness,'' Mr.

Whaley said. "She served as a Bermuda Police Cadet, where she won numerous awards, including the Bermuda Police Cadet of the Year Award. She was also a nursing assistant at St. Brendan's Hospital.'' Ms Burrows explained to the court that although she was not an emotional person, she was overwhelmed with tears as she reflected that she had not made her journey alone.

She expressed "eternal gratitude'' to a number of lawyers, her colleagues, special friends and family who helped her along the way.

Ms Burrows paid special tribute to her mother, who she said "always told me that I could do it''. And she acknowledged two of her role models as Dame Lois Browne Evans and Victoria Pearman.

Puisne Judge Norma Wade Miller, who was presiding over the event, applauded both Ms Burrows and her achievements.

She said she felt she was an "excellent role model'' for all young women and encouraged her to cast her net wide at this point in her career, leaving her options for future practice open.

Legal calling: Laurita Burrows