easier for Bermudians to be called to the bar.

Government Senate Leader Lynda Milligan-Whyte explained there were two ways to qualify in the United Kingdom as attorneys.

There was the barristers course which was a three-year programme followed by the bar exam.

A second way was the solicitors route. A solicitor she said did not appear in court but prepared the briefs and did the research for the barristers.

They also did the three-year law course but this was followed by a two-year practical training course.

Bermuda like most commonwealth countries had fused the profession and had no distinction between barristers and solicitors.

However when Bermudians who chose the solicitors route finished their law degree they were able to do the 12-month practical which met the Bermuda requirements but not the United Kingdom requirements.

That meant the student could not be called to the bar in Bermuda. The amendment removes that barrier.