A desire to help the more vulnerable in society is what led Ashley Fubler to decide on a career in law.

Last Friday, the former Berkeley Institute student reached her goal of giving voice to the underprivileged when she was Called to the Bar,

Ms Fubler, 27, graduated from Hull and Birmingham universities in Britain before gaining experience with the Attorney-General’s Chambers through a graduate trainee programme.

She worked for the Legal Aid Department before crossing over to the Department of Public Prosecutions, but will not be returning to legal aid.

Addressing Puisne Judge Larry Mussenden, who accepted her application, Ms Fubler said: “My strong interest in the justice system stems from how it shapes our community, and becoming a member of the Bar was the perfect recipe to combine my passion for the law and my desire to work in the public interest.

“I am truly honoured and humbled to be admitted and look forward to a long and rewarding career as an advocate for my community — an advocate for the vulnerable and the voiceless.

“Human rights has always been something that is dear to my heart, especially those who are vulnerable and often forgotten about in our society.”

Referring to her first stint at Legal Aid, Ms Fubler said it was “a dream come true” to work alongside “infamous” defence attorney Elizabeth Christopher.

She said: “I always knew I wanted to be defence counsel when I embarked on this legal journey — how ironic that I’m currently at the DPP, but that’s besides the point. Getting the unique opportunity to be mentored by one of Bermuda’s greatest legal minds is something that will forever stay with me.

“I would like to say for the record, I don’t think Ms Christopher gets the respect she deserves. She is one of the very few who are quite literally holding the criminal Bar on her shoulders. Without her our system would literally crumble and I know that is a very heavy burden to carry.”

Ms Fubler said that working as a defence lawyer taught her that “there’s always more to the story, an no matter what, someone is going to be upset about the outcome”.

She said that she had also enjoyed her time with the DPP, and in particular to accompany veteran prosecutor Victoria Pearman, who had declared her “a natural” after securing a conviction in her first case.

Ms Fubler said: “Those words will always stick with me, but in the same breath, I felt bad for the defendant. Both myself and Ms Pearman did — we are truly defence counsel at heart.”

Ms Fubler also thanked her parents for making so many sacrifices so that she could attend school and keep her motivated.

“It doesn’t go unnoticed, and I can’t wait to give you the world,” she said.

Ms Fubler ended by raising three issues that were close to her heart — the plight of the youth, seniors, and mentally ill.

She said: “I am saddened by the current economic issues that our island is facing and I am keen on giving back in any way I can.

“Many of our youth are being failed by the system, especially those who find themselves in the care of the state or who have had some sort of state intervention.

“They are often forgotten and slip through the cracks. I invite everyone here to pledge to be more involved with our youth. Even small acts of kindness can go so far. Many feel they have no one, so they take to the streets and a life of crime for either a sense of community or simply because of the lack of opportunities needed to survive in this economy.

“We must do better as a community to come together and not just care about certain issues only when we are personally affected by it. Remember, it takes a village, and one of the main pillars of success is having a community that supports you.”

Referring to the elderly, Ms Fubler said: “So many are having to choose between buying their medication or food, and no one should have to make that sacrifice.

“We also have a problem when it comes to senior abuse. We must protect the vulnerable members of society, so if you see or know something, please don’t turn a blind eye. Speak up and do what’s right.

“I vow to make a change for the betterment of my community. I cannot wait to see where this journey takes me.”