A pupil at Carey Olsen has eyes on the litigation sector after being admitted to the Bermuda Bar.

Padraic O’Shaughnessy, 25, was Called to the Bar yesterday in front of colleagues and loved ones.

He told the court: “I’m honoured to stand here today and humbled to be accepted and welcomed to the Bermuda Bar, to join the distinguished community of legal professionals who call Bermuda home.

“I endeavour to uphold the high calibre of professionalism and integrity of this profession.

“I look forward to my continued learning, my numerous knowledgable and impressive colleagues at Carey Olsen and to contributing my time and professional skills to my island family.”

Mr O’Shaughnessy later said: “This felt like something that would be in the very distant future and now that it’s all here it’s gone by in a bit of a blur.”

He was Called to the Bar alongside a colleague at Carey Olsen, Matthew Rhodes.

Mr O’Shaughnessy, from Smith’s, said that he was drawn to law while studying at Maastricht University in the Netherlands in 2018.

He said that he saw law as a great way to put his skills to good use while in Bermuda.

Mr O’Shaughnessy explained that he wanted to live in Bermuda, but was worried he would struggle finding a place outside the country’s insurance sphere.

He added that because his mother studied the English language, she taught him valuable critical thinking and oratory skills.

He told the court: “I was unsure of what to expect, starting a new area of study in a wholly new and unknown city.

“My love for the city grew quickly, and with it, my interest in the various jurisdictions and areas of law studied in my time there, which solidified my desire to pursue further education and eventually begin a career in the legal profession.”

After graduating, Mr O’Shaughnessy went on to complete a postgraduate diploma in law and a legal practice course at BPP University in England.

He returned to Bermuda and interned at several law firms, assisting in corporate and commercial matters, as well as commercial litigation and dispute resolutions.

Mr O’Shaughnessy said that he appreciated the “transactional nature” of corporate law and the puzzle of reaching a common goal.

During his ceremony, Mr O’Shaughnessy thanked his family for their “unwavering love and support” throughout his educational journey.

He added that he looked forward to the “professional growth that lies ahead”.

Mr O’Shaughnessy said: “I will for ever be grateful for the time I’ve spent thus far at Carey Olsen.

“This day would not have been possible without the support and encouragement I have received from every member of the firm.”