A call was made for local law firms to allocate legal resources to pro bono work so that everyone who needs it can have competent representation in the island’s courts.

Senior magistrate Maxanne Anderson said that although there were more than 600 lawyers called to the Bermuda Bar, fewer than 30 actively represented clients in criminal proceedings.

Her comments came during a special court sitting held in the Dame Lois Browne-Evans Building on Friday, when Chief Justice Larry Mussenden presided.

Ms Anderson highlighted the invaluable “services” provided by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Legal Aid Department, and legal teams within the courts.

She also highlighted that there were instances in Magistrates’ Court where the demand for legal representation exceeded the availability of qualified attorneys.

Ms Anderson told the court: “It is imperative that a structured system be established, wherein local law firms allocate a specific portion of their resources to pro bono work within the Bermuda courts.

“The principle that ‘to whom much is given, much is required’ underscores the ethical obligation of the legal profession to contribute to the equitable administration of justice.”

The senior magistrate said that institutionalising pro bono commitments by law firms would make sure that everyone, regardless of their financial means, can be assured of accessing competent legal representation.

She added: “This initiative would not only enhance the integrity of our legal system but also reinforce the foundational values of fairness and equality before the law.”

Puisne Judge Juan Wolffe told the court that the Bermuda Bar Association should embark upon a multifaceted media and educational campaign to attract barristers and soon-to-be barristers to the criminal law arena.

He said the recommendation stretched to include high school students who may be thinking about a pursuing a career in law.

Mr Justice Wolffe, the supervising judge of the Supreme Court’s criminal division, said the criminal law bar — which consists of prosecutors and defence counsels — has drastically dwindled in numbers over the years.

“Therefore, upcoming and seasoned barristers must be encouraged and incentivised to join its ranks,” he added.

Kehinde George, the bar association’s vice-president, told the court that there were more than 600 members in the body’s membership.

However, she said that about 500 were practising lawyers who have been called to the Bermuda Bar, while the others were registered associates.

Ms George said that last year 31 new lawyers — which included a mix of Bermudian and non-Bermudian attorneys — were called to the bar.

Over the past year, she said the bar council expressed concern about the number of new lawyers who had been appearing in court, purporting to represent litigants.

Ms George said the association has been working on guidelines — that it intends to finalise soon — which would set out how the process can work.

She said last year a senior member of the bar was appointed to serve as a prosecutor and he had been effective in reducing outstanding matters before the court.