A love of the law that started in high school has led to a Call to the Bar.

Amelia Oatley thanked magistrate Maxanne Anderson and senior magistrate Juan Wolffe, who she said “inspired, encouraged and supported me throughout my journey”.

She added: “I will for ever be grateful for the positive impact they have had on my life.”

Ms Oatley, of BeesMont Law, who plans to work in corporate law, appeared before Puisne Judge Larry Mussenden at the ceremony on March 12.

Sharon Beesley, the chief executive of BeesMont, told the court Ms Oatley had “risen to challenges, kept up with demands and demonstrated an ability to learn and do so at a high standard”.

Ms Oatley also thanked Ms Beesley and paid tribute to her pupil master at the firm, Allan Doughty.

She said her interest in law was sparked by a summer work placement from Warwick Academy at legal firm Cox Hallett Wilkinson when she was 14.

In 2018, she achieved her Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of East Anglia in 2018.

Ms Oatley completed her postgraduate diploma in legal practice, with distinction, at the University of Law in Exeter, a year later.

She worked summer internships at Marshall, Diel & Myers in 2017 and 2018.

She gave special thanks to lawyers Craig Rothwell, Kai Musson, Adam Richards, Saul Dismont and Jonathan White.

Ms Oatley said she was “extremely lucky” to gain a pupillage at BeesMont, where she started in September 2019 with Mr Doughty as her pupil master.

She added: “Allan is a great teacher and mentor and really recognised the potential in me.

“I appreciate his encouraging support and I cannot thank him enough.”

Mr Doughty told the court: “Amelia handled herself admirably, and demonstrated thoughtfulness and care on all the tasks given to her.

“She is hard working and will be a fine lawyer and addition to the Bermuda Bar.”

Ms Oatley joined BeesMont’s corporate department in May 2020 with Ms Beesley as her second pupil master and also worked closely with Stephanie Sanderson.

She said: “My experience working with them both has guided my career and heavily influenced my decision to practice corporate law.”

Ms Oatley also thanked BeesMont lawyer Gretchen Tucker.

She said: “All three of these strong women have taught me the skills to succeed, shared their wisdom and set a standard I aspire to achieve.”

She thanked her parents, Sarah and John Oatley, stepfather Alfred Butterfield, as well as friends and family.

She told the court: “I would not be standing here today without their support and guidance”.

Mr Justice Mussenden told her: “You are going to make a very positive contribution to society.”