A newly minted barrister and mother of one said that her five-year-old son inspired her to get through her studies.

Arielle DeSilva, 28, explained that she stayed the course for the sake of little Noah, despite hitting major obstacles, including a family tragedy.

Ms DeSilva said: “He has motivated me to be the very best version of myself and to never give up on my dreams.

“Despite the numerous road blocks, family health concerns and loss that came about throughout my legal education, giving up was not an option because there were always little eyes watching and learning how to deal with obstacles, how to persevere and how to achieve.

“On the days when I couldn’t do it for myself, I did it for him.”

Ms DeSilva started her pupillage at law firm Appleby last September and worked in the corporate department for six months under the guidance of Matthew Ebbs-Brewer.

She took on tasks that included drafting resolutions and applications to the Bermuda Monetary Authority and the Registrar of Companies – which helped to launch three successful insurance-linked securities funds.

Mr Ebbs-Brewer, a partner and head of funds and investment services at the firm, said: “As a mentor, the hope is always that pupils will take the fantastic individual qualities that led to their recruitment at the firm and apply them successfully to the practice of law.

“Arielle is a wonderful example of this and it has been an absolute pleasure to watch her flourish.”

Ms DeSilva also worked under Clive Langley, also a partner, and worked with the regulatory team, fund finance team and funds and investment services team.

She reviewed anti-money laundering and antiterrorist financing policies as a member of the regulatory team.

Her tasks also included drafting officer’s certificates, reviewing constitutional documents for companies and partnerships and advising clients.

Mr Langley said: “It has been an absolute pleasure to have mentored Arielle during her training and to have gotten to know the amazing person that she is.

“She has developed so much in a short period of time and I am really excited for her on her call to the Bermuda Bar and know that she has a big future in the legal profession in Bermuda.“

He added: “Arielle has become a dependable member of the corporate team.

“She is very methodical, conscientious and results driven and that has translated to her being trusted by her senior colleagues and respected by some of our biggest clients.

“I very much look forward to continuing to work with Arielle.”

Ms DeSilva achieved a BA in drama and theatre studies from the University of Kent in 2015.

She later completed a graduate diploma in law and the legal practice course at BPP University in London.

Ms DeSilva recently started her third placement in the two-year programme and is attached to Appleby’s banking and asset finance team.