A former financial crime investigator was welcomed by Appleby as a new lawyer in a ceremony on Friday before Puisne Judge Larry Mussenden.

Jeffrey Blair said that for the past year he had been “privileged to work with some of the most brilliant legal minds within Bermuda’s legal fraternity”.

“I am profoundly grateful and truly blessed to have been given this esteemed and envious opportunity by Appleby.”

Mr Blair completed the legal practice course with Masters and a graduate diploma in law at The University of Law.

He holds both a Bachelor of Science honours degree and a Master of Science from the University of Portsmouth, and an Arts Foundation Degree from the University of Leicester, where he majored in security and risk management.

“I aspire to continue to grow professionally and to expand my legal repertoire of knowledge and experience as I traverse the legal profession,” Mr Blair said.

“I thank Appleby and all my mentors who have all helped to make this my reality.”

Mr Blair worked with the Bermuda Police Service before embarking on his legal career.

As a financial crimes investigator, he dealt with money laundering, financial crimes against seniors, corruption and theft, among other offences.

Mr Blair started his pupillage with Appleby in September 2022.

During his first year of the programme, he completed a four-month seat in the dispute resolution department under the mentorship of senior associate Jordan Knight.

He finished four-month seats in the corporate department, where he was mentored by counsel Josephine Noddings, and was jointly mentored by partners Sally Penrose and Matthew Ebbs-Brewer.

Mr Blair is now in his second year of the firm’s legal trainee programme, where he will continue to be mentored by Mr Knight in the dispute resolution department.

Mr Ebbs-Brewer said: “As Jeffrey’s first mentors in the Appleby training programme, together with Sally Penrose, it has been a privilege to witness his development first-hand.

“One of the things that has set Jeffrey apart has been his ability to leverage the experience gained in his prior career.

“This has added a unique perspective to our work product and ultimately adds value for our clients.”

He added: “We are sure that Jeffrey will continue to approach his remaining time in the programme with enthusiasm and dedication, and Sally and I very much look forward to seeing what the future holds for someone that we fully expect to become a valued member of the Bermuda Bar.”

John Wasty, head of Appleby’s dispute resolution practice in Bermuda where Mr Blair will continue to be mentored over the next year, said: “Jeffrey is an outstanding addition to the Appleby team and further strengthens our growing dispute resolution department.

“He possesses important qualities in abundance that will stand him in good stead for a successful career in this profession.

“I congratulate Jeffrey on his call to the Bermuda Bar and embarking on the next stage of his legal career.”