A new lawyer savoured the end of her journey at a Call to the Bar ceremony on Friday, admitting she had not expected to find herself bringing her skills back home.

Khayl’La Ball told Acting Chief Justice Larry Mussenden: “There is nothing more satisfying than being able to say, I did it — I have finally made my dreams come true.”

After finishing her undergraduate studies in 2020 at Georgia State University, Ms Ball pursued her postgraduate diploma in legal practice at BPP University in London, England, working 12-hour jobs though her summers to pay her way.

She added: “I didn’t realise I finished my bachelor’s degree with distinction until about a year ago, when I looked up the Latin term cum laude.”

Ms Ball was introduced to the court by Kyle Masters, a partner at the firm Carey Olson, which she joined in January 2023 and where she recently completely her pupillage.

Mr Masters said Ms Ball had spent “quite a bit of time in the legal department” but told the court her aspirations were in the corporate sphere.

“We will be sad when she eventually joins corporate and corporate on the other side will be just as happy.”

Mr Masters said he had recently engaged in some “4am in Flatts” introspection, contemplating his reflection in the bathroom mirror.

He added that he asked himself: “Are you happy with what you see?”

He said: “Through all this journey, Khayl’La is going to practise law, and I have no doubt, based on what I see now and see of her family, that she will be diligent, honourable and sometimes get it wrong.

“The question Khayl’La must ask herself, the admonition I leave her with on this occasion, is whether she is prepared to take steps that will allow her to introspect in a way that allows her to say, I am happy with what I see in the mirror.”

Ms Ball thanked her grandparents and mother who have “always given me unconditional love and support”, along with her boyfriend, Malik.

She added: “This is definitely a special moment because this is likely the one and only time I will be seen in a wig and gown.”

Mr Justice Mussenden commended her on her hard work but said he doubted it would be her last occasion, adding: “I am prepared to bet $5 if allowed to.”

He told her: “Based on everything I have heard about you and the support you have here and what I can feel is the love and affection for you by your colleagues, family and friends, I feel confident you are going to make a positive contribution to Bermuda society and law – here, and maybe beyond.”