A young lawyer who was Called to the Bermuda Bar last week credited his high schoolteachers for setting him on his career path.

Nazari Woods, 24, thanked former instructors at the Bermuda Institute, many of whom were present during his ceremony in the Supreme Court.

He said that his path towards the legal profession began at the Southampton school.

Mr Woods added: “Bermuda Institute provided me with a second chance in life and transformed my outlook on education.”

He said its teachers made “a significant impact”, adding: “Their dedication and passion for teaching instilled in me a desire to exceed expectations and strive for excellence.

“The lessons I learnt there extend far beyond the classroom and continue to influence my life.”

Mr Woods, from Warwick, admitted he had lacked direction in his education before attending Bermuda Institute — but added that the kindness of his teachers made him feel “special”.

During high school, Mr Woods was able to shadow members of the Department of Public Prosecutions and the Attorney-General’s Chambers.

He went on to attend the University of Kent in England, where he earned a Bachelor of Law in quantitative research.

He completed the legal practice course at the University of Law, also in England, with a Master of Science degree in law, business and management.

Mr Woods described facing many obstacles in university, from the Covid-19 pandemic to homesickness.

He said that during times of stress, he took on a “determination mindset” to keep committed to his studies.

He added: “This mindset helped me persevere through difficult times, reinforcing my belief that each day, and every small step I took, was progress towards my ultimate goal of becoming a lawyer.

“Today, I can say with a smile on my face this part of my journey is complete — the job’s finished.”

Mr Woods started his internship in 2021 at Conyers, where he gained an interest in corporate law.

He explained: “The fast-paced nature of the work, the complexity of the deals and the dual challenge to meet a client’s needs and achieve the firm’s goals was fundamental in my decision to choose corporate law.”

Chiara Nannini, the director of the corporate department of Conyers, described Mr Woods as having a “quiet confidence” with a talent and drive that would help him excel in his field.

She added that he had a generous streak, pointing out his work with the Mirrors programme.

Ms Nannini added: “Nazari believes it is truly his duty to help others, and wants to use his skills to do good.

“I do not think Nazari would pause to lend a helping hand, whether it is for his work colleagues, clients, family, friends or a complete stranger.”

Larissa Burgess, the assistant director of the Bermuda Monetary Authority, said that Mr Woods used to shadow her during his time at the Department of Public Prosecutions.

She said that as someone who knew several members of his family, it was “pleasing” to see him grow from an “extremely quiet” young man to a talented pupil and lawyer.

Ms Burgess added: “I’m looking forward to the next steps that Nazari has to accomplish.”

Puisne Judge Alan Richards congratulated Mr Woods on his accomplishments and support, saying that his ceremony had been “the most well attended” he had seen.

He added: “Bermuda needs more young men like you.”

• UPDATE: this article has been updated to clarify that Mr Woods has worked with the Mirrors programme, not Big Brothers Big Sisters