An unconventional route into the legal profession did not hinder the success of one mother who was Called to the Bar this week.

Priscilla Wells was joined by family, friends and colleagues who packed a courtroom in the Dame Lois Browne-Evans Buildings for the proceedings.

She said their support was integral to her success along with her own perseverance and resilience.

After she became a mother to twins, Mrs Wells made a career change as she sought a profession that could leverage her skills and offer new challenges.

She recalled: “Balancing the demands of parenthood with a return to school was incredibly challenging. There were countless nights and many tears.

“Managing full-time work and full-time study required a level of dedication I had never known.”

Contributing to her challenges was the introduction of a new Solicitors Qualifying Examination.

Mrs Wells added: “Navigating this new territory was daunting. There were no well-worn paths to follow, only uncharted waters.

“Yet despite the obstacles, I showed up every day.”

Mrs Wells will continue her work in commercial law in the UK, navigating a complex legal landscape within the construction and engineering sector.

She is also continuing her training for dual qualification in the UK and expects to be admitted to the roll of solicitors in the fall.

Mrs Wells said: “The next step in my professional development is both exciting and motivating as it enhances my ability to serve my organisation with greater expertise.”

In 2013, Mrs Wells received a BA Honours degree in Criminology from Nottingham Trent University in the UK.

On graduation, she joined the UK firm Sky Media as its AdSmart executive, undertaking a series of progressive roles before a career break in 2019.

In 2022, Mrs Wells graduated with a Postgraduate Diploma [with Commendation] in Law from the University of West England.

She then passed the SQE1 and SQE2 examinations from Kaplan.

Her employer Hoare Lea LLP, a British-based engineering consultancy firm, confirmed that Mrs Wells completed 12 months of practical training.

Dantae Williams, a director at Marshall, Diel & Myers, said while he had not worked with Mrs Wells, he had a lengthy conversation with her and learnt much about her character and professionalism.

He said after the talk that he was confident that if he had worked with her, she would have fulfilled her duties to an exemplary standard.

Mr Williams said: “It became evident to me that every legal assignment, challenge or task she would have been confronted with, she would have embraced each one with the varied skill sets she has developed over the years and tackled each task with sublime professionalism and skill.”

He explained how he also learnt from their talk that Mrs Wells had an associate’s degree in science and had been waking up at 4am while in Bermuda to work remotely for her employer in the UK.

Mr Williams said when Mrs Wells encountered law for the first time, “she found a career where she could fuse her academics, social awareness, advocacy, analytical and communication skills, creativity and attention to detail more regularly”.

Puisne Judge Juan Wolffe said he believed Mrs Wells would do well in the field of law.

He said the integrity of people in the legal community was tested to its limit and noted the importance of maintaining a good reputation.

Mr Justice Wolffe also asked Mrs Wells about a research paper she wrote while at Nottingham Trent on reintegrating past offenders into the community.

Mrs Wells said Bermuda could benefit from a halfway house that could provide support to people leaving prison.

She shed tears when she spoke about the support she received from her family, including her husband, Nahki Wells, a professional footballer and former Bermuda captain.

She added: “I would not be here without the incredible support of my family and friends, especially my husband and children.

“To my husband and children, your unwavering belief in me and your sacrifices have been my foundation.

“To my family and friends, your encouragement and understanding have been invaluable.

“I have also been fortunate to be surrounded by inspiring people whose dedication, passion and integrity have motivated me to keep moving forward each day.

“The importance of surrounding oneself with inspiring individuals cannot be overstated. They lift us up, push us forward and remind us of our potential when we doubt ourselves.”