A lifelong desire to follow in the footsteps of his father continued with a Call to the Bar for the newest member of the island’s legal fraternity.

Jack Ellison, who worked as a reinsurance underwriter for seven years, was admitted to the Bermuda Bar during a ceremony at Magistrates’ Court on Friday before Justice Alan Richards.

Mr Ellison said that from all accounts, his late father, John Anthony Ellison, was an exceptional lawyer.

As a tribute, he wore his father’s wig and gown to Friday’s ceremony.

He told the court: “Maybe there is a strand of wisdom or two that I can sample from this wig upon my head.

“It is certainly clear for all to see that it has endured many years of service.”

Mr Ellison, who spent some of his younger years in Hamilton Parish, said his journey was not without its challenges as he endured many long nights studying law while he worked as an underwriter to fund his studies.

That was in England, where he obtained a training contract with Watson Farley & Williams, which led to him being qualified as solicitor in England and Wales.

Mr Ellison also joined the corporate insurance team at the law firm Willkie Farr & Gallagher, where he worked many long hours.

With a smile, he explained: “My family could attest to this. I worked so hard that I became a rare sighting, akin to Bigfoot, seen only to forage for food to take back to my desk.”

He thanked his family, his wife and colleagues for their support during his journey through the legal profession.

Kevin Taylor, of Walkers, who moved Mr Ellison’s application to be Called to the Bermuda Bar, said the lawyer was a "fit and proper” individual of good character.

He told the court that Mr Ellison’s passion and intelligence about the insurance industry provided him with valuable knowledge in the field.

Mr Justice Richards told Mr Ellison he was confident that he would have a long and stellar stay at the Bermuda Bar.