Lawyer Tim Marshall last night hit back at "laughable" claims from the Attorney General that he is a beneficiary of a system unfairly favouring whites.

Mr. Marshall told The Royal Gazette his family had faced numerous hurdles on the Island because of its Portuguese roots while his legal career had been built on "long hours and hard work".

Earlier this week, the lawyer came under attack from Attorney General Philip Perinchief for criticising the proposed Workforce Equity Act 2007, which would force companies to hire and promote blacks.

Mr. Perinchief described Mr. Marshall as "a recipient and beneficiary of this unequal status quo" who "should know better".

Last night, in a statement released to this newspaper, Mr. Marshall said: "To hear now from the Government of Bermuda that I got to where I am because of some white and privileged upbringing is an interesting, laughable revision of history and my life."

On his family background, Mr. Marshall said: "What the Attorney General doesn't know is that my father, brought up by a single parent who absolutely believed in the power of education, couldn't get a job in Bermuda after university because of his Portuguese heritage.

"Neither the black nor the white school systems would hire him. He left Bermuda and did not return until he was 42.

"As he was pursuing higher education my mom worked to support the family. For many years we lived in a small, cramped rental apartment, where I shared a room with my siblings. Nothing came easy for my dad, it was hard work, endless nights of study, no handouts.

"The one advantage that his kids did receive was committed parents who absolutely believed in the power of education."

Mr. Marshall, the senior partner of Marshall Diel and Myers, explained how his legal career unfolded: "It was up to us to study hard and work hard regardless of various hurdles and barriers that life throws at everyone.

"When I opened my firm in 1989 I spent the first eight years as a legal aid lawyer helping individuals who could not afford an attorney, and the long hours that I spent working then and now is what is responsible for any measure of success that people may attribute to me."

The workforce regulations suggest companies can be fined up to $50,000 for blocking the progress of blacks.

Earlier this month, Mr. Marshall claimed it was discriminative and therefore violated Bermuda's Constitution. He argued that more appropriate legislation would focus not just on blacks, but other disadvantaged groups such as the Portuguese and women as well.

Mr. Perinchief claimed Mr. Marshall's perception on the law was wrong, stating: "The prohibition against discrimination does not apply to a law that gives an advantage to persons in any of the groups mentioned if it is reasonably justifiable in a democratic society, having regard to special circumstances pertaining to those persons."

The Attorney General also blasted departing Governor Sir John Vereker by saying he acted "reprehensively" for voicing similar concerns over the act.

Sir John had warned the legislation would have to be framed carefully to ensure it did not break the constitution.

Last night, Mr. Marshall added: "Instead of using personal attacks to limit and suppress debate of the issues, Government would do far better trying to persuade the public that their proposed quota legislation, which in my view demeans black Bermudians, is somehow meritorious and enlightening."

Community and Cultural Affairs Minister Wayne Perinchief, the Attorney General's brother, previously told this newspaper no quotas had been set under the act.