A "deeply religious'' and "well-rounded'' young man was applauded by friends and family after being called to the Bermuda Bar.

Brian Holdipp, who will be practising corporate law at Conyers Dill & Pearman, delivered a charismatic speech during a ceremony last week.

Mr. Holdipp emphasised the importance of tempering intelligence and reason with morality and social responsibility during the course of a legal career.

He declared his intention to use his "God-given abilities to help my fellow man'' and peppered his remarks with quotations from the Bible, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Nelson Mandela.

Mr. Holdipp thanked mentors, friends and family members for their support and their impact on his character.

Lawyer Carlson Philip said Mr. Holdipp's success was "an experience wrought through the power of prayer''.

He described Mr. Holdipp as a "deeply religious'' young man with a "sterling upbringing''.

Mr. Holdipp attended Elliott Primary school and is a graduate of the Berkeley Institute. He was awarded the Bermuda Government Scholarship and the International Company Division Chamber of Commerce Award.

Despite an early interest in the legal profession, Mr. Holdipp completed a double major in history and business administration from Andrews University in Michigan.

He received his Bachelor of Law degree at the University of Kent before attending the College of Law in England.

Conyers Dill & Pearman partner Narinder Hargun, who spoke on Mr. Holdipp's behalf, said he was an active member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Hamilton and participated in community service projects through the St. John's Ambulance Brigade.

Melvin Douglas from the Attorney General's Chambers, David Kessaram from the Bermuda Bar Council and Supreme Court Acting Registrar Wilhelm Bourne also made comments on his behalf.

Acting Justice Geoffrey Bell reminded Mr. Holdipp that successfully retaining international business clientele was contingent upon quality of service.

STERLING CHARACTER -- Lawyer Brian Holdipp after being called to the Bermuda Bar.