the Island's newest barrister to the Bermuda Bar.

Christopher Swan plans to concentrate on civil law with Telemaque and Associates.

Chief Justice Austin Ward welcomed Mr. Swan to the Bar and said he believed he would do well, but warned him that a narrow specialisation may hold him back if he intends to move up to the bench in later years.

Barrister Marc Telemaque paid tribute to his colleague when he proposed him to Mr. Justice Ward.

"He will bring to the practice of law the qualities of dedication, perseverance and diligence. We respect his perseverance and we salute his diligence,'' said Mr. Telemaque.

He said Mr. Swan's wife Linda had supported him throughout his career and that "this day is as much hers as his''.

Referring to Mr. Swan's decision not to practice criminal law, Mr. Telemaque, a prominent criminal lawyer, joked: "No one knows better than myself that crime does not pay!'' Mr. Swan, a keen fisherman, was educated at Saltus Grammar, Demontfort University, Leicester, England, the Inns of Court School of Law, London, the Unversity of Kent, Canterbury, England, the University of Maryland, Morehouse College, Atlanta, Georgia, and the Friend's School, Baltimore, Maryland.

Mr. Swan, of Spanish Heights Estate, Smiths, who has been employed by Telemaque and Associates since 1995, thanked his family and Mr. Telemaque for their help and support.

He said Mr. Telemaque had warned him that when appearing before Mr. Justice Ward he should "never, under any circumstances, make a reference to cricket when the West Indies are losing''.

Mr. Justice Ward said: "I believe you will do well. You are certainly a good talker! "Reference has been made to the area in which you intend to specialise. I would warn you against over-specialisation if at a later time you wish to ascend to the High Court bench.'' Called to the Bar: Bermuda's newest barrister Christopher Swan pictured outside Supreme Court yesterday.