A Bermudian-based lawyer has become an English Queen’s Counsel in a “ground-breaking” achievement for the Bermuda Bar.

Alex Potts, of Kennedys Chudleigh in Hamilton, became a QC, known as “taking silk” as QCs trade in cotton gowns for silk ones, after a tough selection process earlier this month.

Mr Potts said: “I am extremely grateful to all my clients and to all of my colleagues, mentors and assessors, both in Bermuda and overseas, for their generous support and for the amazing opportunities they have given me during the course of my career.

“This application would not have been possible without them.”

Mr Potts, whose appointment becomes official at the end of February, was one of 272 applicants this year.

A total of 119 barristers and solicitor advocates — 43.75 per cent — were successful after consideration by a selection panel headed by top English lawyer Sir Alex Allan QC.

Mark Chudleigh, managing partner of Kennedys Chudleigh, said: “We congratulate Alex on his well-deserved success. His promotion to the rank of Queen’s Counsel is based purely on merit, judged by the high standards of the English Bar.

“It is gratifying that he has been recognised as a world-class advocate based on his practice here in Bermuda.”

Mr Chudleigh added that, although English QCs are often admitted to the Bermuda Bar, it was “unprecedented” for a practising member of the island Bar to be appointed a QC under the English process.

He said: “His inspiring achievement helps promote Bermuda as a jurisdiction with the capacity and talent to resolve international disputes locally.”