In early June 2023, I arrived in Bermuda to spend six weeks with Carey Olsen as part of the Inner Temple Pegasus Scholarship Scheme. I ignored BBC Weather which informed me that for every day for the foreseeable period it was going to rain. It soon became apparent that Bermuda was having record level rainfall. However, the weather didn’t dampen my spirits and the rain soon gave way to glorious sunshine and blue skies throughout my time.
Bermuda is a British overseas territory in the North Atlantic Ocean with a population of about 64,000. I was based in the City of Hamilton, which has a variety of restaurants, shops and bars. However, it is a small place, and it was easy to explore the rest of the island by bus, ferry and e-bike. People in Bermuda are very friendly and it was not uncommon to strike up conversations on buses, in supermarkets and in parks. Nonetheless, it is a very expensive place to live, especially since most goods are imported. It was initially comforting seeing products that I would be able to buy back home in the supermarkets – until I realised the price.
Carey Olsen is a leading offshore law firm. The Bermuda office, which is based in Hamilton, has been growing since it was established in 2017 and provides a wide range of corporate services and dispute resolution. During my time with Carey Olsen, I assisted on a variety of offshore disputes covering trusts, insolvency, commercial and regulatory matters. My work included drafting pleadings, skeleton arguments and submissions as well as assisting with advice. Being involved in such interesting and high value litigation work showed me why Bermuda continues to be such an attractive place for lawyers to work.
The legal system in Bermuda is modelled on the English and Welsh one. However, it follows the Rules of the Supreme Court 1985. I noticed the practical difference when tasked with drafting an originating summons to appoint receivers and a summons for summary judgment.
Water Bottles
Our beautiful 500ml (17oz) Inner Temple water bottle is made from 70% recycled materials and high grade steel by Mr Bamboo Cup. It keeps your beverage cold for 24 hours or hot for 12 hours, and is fully recyclable at the end of its ten year life. A tree is planted for each bottle that is manufactured. It's a perfect gift or accessory for every occasion.
Bermuda is a key jurisdiction for trusts, drawing in many high net-worth individuals. During my time, I was fortunate to attend a variety of events including the Transcontinental Trusts Conference and the Private Client Global Elite Exchange, both of which attracted private client lawyers from all over the world.
Bermuda has some of the most beautiful beaches I have ever seen, a combination of its crystal-clear waters and pink sand. Its most famous beach ‘Horseshoe Bay’ can quickly get busy during high season when cruise ships are visiting the island. However, there are so many other beaches that it’s very easy to find quieter spots. My favourite beaches were on Cooper’s Island. I also enjoyed cliff jumping by Admiralty House Park.
My time in Bermuda coincided with Cup Match. Cup Match is a two day holiday which takes place every year in early August. During the holiday, two sides of the island, Somerset and St George’s, compete in a cricket match. Cup Match celebrates both the abolition of slavery in Bermuda on 1 August 1834 and the national hero, Mary Prince, whose book The History of Mary Prince, was the first account of the life of an enslaved woman published in the UK and was instrumental in abolishing slavery.
I had a fantastic time during my Pegasus placement. I am very grateful to Carey Olsen and to the Pegasus Scholarship Trust for providing me with an unforgettable experience. Everyone I met made me feel so welcome. I feel very fortunate to have made some good friends during my time there (some of whom I have already met up with since returning to the UK). I would recommend a Pegasus scholarship to all junior barristers who are keen to learn about legal practice in another country.
Emma Loizou
Radcliffe Chambers
