Former opposition spokesman turns lawyer in England

A lecturer at the St Vincent Teachers College, once referred to Israel R. Bruce as a “goat skin lawyer”.{{more}}

Today, Bruce, a former teacher who turns 40 in August, is a legitimate lawyer who was called to the bar of England and Wales on July 26.

The former public relations officer for the Opposition New Democratic Party and former president of the National Youth Council, completed a Bachelor of Laws degree at the University of Wolverhampton in 2007, obtaining second-class honours.

He completed the postgraduate diploma — Bar Professional Training Course, formerly the Bar Vocational Course — with the University of West of England in June 2012.

Bruce was published as a member of the Honourable Society of Gray’s Inn and said he is committed to delivering a professional service and to contribute to the upkeep of justice and fairness to the poor and powerless, a release said.

The New Adelphi Secondary School alumnus said he hopes his success will inspire current students of the school “to see beyond the name and national perceptions of the school and recognise that it is within them to achieve what they set their minds so to do,” the release further stated.

The father of four also wants to be “a living symbol of the saying ‘hard work brings success’ to his children”.

The release said that Bruce credits his mother, Ellie Bruce, for his achievements “as she stuck to his and other siblings’ side, even in the face of stark poverty”. It further said that Bruce is saddened that his father, Washington Alexander, is not alive to share in this special moment.

Bruce has a special interest in international relations, politics, and in pursuing a career at the criminal Bar.