A call to the Bar and a call for her hand in marriage made the last couple of weeks sensational for 27-year-old attorney-at-law Lori-Ann Thompson.

On November 27, Thompson was swept off her feet by a proposal from her “university sweetheart” at Courtyard by Marriott in St Andrew. Three weeks later, she was called to the Bar by attorney-at-law Casie Jean Graham Davis, one of her lecturers and personal tutor from Norman Manley Law School.

The morning leading up to the Bar calling, Thompson recalled being “very calm”. She held an audience with herself out of relief.

“The day is finally here; I’m going to be called to the Bar,” she told herself.

“I couldn’t help but smile all morning ’till my cheeks hurt. I began to reminisce on the days when I cried to God saying, ‘when am I going to be a lawyer,’ because at times, it felt like it was never going to happen. But thanks be to God, I made it through,” she told the Jamaica Observer.

“I called my parents early that morning and they were excited for this day. They travelled from Manchester to come into Kingston to be there in person for my Bar calling. Also travelling with them was my brother and his family,” the Newfield District, Manchester resident continued.

But there was no self-talk in preparation for the proposal. Thompson showed up to Courtyard by Marriott for what she thought was just a date night – but saw a red carpet rolled out for her, roses, candles and a ring.

“The year is ending beautiful for me. The last couple of weeks leading up to my call to the Bar was extra special, as I am now engaged to the love of my life, Jehvaun. He has been my rock and my number one supporter during this law school journey, and I would not have it any other way. Special thanks to you honey,” she told the Sunday Observer.

It wasn’t chance or luck, but faith and determination that propelled Thompson to realising a law dream that her family now celebrates like a victory.

She graduated from The University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona, with a Bachelor of laws degree in 2018, then went on to the Norman Manley Law School. Earlier this year, she was listed on the school’s much-anticipated pass list.

“Being an attorney means the world to me. I am very grateful and elated that it has finally happened. I am glad that I have made my family, church and friends proud. During sixth Form of high school, we were at the stage of applying to university, that is, choosing our career path. Someone asked me what I planned to do and I excitedly shared with the person that I applied to university to study law,” Thompson recalled.

“The person responded saying, ‘Are you sure? I don’t think it is the right fit for you. Do something like teaching or so’. I say that to say, dream big, even when you don’t have the support of everyone around you. Do not let the opinion of the people around you deter you from striving and aiming for the best for yourself.”

Back in August, Thompson told the Sunday Observer that she had received a personal revelation at church one Sabbath, that law is the career she should pursue, and that is what she did.

“Now that I am an attorney-at-law I am filled with gratefulness. Every small moment in my journey has led me to where I am today. I know there are many who wished they could be in my position but are still going through some struggle. I want to encourage you, the struggle is real, but the struggle does not last forever. You will overcome.

“I remember when I was at the Faculty of Law and as per usual, I could not see my grades for the semester because I did not have financial clearance. Furthermore, I did not have the money to clear my arrears or to get in good standing.”

Thompson said those circumstances make the achievement greater. At present, she said she feels like “a million bucks”.

While waiting to be called, she was in a room of students with mixed emotions.

“We were excited but at the same time, we were nervous because we wanted to ensure that we perfected the oath and affirmation to be called to the Bar. We also saw where they could not find the judge’s bundle for some applicants waiting to be called… this made us nervous because we did not want to end up in the same situation,” she told the Sunday Observer.

“Also, whilst watching all the other applicants being called, I was very happy to see all of us who have been through the struggles of law school come through mighty and strong on the other side. I was feeling very proud in that moment, that all the sacrifices, all the sleepless nights, all the tears, all the pain, all the prayers, all the fasting, all the money has not been in vain. In that moment, I saw God’s goodness to me and to all of us who are now attorneys.”

Thompson is the youngest of four siblings. Her father Rudyard Thompson is as a mason and farmer, and her mother Audrey Thompson was a nurse. However, she was forced to stop working after developing pain in her hands that doctors said could be carpal tunnel syndrome.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition that causes numbness, tingling, and pain in the hand and forearm when one of the major nerves to the hand — the median nerve — is squeezed or compressed as it travels through the wrist.

“My parents are overjoyed. They no longer call me Lori-Ann; they call me counsel. Will they ever stop? I don’t think they will. They are excited and very happy to be done raising their last child and I will officially no longer be supplied with lunch money,” Thompson related.

“I almost did not get to take a picture by myself because they were always by my side in glee and excitement because their daughter is finally a lawyer. I am happy that I have made them proud, and I thank my parents for believing in me and trusting in God to bring me through.”

Perhaps the only thing that made the day a little more special was being given the official honour by attorney Graham Davis.

“I have always admired her demeanor and character. During her class sessions, she always made us feel at ease. She begun each seminar session with a quote that uplifted my spirit when the times were very stressful, as we were overwhelmed with class work and graded assignments.

“One of the quotes that she shared with us that I loved states, ‘Success is the ability to push beyond obstacles, rise amidst challenges and exercising the muscles of faith.’ This continues to be my motivation every day, and I want to thank her for her inspiring me each day and for being instrumental in grooming and preparing me for this noble profession.”