After her legal education in theUnited Statesand theUnited Kingdom, Anguillian Kristy A. Richardson, ofWest End, was admitted to the Anguilla Bar as a Barrister of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (Anguilla Circuit) on Thursday, January 26.
Her application for admission, before Madam Justice LouiseBlenman, was made by Chief Executive Officer at Caribbean Juris Chambers, John Benjamin, and seconded by Cora Hodge-Richardson of C.R. & Associates.
Mr. Benjamin, in whose Chambers Ms. Richardson works, said he first met her at the island’s Tourist Office inNew Yorkwhen he served as Chairman of the Anguilla Tourist Board. He was pleased that she had now returned toAnguillaas a qualified lawyer. He described her as a hard-working, bright and Christian young woman. He advised her to listen to, and understand, her clients and to do what was best for them under the law.
Senior Barrister at Caribbean Juris Chambers, Tara Ruan, said she was impressed with Ms. Richardson’s resume. She found her to have the discipline and determination of a lawyer: she possessed a good legal background and excellent writing skills; was ready for practice and the right match for Caribbean Juris Chambers.Mrs. Ruan was pleased that the new lawyer had demonstrated the same passion she found when she began her employment at the Chambers 16 years ago. She praised Mr. Benjamin for encouraging an environment of cultural upholding, mutual respect for all persons, and respect for the Bench and colleagues at the Bar.
“What I see in Ms. Richardson is passion, discipline and respect; and I believe…that passion is one of those essential requirements if one is to hone his or her legal skills and excel in practice,” Mrs. Ruan stated. She spoke about her advice and encouragement to Ms. Richardson to uphold high standards; to engage in pro bona work, thus giving back to the society that raised her; and urged her to be honest; tohonour her obligations and responsibilities; and to spend as much time as possible in Court to boost her learning experience.
President of the Anguilla Bar, Ms. Yvette Wallace, told Ms. Richardson she had entered a noble profession. She commended her for her fine qualities and urged her to strive to provide the highest quality of service to clients. “Just to be mediocre is never good enough “,she advised the new Barrister. She asked her to bear in mind high ethical standards in all her dealings with the community, clients and the Court. “As President of the Bar, I am looking forward to another young foot soldier to help us in all of her various activities,” she added.
Mrs. Cora Richardson-Hodge welcomed Ms. Richardson to the Bar and the noble profession “with pride and pleasure”. She said she had followed the progress of her legal education and had found her to be a very diligent, hard-working and careful young lady. She joined in encouraging her to be polite and respectful at all times.
Justice Blenman said she was impressed with the interest, honesty, integrity and knowledge of the law shown by Ms. Richardson during her pupilage and initial appearances in Court. The Judge was certain that she would serve Caribbean Juris Chambers extremely well, noting that it was a very good firm and that Mr. Benjamin was one of the best lawyers among others. Justice Blenman stressed the need for cooperation with colleagues and reminded her that “her oath to the Court, her duties, clients and God came first.”
The Judge added: “The Bar in Anguilla is an excellent Bar. We can’t afford to let the standards down. I want to be able to keep saying good things about you. I welcome and congratulate you, and I am sure you will continue to do me proud.”
Replying, Ms. Richardson said in part: “My lady becoming a Barrister was not one without strife. But I am grateful to God and so many others who contributed to, and assisted me, along the way.” She was grateful to the Court and colleagues for their assistance; her family and Church members for their support; her tutors who nurtured her; Justice and Mrs. Sam Walker of New York for her period of internship; and the former Government of Anguilla for funding her legal studies.
Ms. Richardson said she was grateful to be part of the Benjamin Group of Companies family. She thanked the Judge for her “words of wisdom” and hercolleagues, family, friends and the media for acknowledging the significant moment in her life.
Ms. Richardson is the daughter of Artnel and Emerald Richardson of Cove Road, West End. She is a graduate of Monroe College in New York, which she attended from September 2006 – April 2008 and obtained a Bachelor of Science (Hons) Degree in Criminal Justice; London South University in England from September 2008 – July 2009 where she graduated with a Graduate Diploma in Legal Studies; and City Law School in London from September 2009 – July 2010 where she did the Bar Vocational Course. She was admitted to the Bar at Grays Inn,London, in October 2010.
Ms. Richardson is a former student at theAlbenaLake-HodgeComprehensiveSchoolwhere she served as a part-time Uncertified Teacher.She won the 2003 Academic Award in English A and B and was Best Speaker in the Leeward Islands Debating Competition in 2004 and 2005.
