Astaphan’s Chambers is pleased to announce the admission of Mr. Devin Colin Hodge to the Bar of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court–Anguilla Circuit.
The recent law graduate is the newest Anguillian to be called to the local Bar. After serving a seven month pupillage with the Chambers, Mr. Hodge’s application to be called to the Anguilla Bar was presented by Principal of Astaphan’s Chambers, Mr. Thomas Astaphan Q.C., to Her Ladyship The Honourable Madam Justice Cheryl Mathurin on Tuesday July 20th, 2015.
In support of the application, Mr. Astaphan Q.C. remarked on Mr. Hodge’s readiness for Practice at the Anguilla Bar based on his work ethic and his understanding and keen interest in the Law. Ms. Nakishma S. A. Rogers, Associate Attorney at the Chambers also offered complementary words in support of Mr. Hodge’s application. Ms. Rogers commended Mr. Hodge for his passion for the Practice of Law and his knowledge despite being a young attorney. Also in support of Mr. Hodge’s application was Vice President of the Anguilla Bar Association and Attorney at Joyce Kentish & Associates, Mr. Kerith Kentish. Mr. Kentish admonished Mr. Hodge to ensure that he dedicated sufficient time to preparation and strongly encouraged Mr. Hodge to establish and maintain a good rapport with the staff of the Court at all times. Mr. Kentish added that he had known Mr. Hodge for many years and always knew him as a well-mannered and progressive young man.
Her Ladyship, Cheryl Mathurin, urged Mr. Hodge to continuously sharpen his tools by revising the law, reading cases on a daily basis and to effectively utilize his colleagues at the Bar by asking questions whenever he is unsure or requires guidance. Her Ladyship placed emphasis on the importance of preparation before appearances at court to an attentive Mr. Hodge.
Mr. Hodge began his educational journey at the Stoney Ground Primary school, now Orealia Kelly Primary School. After completing his secondary education at the Albena Lake Hodge Comprehensive School he journeyed to Florida where he would complete a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in International Law and International Business with a minor in Psychology at Nova Southeastern University in December of 2010. He then went on to Birmingham, England in September of 2012 where he commenced his Legal Training at The University of Law. While attending The University of Law Mr. Hodge successfully completed the Graduate Diploma in Law and the Bar Professional Training Course. To culminate the completion of these two Legal Training programmes in November of 2014 Mr. Hodge was awarded a Bachelor of Laws from The University of Law.
On November 27th 2014, Mr. Hodge was called to the Bar of England and Wales at Lincoln’s Inn of Court, where he is a life member.
In his first words at the Anguilla Bar Mr. Hodge expressed gratitude to family, in particular his parents, Mr. Sutcliffe Hodge and Mrs. Mildred Hodge and his uncles and aunt who were in attendance. Mr. Hodge also expressed thanks and appreciation to friends who supported him over the many years and to Mr. Astaphan Q.C. and Ms. Rogers of Astaphan’s Chambers for embracing him as a colleague upon his return to Anguilla from the United Kingdom. During his presentation Mr. Hodge made it clear to the Court and those in attendance that the driving force behind his interest in law was his desire to positively impact his community and the Nation.
– Press Release
(Published without editing by The Anguillian newspaper.)
