Vincentian lawyer admitted to the Bar

Another YOUNG VINCENTIAN has been admitted to the local Bar.

On Friday, October 1, Kezi Francis was admitted to practice as a barrister and solicitor in St Vincent and the Grenadines.{{more}}

Francis’ call at the High Court in Kingstown was witnessed by her husband Jordache Francis, mother LaFleur John, grandmother Viola John, other relatives and close friends.

Francis’ application was presented by Parnel R. Campbell Q.C., and was seconded by attorney, Louise Mitchell-Joseph.

After completing her secondary education at the Girls’ High School, Francis continued her education at the A’ Level College before moving on to the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus in Barbados.

Upon completion of her studies, she obtained her Law Degree with Second Class Honours. She then attended the Sir Hugh Wooding Law School in Trinidad, where she successfully obtained her Legal Education Certificate.

Delivering brief remarks, Campbell described Francis as a person with ‘an appetite for work’ and one who functions well under extreme conditions.

Her present employer, Mitchell-Joseph, recalled being impressed by Francis’ demeanor when she first met her.

“…She had a self assurancewhich was humble, and she showed determination and also came across smart, but not arrogant,” said Mitchell-Joseph.

Francis, a soon-to-be-mother, expressed gratitude to God, her family, and other persons who helped her realise her life-long dream.

The young lawyer said that the challenges that came along during her academic pursuits, sometimes brought elements of doubt as to whether she would realise her dream.

“…Due to perseverance, commitment and genuine lifelong passion for the law, I knew I had to endure to the end,” Francis stated.

Francis said she enters the law fraternity at a time when integrity and ethics appear to be threatened on a daily basis.

“It seems so easy for one to be swayed by material acquisitions, that we totally forget what the profession ought to stand for…,” she said.

Francis said she intends to: “Work arduosly to restore the public’s confidence in the legal profession as well as the legal system on a whole….”

Her godfather, lawyer Andrew Cummings Q.C., also shared remarks. Cummings in his lengthy address, said Francis expressed her desire to become a lawyer at a very tender age. He also emphasised her good work ethic and the fact that she has always been a fighter.

“Kezi faced adversity with courage, and courage to face the future with confidence, despite challenges, is the hallmark of a brilliant character,” Cummings added.

Presiding over Francis’ admission, Justice Frederick Bruce-Lyle beseeched the attorney not to let all the commendations make her “swell headed”.

“Don’t let the success get to your head and turn you into a different person. …You are embarking on an adventure of different dimension,” Bruce-Lyle urged.

He also challenged John-Francis to help bring honour back to the profession.

“It is young lawyers like you who we are depending on to bring honour back to the profession,” he said.

Francis has completed internships at various chambers including: Saunders and Huggins Chambers, The Attorney General’s Chambers, and P.R. Campbell and Co Chambers.(KW)