Two Caymanian attorneys were admitted to the Bar on Monday, 3 March.

Samuel Roy Banks Jr. and Pamela Anita Mendez had applications for their general admission moved by Appleby Partner Nicholas Joseph.

In his remarks, Mr. Joseph said it was his distinct pleasure to appear for the general admission of two young Caymanians.

He added that both Mr. Banks and Ms Mendez had received their Bachelor of Law degrees with honours in the summer of 2007, Ms Mendez from the University of Liverpool and Mr. Banks from the University of London.

The two then undertook the Professional Practice Course at the Cayman Islands Law School and received certificates under Regulation 28 of the Legal Practitioners (Students) Regulations with Commendation and Distinction respectively on 4 July, 2008.

Mr. Joseph said, “Appleby is proud to have sponsored them and to have accepted them into Articles effective 1 Sept, 2008,” adding that Ms Mendez articled to Jeremy Walton of Appleby’s litigation department, whilst Mr. Banks articled to Bryan Hunter in the firm’s corporate commercial department.

He said both had worked hard with their principals and formally concluded their articles at the end of February.   

Ms Mendez was born in the Cayman Islands and completed her primary and secondary education between Cayman and Jamaica.

She obtained a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in 2004 with an emphasis in Finance at the Northern Caribbean University in Jamaica.

She has been active in the community and particularly her church. Among her many accomplishments is a third place finish in the Commonwealth Legal Education Association Moot Competition held in Nairobi Kenya in 2007.

Mr. Banks was born to Caymanian parents in Marreo, Louisiana. He was educated in the Cayman Islands and was valedictorian of his class at the Triple C School.

He obtained a Bachelors Degree in business administration, before going on to obtain a Masters Degree in Applied Economics from the University of Central Florida.

In addition to being a registered financial advisor, Mr. Banks has started two companies, including one which required him to work in Hong Kong for several months.

In admitting the attorneys to the Bar, Justice Charles Quin said it was his pleasure to do so and praised both attorneys for their stalwart efforts thus far in their careers.

Justice Quin also recounted Ms Mendez’ Moot performance and encouraged her, saying, “Many people felt you should have won it overall.”

Both Mr. Banks and Ms Mendes kept their remarks brief and thanked friends and family, whilst affirming dedication, integrity and duty.