Ms. Jihan Williams-Young Vibrant Lawyer
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Miss Jihan Williams
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Charlestown, Nevis: Ms. Jihan Williams was called to the St Kitts Nevis Bar on October 19th 2007 being the first in a number of lawyers due to be called to the Bar this month. At 24, she is one of the younger lawyers in the Federation. Ron Daniel sat down with her to ask her why she decided to study law, what she hopes to have achieved at the end of her career, the lawyers she admires in St Kitts Nevis and what is involved in becoming a lawyer.
Q: - People enter law for a variety of reasons. Why did you decide to study law?
A:- A:-I am a society-minded person, I want to see every person prosper spiritually, emotionally and financially in every aspect of life but because there are so many policies and ideologies present today that prevent that from happening, I feel it’s my human duty to try to affect change. I thought that law is the only profession that would allow me to infiltrate all sectors in a professional capacity instead of being pigeon holed into one area.
Q: -You recently called to the Bar. For many, it may sound like you were called to have a drink of alcohol. In lay man’s terms what does being called to the Bar means and what does it qualify you to do?
A:- I hear that all the time. When a person is called to the Bar it means that he/she is now recognized as a full-fledged attorney in the country in which he/she was called. That person is then qualified to represent persons in court, give legal advice, and generally perform the duties of an attorney-at-law. The only exceptions are persons who work as Crown Counsels. The Crown Proceedings Act gives those persons the right to perform those duties on behalf of the Government without being called.
Q: -You are now employed at the Attorney General’s Chambers. What is the Attorney General’s Chambers responsible for?
A:-. The Director of Public Prosecutions Office is responsible for criminal matters and the Attorney General’s Chambers handles all of the Government’s legal matters that are not criminal in nature such as those relating to land, the constitution, employment, trade, personal injury, etc
Q:- There are many young people who want to be lawyers. Can you surmise for them the process they may have to take to become lawyers?
A:- That person should first be sure that they are prepared to perform the duties of a lawyer rather than focusing on being a lawyer just for the name and prestige. If they are sure and want to practice in the Eastern Caribbean, then that person has to get a Bachelor of Laws degree from a reputable university and then go on to law school to attain a Legal Education Certificate at one of the three law schools in the Caribbean (in Jamaica, Trinidad or Bahamas). ~~Adz:Right~~
Q: - How difficult is it to study law and what would you say was the most challenging aspect of studying to become a lawyer?
A:- I think it’s generally hard to study, it’s not just law. You need tons of discipline to keep on top of things and in law school especially, there are so many things other than classes that are compulsory for you to do e.g. monthly assignments, mock trials, court attendance, legal aid clinic and small claims court. It’s easy to get overwhelmed but I think I was fairly balanced so it didn’t get to me as much as it did others. The hardest part to me was being away from home, family and friends.
Q:- Would you encourage other young people to study law and why?
A:- I would encourage anyone to follow whatever their dreams are calling them to do. If law is your dream or your dream necessitates you doing law, don’t hold back at all!
Q:-You have just begun your law career and are a virgin to many of the variegated realities of practicing law. Be that as it may though, what is the one thing that you would want people to say about you thirty or forty years down the road when you decide to retire from active practice?
A:- That every client I dealt with, rich or poor, felt like my biggest priority because of they way I handled their matter and dealt with them.
Q:-You would have no doubt been inspired by different lawyers growing up. Who are they and what is it about them that you like?
A:- There are so many! I admired Justice Hugh Rawlins and Tapley Seaton QC because even though they are legal forces to be reckoned with, they are extremely humble and always willing to help and I think those are qualities are dying in attorneys today. I love theatre and watching Dr. Henry Browne in court feels like a show at times. Some people don’t appreciate his style but you must admit that the man is very good at what he does. The Honourable Marcella Liburd inspires me as well because her involvement in a number of community activities shows me that a woman can be a successful lawyer and still balance other obligations and responsibilities.
Q:- At your call to the Bar it was mentioned that you intend to start a nonprofit organization aimed at developing the youth of the nation. Can you give us a little more insight into this organization?
A:- That organization is called “Hope Tears” and I’m starting it up with three friends: Azilla Clarke, Cindy Desuza and Nadia Rawlins. Our hope is to host a wide variety of workshops, events and programs relating to every day life activities that we see a need for in society such as exercise groups, cooking classes, self esteem retreats, mentorship and career guidance to name a few. The ultimate goal is to equip people with the necessary knowledge so that they can become better persons for themselves, their families and by extension, society. If there is a need and to satisfy that need will improve the way that we view ourselves and others, Hope Tears will find a way to try and satisfy it.
Q: - If you didn’t choose to go into law, what other profession would you have chosen?
A:- I really am intrigued by psychology so I would have studied it but I don’t think that would have satisfied me for too long based on my fear of being pigeon holed. I wanted to be a writer/ journalist at one point too but I’m still young so both are still possible.
Q: - What do you do in your spare time? Can you share with us some of your hobbies and interests?
A:-. I think a lot. It sounds strange but I really spend a lot of time processing events and issues in my mind so that if I have to make a decision or form an opinion, believe me, I’ve thought about it from every possible angle. I also love watching stage plays and I’m trying my hand at playing the guitar. I’m addicted to music and I’m always singing.
Q: - Is there anything else that you would like to say or anyone you would like to thank before we end this interview?
A:- God, my family and friends are my backbone. I love them with everything I have and I thank them from the bottom of my heart for all their support. To persons who are trying to find their way in choosing a career, just remember to follow your heart and don’t rush into anything for prestige. Do it because your heart is in it.
