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VIslander Brittney S. Smith latest addition to the Bar

Brittney Symone Smith was admitted to the the Bar of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (ECSC) on July 14, 2016. Photo: Provided
Brittney Symone Smith (left) with Mrs R. Dancia Penn-Sallah QC, OBE (centre) and her father, Neville A. Smith on July 14, 2016. Photo: Provided
Brittney Symone Smith (left) with Mrs R. Dancia Penn-Sallah QC, OBE (centre) and her father, Neville A. Smith on July 14, 2016. Photo: Provided
Opposition Leader and Representative for the Third District, Hon Julian Fraser RA (right) attended the ceremony for the admission to the Bar of Brittney S. Smith (left). Photo: Facebook
Opposition Leader and Representative for the Third District, Hon Julian Fraser RA (right) attended the ceremony for the admission to the Bar of Brittney S. Smith (left). Photo: Facebook
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- There has been a new addition to the Bar of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (ECSC) in the Virgin Islands and she is a local girl, Brittney Symone Smith.

Smith, 26, was admitted to the ECSC Bar on July 14, 2016.

A former student of the then BVI High School, Smith had her first taste of the life of a lawyer when she underwent an Apprenticeship Programme that was offered at the school when she was placed with the Attorney General’s Chambers under the supervision of the then Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr Terrence Williams.

She told Virgin Islands News Online in an exclusive interview that this “valuable” experience was what cemented her decision to pursue a law degree, something she refers to as a dream pursued.

“I thereafter, never doubted my ability to become a lawyer and although I‘ve had a number of detours on the way, I also believed that I could and knew that I would achieve my goals,” she said.

Smith is the daughter of popular sports figure, veteran softball player and businessman Neville A. Smith aka ‘Sheep’ and Monica Cills-Hodge.

“I’ve been very fortunate to have a supportive family and mentors that have uplifted, encouraged, assisted me in any way that they could and I hope that I can do the same as I believe that I am an example of what that can produce.”

Academic journey

Smith graduated in 2006 in the top ten of her class and was awarded an international scholarship. She enrolled at the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College in the Associate’s Degree programme in General Studies with a concentration in Humanities and then went on to enroll in the Paralegal Studies Associate’s Degree programme at the University of the West Indies (Open Campus).

In 2009, she attained both Associate’s Degrees.

In the year 2010, Smith was employed at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions as a personal assistant to the Director of Public Prosecutions, Mrs Elizabeth Hinds. She later enrolled in the Bachelor’s of Law programme at the University of Manchester, where, she volunteered with the Manchester Legal Advice Centre, and became a member of the Manchester Law Society, the Manchester University Equestrian Society, the publicity officer of the African Caribbean Society and participated in the moots hosted by the University of Manchester Mooting Society.

In June 2014, the young Virgin Islander completed her Bachelor’s of Law Degree and enrolled in the Bar Professional Training Course with the Manchester Metropolitan University (Manchester Law School). She successfully completed the Course, obtaining a Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice at the Bar and was called to the Bar of England and Wales by the Honourable Society of Gray’s Inn on November 26, 2015.

In her speech on July 14, 2016, Smith assured the court that she understands her duty as a member of the legal fraternity and promised to always act in a professional manner, act ethically, with honesty and integrity, and will uphold the rule of law and act in accordance with the standards of the profession.

She acknowledged God, her family and friends for being her constant source of strength.

29 Responses to “VIslander Brittney S. Smith latest addition to the Bar”

  • SVB (21/07/2016, 08:54) Like (30) Dislike (1) Reply
    You go girl!
  • son of the soil (21/07/2016, 09:01) Like (26) Dislike (0) Reply
    Nice daughter of the soil.
  • kudos (21/07/2016, 09:07) Like (16) Dislike (0) Reply
    Excellence looks great on you, my dear! Go forth and prosper!
  • Classmate (21/07/2016, 09:09) Like (16) Dislike (0) Reply
    4/5 arts massive!!! big up Brittney one time for this major accomplishment. congrats n keep pushing to do your best.
  • Congrats!! (21/07/2016, 09:09) Like (23) Dislike (2) Reply
    Congrats to our local girl, it is so refreshing to see the profession grow with more locals added to the legal fraternity. I have no doubt that you will be a key player in shaping the future of the BVI Bar. Hopefully now with the uprising of local lawyers those influential "powers that be" will revisit the Legal Profession Act so that there is proper protection for our locals instead of pandering to certain factions of the international bar, though I fear even as I type this statement that it may be in vain as we see every week new barristers are being admitted to practice in the BVI, many of whom have probably never heard of us before until they we recruited by these international firms. Then again why would anything change when a few calls to the Premier and expat Governor is all it takes for these international lawyers to get what they want. My only question is...how many of our locals can be or have been admitted to their various bars?
  • i from here (21/07/2016, 09:19) Like (20) Dislike (0) Reply
    she from here and she will do well
  • Wonderful (21/07/2016, 09:25) Like (16) Dislike (0) Reply
    So happy. This brings tears of joy to my eyes. You go my Island sister. So proud of you. May God continue to bless you and guide you.
  • hard work (21/07/2016, 09:56) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply
    Educating our people is the golden key to maintain the success of this territory. Congratulations and continue to stay focus. Your hard work and dedication towards your dream paid off. I must also say thank you for coming back home to give back to the territory we need you.
  • UWI Open Campus (21/07/2016, 10:12) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply
    Congratulations to Brittney on this major milestone from the UWI Open Campus.
  • LISmith (21/07/2016, 10:17) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    Congratulations on your academic and professional milestone. May the Most High continue to shine His perpetual light onto your path!
  • JOL (21/07/2016, 10:55) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    Congrats Brit...Sooo proud of you. Job well done Neville and Monica.
  • pat (21/07/2016, 12:06) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    Frazer the Liberator is everywhere
  • one ah we (21/07/2016, 12:54) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    Doc here is a bvislander who is "READY"
  • friends (21/07/2016, 14:47) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    Congrats Brittney, very proud of you
  • Want to say (21/07/2016, 14:54) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    Congrats and may God bless you. You are going to do well. From one Tortolian to another, Thank You. So, so proud of you.
  • NYC (21/07/2016, 15:02) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    Smart, well educated and beautiful.
  • friend (21/07/2016, 15:02) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Congrats Brit, very proud of you.
  • st (21/07/2016, 15:12) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Nice
  • Binocs (21/07/2016, 16:26) Like (3) Dislike (16) Reply
    Glad to see that a local person has become so qualified, its a shame its in practicing to be a lawyer and not a more reeputable industry. In her career I wonder how many innocent people will be put away and how many guilty persons will be let off the hook as a result of her being a lawyer.
    • LISmith (21/07/2016, 19:23) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
      @Sad

      I'm sorry you are having difficulty with reading comprehension. Ms. Smith's direct quotes clearly defines HER passion and purpose.

      Why don't you step up and make a difference?


      • Binocs (21/07/2016, 22:23) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
        No desire to be a lawyer, the whole legal game is corrupt, drawn out and in many cases immoral. Looking or a loophole to let some off scott free when they are guilty is not for me. I prefer to do other more productive practices
        • LI Smith (22/07/2016, 05:51) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
          @sad

          Im afraid im going to ask you to enroll in a reading comprehension class. Did I state you should become a lawyer?

          Respectfulky, this is Ms. Smith's moment, please have a seat..somewhere.

          Keep being productive, tell your story and be an inspiration to others. Be blessed!
    • @ Sad (21/07/2016, 22:44) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      It is so sad that you don't understand that's the young Lady dream. Do you have a dream if not you need to dream big and stop posting negative comment. Don't pounder about how many will or will not go jail. You and I have a choice to stay out by trying to make right decisions. Choose freedom some times its difficult to do but you and I must rise beyond our emotions. This is what causes us to make bad choices. Stay cool think in the heat of the moment and we would live a better and productive lift.
    • ....... (25/07/2016, 08:31) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      man shut up... throw your salt else where...
  • Albion (21/07/2016, 18:07) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    Sheep, I hope you are proud of your little girl. Big congrats.
  • Watch her growing up (21/07/2016, 19:16) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I always knew that Brit was going to be successful one day. Her parents did a wonderful job raising her. I am so happy for our Island girl. Brit, Good luck and much blessings.
  • jj (21/07/2016, 20:36) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    sheep and monica must be proud
  • Blessed (21/07/2016, 20:37) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Brittney, the Almighty God does not make mistakes. Congrats!!!


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