Former recipient of a government of the Virgin Islands scholarship and the first Appleby BVI Legal Scholarship recipient, Akeya Herbert, has been called to the VI Bar. Photo: Appleby

Akeya Herbert (right) following being called to the Bar and sworn in as a Barrister of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court in May 2026. Photo: Facebook/Cee Elvira

In a press release on June 5, 2026, Appleby announced that Miss Herbert was called to the Bar and sworn in as a Barrister of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court at a hearing before Justice Abbas Mithani, KC,  on May 19, 2026.

She graduated from the City St George’s, University of London with distinction with an LLM in Bar Vocational Studies, with a specialism in corporate law and practice, and has been training with Appleby since September 2025 in the Dispute Resolution Department. 

Herbert will now move into the Corporate Department under the supervision of the Local Head of Corporate, Shana Simmonds-Lewis.

VI has shaped me 

“Being admitted to the Bar of the Territory of the Virgin Islands is a milestone of immense personal significance to me. The BVI has played a fundamental role in shaping who I am, and as a Virgin Islander,” she said. 

Herbert added that she is proud to continue this next chapter of her career serving in the jurisdiction she calls home. “I remain deeply grateful to Appleby for the opportunities, mentorship and support that have guided my professional development thus far, and I look forward to continuing to grow within the profession while contributing to both the firm and the wider Virgin Islands community.”

Meanwhile, Managing Partner Andrew Willins, KC, said her achievement is a testament to her determination, strong work ethic, and commitment to excellence throughout her training. 

“She has embraced every opportunity to learn and develop her skills, and we are pleased to celebrate this important step in her professional journey. We look forward to seeing her continue to thrive as she advances her legal career.”

Partner, Chair of Appleby BVI’s Scholarships Committee and Head of Corporate, Shana Simmonds-Lewis added, “Investing in the development of future legal talent remains a key priority for Appleby….Akeya’s success reflects the value of that commitment, and we are delighted to support her as she takes the next step in her professional journey. ”