First Appleby BVI legal scholarship recipient Akeya R.C. Herbert called to the Bar

-said VI played a fundamental role in shaping who she is

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

Akeya R.C. 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

ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Former recipient of a government of the Virgin Islands scholarship and the first Appleby BVI Legal Scholarship recipient, Akeya R.C. Herbert, has been called to the VI Bar.

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. ”

9 Responses to “First Appleby BVI legal scholarship recipient Akeya R.C. Herbert called to the Bar”

jack (13/06/2026, 11:57) Like (21) Dislike (1) Reply
You go girl! Congratulations
jimbo smith (13/06/2026, 12:17) Like (23) Dislike (22) Reply
In the bvi becoming does not mean anything anymore, I can recall in all the years that we have been training bvi lawyers. Only three have made a name for themselves, Janice Peria, Anthea Smith, Jerry Farrara, they all had very good mentors. All others BVI lawyers are motivated by money and prestige, you don’t have one them you can to if you have case against the government or some business , ie big corporation, insurance companies. In other words Our money is training people to live in the upper class and not to defend injustice.
- Yes Jimbo (13/06/2026, 16:40) Like (15) Dislike (3) Reply
  Very true. They are either driving their Porsche or posting pics of Europe but you don’t see them actually lifting and training other lawyers. They say they are helping but most times are only critiquing them with white counterparts. Trust me. I know.
- Faithful (13/06/2026, 17:28) Like (15) Dislike (8) Reply
  You sound like a jealous bimbo. Change your name from Jimbo Smith to Bimbo Sh!t
- Marty Probasco (14/06/2026, 14:55) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
  Up in Jimbo Smith MS. You need to shut and cart your @$$.
Citizen (13/06/2026, 20:23) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
Congrats!!!
live (13/06/2026, 22:12) Like (5) Dislike (51) Reply
Lawyers are lazy.
Dentistry is a way to go. They are well paid above all. Even a dental hygienist is well paid.

Everybody wants to be lawyers and accountant.
- @live (14/06/2026, 16:04) Like (5) Dislike (17) Reply
  100% agreed! Most times its the Paralegal, Legal Secretary or Legal Assistant that does the heavy lifting. They just receive the glory. Some of them charge the clients according to how deep their pockets are instead of the merits of the case. They are just trying to get the big bonuses so they can purchase the latest vehicle or Tech gadget, out do their counterparts travel pursuits, buy wigs that look like a Tornado passed on their head or have their faces painted up like Clowns, fake nails looking like Edward Scissorhands and wearing Clothes as if they trying to compete with a Street Walker. Nobody say you can't hustle but don't try hustle us out of our hard earned money by charging such exorbitant fees, we gotta borrow, beg or thief. Mehn, alu done sell alu souls to satan just to get rich. Stop it! Half of them can't even win their cases but giving you false hope just to make their monthly commissions or their Firm's bottom line. Too many lwyers here competing with each other. One of these days the Fox will take over the Hen house, lets see what will happen then.
  - Okay? (14/06/2026, 22:30) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
    What a strange fantasy you conduct in your incompetent head. Instead of you taking the time to learn and grow as a person you sit down here and comment foolishness…. I’m no lawyer but you don’t see me commenting fan fictions while sitting on my un washed @$$. JEALOUSY IS A DISEASE.

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First Appleby BVI legal scholarship recipient Akeya R.C. Herbert called to the Bar

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