Mikhail Charles joins local legal fraternity

The legal fraternity welcomed its latest male member on September 19, with much pomp and ceremony.{{more}}

Mikhail Alexei Xavier Charles was admitted to the local Bar as an Utter Barrister and Solicitor of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court – St Vincent Division – having matriculated for the mandatory six-month pupillage period at the Chambers of Renè M. Baptiste where he is now an Associate.

His Call was moved by Baptiste and seconded by Bertram Commissiong QC, Carlyle Dougan QC, Akin John (Elizabeth Law Chambers), Grenville Williams (Director, FIU), Duane Daniel and Michaela Ambrose.

They all attested to Charles’ academic prowess, his personal attributes of charisma, humility, dedication and drive. Particular highlights given by Senior Counsel stressed Charles’ professionalism and keen intellect and admonished him to uphold the principles of nobility within the profession and to practice “gentlemanliness”.

The Call was presided over by Justice Frederick Bruce-Lyle, who indicated that Charles was well acquainted with him via social media (LinkedIn). His Lordship further opined the importance of choosing the “right” path in one’s life as opposed to the wrong path, never to discount the contributions and importance of family, spirituality and to put hard work as a watchword.

Charles then took the oath and was robed by René Baptiste and Duane Daniel. He then made his maiden speech to the Court in which he gave thanks to God, his father Maxwell Charles (Minister of Labour, Reconciliation, Ecclesiastical Affairs), mother Doris Charles (Minister Counsellor, SVG High Commission in London), grandmother Ruby Mattis, immediate and other family members, Sir Louis and Lady Straker, the Seventh Day Adventist Church, the SVG Shotokan and Taekwondo Associations, The Adventurer, Pathfinder and Master Guide Clubs, other well-wishers, the villages and people of Buccament Bay and Vermont.

He outlined his spiritual principles, the tenets of Taekwondo (where he holds 1st Dan Black Belt and is an assistant instructor at Ying Yang Martial Arts and Fitness Centre) – Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self-Control and Indomitable Spirit; further that the duty of a barrister is to see that justice is done and then concluded by reciting Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in Garifuna.