Third generation in Williams family called to the Bar

Art Jordan Francis Williams has joined at least eight of his family members having been admitted to practice as a Barrister and Solicitor in the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, St Vincent and the Grenadines circuit. 

Art was called to the Bar on Friday November 12 at the High Court in Kingstown before Justice Brian Cottle. The call was supported by Art’s father Richard Williams and strengthened by others, including his uncle Stephen Williams, both of whom are lawyers. 

Art is also the son of President of the Family Court Colleen McDonald and grandson of veteran lawyer Arthur Williams (deceased).

Art explained that his journey to become a lawyer was triggered by a desire of his grandfather. He said when he began his studies, he embarked on an accelerated program as his grandfather was in ill health and he wanted the well-known lawyer to be around to see him don his robes.  

“He was the one who pushed all the way for me to become a lawyer,” Art stressed.   

Unfortunately, Art’s grandfather, Arthur Williams a former Attorney General and Member of Parliament was not around to witness the occasion. The late Arthur Williams, who was the founder and senior partner in the law firm Williams & Williams died in August 2018 at the age of 85 years. 

Out of respect, Justice Cottle allowed Arthur’s widow Mavis to speak at the ceremony, a move he said was out of the ordinary.

Noting that she does not know where her family gets the inspiration to become lawyers, Art’s grandmother said she is thankful to God for them, Art’s success and his call to the Bar, and her late husband’s contribution to their lives. 

The young lawyer said joining the Chambers of Williams & Williams is his main focus but he will be starting the application process to practise in another jurisdiction in January 2022 in an effort to extend the  chambers’ presence overseas.   

During his address to the court, Richard said his son went to the University of Buckingham to study for his Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree on an accelerated two year program. Art studied for his post graduate diploma in law at City University of London in 2020 and completed it with merit in June 2021. He was called as a barrister at Gray’s Inn on October 14, 2021 in London, allowing for his practice as a barrister in England and Wales. 

“I did my studies quickly as expected, no failing grades, three per cent away from a first class honours so I got an upper second, a bit disappointed, but nothing can be done at this point and today I am now called as a barrister and solicitor,” Art told SEARCHLIGHT.
  
Justice Cottle told Art he was glad to preside over the call as he has great respect for the professionalism and high standards exhibited by members of the Williams family. The judge said the late senior partner in the firm had left an indelible impression on the profession and noted that Art had come from good pedigree.