The Cayman Islands Law Society (“CILS”) welcomes the opportunity from the Premier to provide input to the Government on the future legislation to govern the legal profession in the Cayman Islands.

The profession is a vital part of society in the Cayman Islands and in particular is a key component of our very important financial services industry. The profession has significantly contributed to the development of the financial services industry over the years and employs over 2,000 people in the Cayman Islands with over 160 Caymanian attorneys-at-law.  In the last 3 years alone, 48 Caymanians have qualified as attorneys-at-law and there are a further 18 Articled Clerks in training with Cayman Islands firms.

CILS has not been given the opportunity for a detailed review of the draft Bill that has been circulated for consultation.  CILS cannot support any Bill that would undermine the independence of the profession, damage it by unnecessary regulation, increase the financial burden on practitioners or damage the interests of Caymanian attorneys. We cannot support provisions that would prove impractical in modern practice, thereby preventing the continued growth of the profession to the detriment of the economy and the stifling of opportunities that a robust economy would create for Caymanians.

We are encouraged by and absolutely share with the Premier his aim and objective of enacting an updated Legal Practitioners Law that will modernise this Law in line with international standards to the further success of our economy and community as well as promote and protect the interests of Caymanian attorneys-at-law.

CILS looks forward to working with Ms. Theresa Pitcairn and the Premier to achieve this objective and will be providing comments in due course and, as one of the bodies representing current practitioners, providing practical insight into the key issues surrounding this proposed legislation. Members of CILS are encouraged to contact the association with their input on this important matter.