On 14th October, 2015 Mrs Jo-Anne Stephens was admitted to practise as an attorney-at-law in the Cayman Islands by the Honourable Mr. Justice Charles Quin QC on the application of Higgs & Johnson, Attorneys-at-Law.

The admission application was made by Partner, Mr. Philip Boni who, in his opening remarks, recognised Jo-Anne’s parents, who had travelled to Cayman to give their support; as well as her husband and the Higgs & Johnson team led by visiting Global Managing Director, Oscar N. Johnson, Jr.

Mr Boni welcomed Mrs Stephen’s to the firm and led the Court through Jo-Anne’s impressive legal qualifications and experience. Mr Boni indicated that in addition to her legal degrees, Jo-Anne holds a MBA (Distinction) from the University of Oxford. Mr Boni also highlighted Jo-Anne’s previous position as In-House Counsel at Citco Trustees (Cayman) Limited in the Cayman Islands. In closing, Mr Boni mentioned that Jo-Anne is married to Caymanian, David Stephens and they are proud to call Cayman their home.

Mr. Justice Quin welcomed Mrs. Stephens to the Roll of Cayman attorneys, stating that he was confident Mrs. Stephens’ impeccable legal pedigree would be put to good use at Higgs & Johnson, which is a very busy firm with an excellent reputation. Mr Justice Quin also remarked that Mrs Stephens joins a distinguished set of bright Jamaican legal minds who have contributed to the development of Cayman’s legal system, including, but not limited to, Chief Justice Smellie, other distinguished Judges of the Court and Mr Ramon Alberga QC, regarded as the father of the Cayman Bar.

Mrs Stephens thanked the Court, Higgs & Johnson and her family members and other well-wishers in attendance, indicating that she would uphold “Honour” and Integrity” in all her dealings, in line with her new law firm’s motto: “Honor et integritas”.

Higgs & Johnson’s Global Managing Director, Mr Oscar N. Johnson Jr. indicated that the firm is very happy to have an attorney of Mrs Stephens’ calibre join an already strong team. Mrs Stephens has particular experience in Trusts, Commercial Law and Litigation and is ably equipped to bring real value in a number of areas to the Higgs & Johnson team. In addition to her legal qualifications and experience, Jo-Anne, a former Jamaican Independence Scholar and trained mediator, also holds a MBA (Distinction) from the University of Oxford, where she maintained a position on the Dean’s List.

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From left: Higgs & Johnson’s Global Managing Director, Mr Oscar N. Johnson Jr., Mrs. Jo-Anne Stephens and Partner, Mr Philip Boni.