The Cayman Islands Law Society, the Caymanian Bar Association and the Chancery Bar Association of England and Wales are pleased to announce that on Monday May 5th 2014 they reached an agreement establishing a scheme to offer placements for articled clerks in Cayman to spend time gaining experience with English Chancery barristers.

This builds upon the long history of co-operation and friendship between the Cayman legal profession and the Chancery Bar Association and marks a further step in developing and strengthening that relationship. In addition it is a further illustration of the commitment of each of the organisations and their members to encourage and pass on expertise to a new generation of lawyers as they embark upon their legal careers.

Under the scheme, articled clerks in Cayman will be able to spend up to three months in a set of chambers in the UK, gaining experience in Chancery and commercial cases. The Legal Advisory Council of Cayman has considered the scheme and the placements should normally count towards qualification as a Cayman attorney.

In his address to the Chancery Bar Conference on May 5th, the Chief Justice indicated that he was pleased to note that the scheme was to be formally launched at the present conference and he thanked all parties for their work in making this opportunity a reality.

Further commenting, Kevin Butler of the Cayman Islands Law Society, noted that “a strong training program is so important to start a young lawyer’s career and we are very pleased that Caymanian articled clerks will be able to gain valuable experience in a set of chambers in the UK.”

Timothy Fancourt QC, Chairman of the Chancery Bar Association said:

“The Chancery Bar has a long, warm and well established relationship with the Cayman legal profession. Its members frequently work with members of the Cayman legal profession in the provision of top quality legal services, both advisory and advocacy, in this important and world-wide renowned financial centre. The Chancery Bar is continually striving to encourage students training to practise in the commercial and equity field. This scheme is an important step in illustrating the close links between our respective members in the two jurisdictions and our members’ commitment to excellence and to the next generation of lawyers.

Abraham Thoppil, President of the Caymanian Bar Association, said, “I would like to extend every thanks to the Chancery Bar Association for offering to strengthen its relationship with the Cayman Islands in such a gracious and exemplary way. This placement scheme presents an amazing opportunity for Caymanian articled clerks.”

Contacts: Chancery Bar Association:

Francesca Compton : admin @chba.org.uk

Cayman Islands Law Society:

Kevin Butler:             [email protected]

Caymanian Bar Association:

Brett Basdeo:             [email protected]

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