Two of Walkers’ sponsored law students excelled this year in their studies at the Cayman Islands Law School and were awarded three of the University’s most prestigious academic prizes.  One of these individuals, Nadine Watler, has now begun her articles with Walkers and is now on her way to becoming an attorney with the firm.

Nadine Watler, who recently passed the Professional Practice Course at the Cayman Islands Law School with Distinction, was awarded the O.L. Panton Memorial Prize for the best performance over the Professional Practice Course in 2011. The prize was presented by Dale Crowley, the President of the Caymanian Bar Association. Nadine was also presented with the Attorney General’s Trophy for the best performance in the Qualifying Examination by the Hon. Attorney General, Sam Bulgin, QC.

Thea Bush, who recently completed her first year studying the University of Liverpool LLB Honours Degree at the Cayman Islands Law School, was awarded the Sweet and Maxwell Prize for the best performance in the first year modules. This award was presented to Thea by Justice Charles Quin.

The prizes were awarded at the Cayman Islands Law School Graduation Ceremony during the summer, where Nadine Watler gave the Valedictorian speech, which is an honour reserved for the highest ranked graduating student. In her speech, Nadine thanked Walkers for the firm’s financial and mentoring support and remarked how excited she was to now be embarking on her articles with Walkers.

Nadine Watler, along with Nikhil Jha – who recently completed his Legal Practice Course at the College of Law in Moorgate, London – both commenced their articles with Walkers on 5 September 2011. Walkers is currently sponsoring the studies of nine Caymanians who are at varying stages of their legal education, with four continuing from last year and an additional five who were awarded scholarships this year.

Walkers’ scholars are sponsored for the entire length of their degree courses and post-graduate legal education. In addition to mentoring and support from the firm, they receive funding for course tuition, return airfares, books and examinations.

“Everyone at Walkers is delighted that Nadine and Thea’s academic efforts have been rewarded with such prestigious prizes by the Cayman Islands Law School, which are extremely well deserved and we are equally pleased that Nadine along with Nikhil have now begun their articles with the firm,” said Anthony Partridge, senior counsel with Walkers and a member of the firm’s Trainee Committee. “Academic excellence is just one of the factors we consider when selecting new candidates for our legal scholarships so it is most heartening to see our students recognised in this way.”