Lauren Vernon, Ashani Francis-Collins, Florence Allan, Zachary Jones and Daniel Lee.
Walkers announced that five articled clerks, Ashani Francis-Collins, Daniel Lee, Florence Allan, Lauren Vernon, and Zachary Jones, have been admitted as Cayman Islands Attorneys-At-Law, following their successful completion of the law firm’s Articles of Clerkship Programme.
Peter Kendall, partner and chair of the Walkers Cayman Trainee Committee, said: “Congratulations to these five exceptional articled clerks on this well-deserved achievement. We’re thrilled to witness their growth and proud to be supporting their pursuits of legal careers. We are confident they will continue to make significant contributions to our firm and the wider legal profession.”
Walker said its Articles of Clerkship Programme, as part of the Cayman Legal Training Programme, is a cornerstone of the firm’s commitment to developing the next generation of legal talent and promoting diversity and inclusion in the legal profession.
This year, the programme simultaneously trains 10 aspiring legal professionals through their clerkships, the highest number so far.
Ashani Francis-Collins graduated from the University of Toronto in 2016 with an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Book & Media Studies (double major) with High Distinction. After a five year marketing and business development career she returned to school, first completing the Postgraduate Diploma in Law with a Commendation at BPP University followed by the Professional Practice Course at Truman Bodden Law School where she achieved a Distinction. Prior to commencing articles, Francis-Collins also completed a two month internship with Walkers Professional Services.
With her articles now completed, Ashani has joined Walkers’ Investment Funds group. “I’m thrilled to have made the journey from Marketing to Law, having completed the Walkers Cayman Articles of Clerkship Programme and to now be admitted to practice in the Cayman Islands courts,” she said.
Daniel Lee was a recipient of the 2019 Walkers Legal Scholarship. He first started his career as an electrician and then became a car leasing representative where the lease-to-own and vehicle sales contracts sparked his interest in law. In 2021, Lee graduated from Truman Bodden Law School’s LLB programme with a First Class degree, and then completed the Professional Practice Course at Truman Bodden Law School achieving a Distinction. He also participated in the 2019 and 2021 Walkers Legal Internships.
Upon his call to the bar, Lee has joined the firm’s Private Capital and Trusts group. “I want to extend a special heartfelt thanks to my fellow newly qualified attorneys. Your camaraderie, support, and friendship have been the cornerstone of my experience. Together, we have shared laughs, faced challenges, celebrated victories, and grown both personally and professionally,” he said.
Florence Allan was a recipient of the 2021 Walkers Legal Scholarship. In 2020 Florence graduated from the University of Bristol with a Bachelor of Science in International Business Management with First Class Honours, after which she completed the Postgraduate Diploma in Law with Distinction from the University of Law. Following this, she graduated from the University of Law again, completing with Distinction a combined Legal Practice Course with a Master of Science in Law, Business and Management.
Florence will be joining Walkers’ Insolvency and Dispute Resolution practice. She said: “I can genuinely say that I am proud of myself. It has been a long and winding road to get here, with plenty of ups and downs, but I made it.”
Lauren Mae Vernon was a recipient of the 2018 Walkers Legal Scholarship. She graduated in 2021 from Durham University’s LLB degree programme with Upper Second Class Honours and then enrolled on University of Law’s Legal Practice Course, where she acted as the Editor for the University of Law’s legal newsletter. Vernon participated in the 2019 and 2021 Walkers Legal Internships.
Upon her admission, she has joined the Insolvency and Dispute Resolution practice group. Vernon thanked the Walkers Trainee Committee for their support. “The programme has been an invaluable experience. I’m grateful for the support and guidance I’ve received at Walkers and look forward to continuing to grow and develop as an attorney,” she said.
Zachary Jones was a recipient of the 2019 Walkers Legal Scholarship. In 2017 Jones graduated from Pennsylvania State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Relations and Political Science (double major) with Distinction. After working as a Public Relations Assistant in the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism for two years, he returned to school and completed a Master of Arts in Law from the University of Bristol with Merit followed by the Legal Practice Course at the University of Law where he was awarded a Distinction. Jones participated in the 2021 Walkers Legal Internship.
He has accepted an offer to join the Finance and Corporate group at Walkers. “Standing before the Honourable Court is the culmination of over four years of hard work and perseverance. I am truly proud of what I have been able to accomplish,” he said.
