(CMR) His Excellency the Governor, Martyn Roper, OBE, is pleased to announce the appointments of Acting Magistrate Vanessa Allard, Robert Jones, and David McGrath to the Cayman Islands Summary Court.
These acting appointments were made on the recommendation of the Judicial and Legal Services to His Excellency the Governor following an increase in matters in the Summary Court as a result of the current global health pandemic. These acting appointments took effect on 8 June 2020 for a period of six months.
“I would like to thank the newly appointed Acting Magistrates for stepping forward during a time of need allowing for the administration of justice to be continued in a fair and prompt manner”
the Governor said.
“This is yet another example of how the Cayman Islands have demonstrated a robust approach to dealing with consequences of a global health pandemic” the Governor added.
“The appointment of Acting Magistrates Allard, Jones, and McGrath has served to continue to strengthen the Cayman Islands Judiciary, particularly during this difficult time. They are each highly respected in their relevant areas of practice and the Judiciary looks forward to benefiting from their legal qualifications, skills, and experiences”
the Honourable Chief Justice commented.
Who is Vanessa Allard?
Vanessa Allard has over 20 years’ experience as a litigator.
Initially practicing in Jamaica for 5 years, Ms. Allard has spent the past 15 years practicing in the Cayman Islands, most notably as an active member of the Family Law Bar.
Ms. Allard is a graduate of the University of the West Indies and the Norman Manley Law School, and earned an MBA from the University of Liverpool.
Ms. Allard served as a member of the FIFA Ethics Committee for four years from 2013-2017 and has served the community in numerous volunteer roles on various civic groups such as Big Brothers Big Sisters and Legal Befrienders.
Who is Robert Jones?
Robert Jones is a commercial litigator who has over 20 years advocacy experience in the Cayman Islands.
He earned his LLB (Hons) from the University of Hull, was admitted as a Solicitor in England and Wales in 1990 and as an attorney in the Cayman Islands in 1998.
During his time in Cayman Robert has appeared before the Grand Court and Court of Appeal, as well as appearing before the Immigration Appeals Tribunal, the Central Planning Authority and the Planning Appeals Tribunal. Since 2012 he has sat as Chair of the Cayman Islands Labour Tribunal and he is currently a member of the Chairmanship panel of the Disciplinary Tribunal of the Cayman Islands Institute of Professional Accountants (CIIPA).
Who is David McGrath?
David McGrath has over 20 years of experience in the Cayman Islands advising clients on a host of legal matters.
His practice areas have historically encompassed most aspects of domestic litigation, although over the last decade this has focused primarily on ancillary relief proceedings in high net worth matrimonial finance, offshore trusts and private client work. He earned his LLB (in European Legal Studies) and was admitted to the bar in England and Wales in 1993 and the Cayman Islands in 1999.
He was a founding partner of McGrathTonner (previously Samson & McGrath) in 2005. David regularly appears in the Grand Court and Court of Appeal.
While many have applauded the appointments some have questioned why no one was appointed that has criminal law experience given the significant caseload of criminal cases heard in the Summary Court.
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