Caymanian Shamar Ennis makes Partner at Walkers Hong Kong

(CMR) A young Caymanian lawyer who has made partner with Walkers Law Firm in Hong Kong wants to inspire other young Caymanians to pursue a career in law.

Shamar Ennis (33), who is now on secondment at Walkers in Hong Kong, is one of the firm's youngest partners. She has created a positive impact over the years as she developed personally and professionally and is now mentoring others, passing on valuable knowledge, and sharing her own experiences.

In a recent interview with Walkers Global, Ennis said she wants to see more Caymanians who aspire to become lawyers accomplish their goals.

“I think it's important to be realistic about the demands of the profession, so I would encourage any students aspiring to be lawyers to reach out to people in the industry to see what their experience has been and, if possible, try to get work placements at a few different law firms,” Ennis said.

“A career in law will require a lot of hard work and sacrifice, but the pay-off is a very rewarding career, with opportunities for continuous professional and personal growth,” she added.

Ennis explained that the culture of mentorship within the Walkers' Law Firm played a critical role in her professional and personal development over the years.

“I've come across so many people at Walkers who have a genuine interest in training young Caymanians and facilitating their progression. In recent years, Walkers has formalized a mentorship program for newly qualified lawyers. I am truly pleased to serve as a mentor in the program and look forward to assisting in the careers of the next generation of up-and-coming Caymanian lawyers, as my mentors did for me,” she stated.

The Finance and Corporate Partner at Walkers started with the company when she was awarded a legal scholarship to attend the London School of Economics and Political Science.

 “At the time, I was only 18 years old and had just completed my A-Levels at Cayman Prep & High School. Like most kids at that age, I had no idea what I wanted to be when I ‘grew up'; I probably changed my mind every week,” she said.

“But with some guidance from my parents, Anthony and Karla Ennis, and after completing work experience placements with various local law firms, I came to understand the practical benefits of a legal career. Also, given Cayman's position as a leading financial center, I knew that lawyers would always be in demand and, therefore, job prospects after my degree would be promising,” Ennis stated.

Ennis, who is now on her second secondment to the Hong Kong office, said the experience has been rewarding.

“Re-joining Walkers' Hong Kong office as a new Partner has already been incredibly rewarding and beneficial to my continued growth as a lawyer and now as a leader within the firm,” she said.

Ennis, who went to the Hong Kong office for the first time in 2014, said while she did not experience culture shock, it took her some time to get used to the sheer volume of people all the time.