This Monday 25 March 2024, in a ceremony in the Supreme Court among colleagues and friends, Shireen Denys took her oaths and was called to the Bar as an Attorney at Law.
Ms. Denys got her Bachelor of Law from the University of London in 2018, before successfully passing the Bar Exam in 2019. She then went on to complete her pupillage from January 2022 – January 2024 in the Attorney General’s Chambers with Mr. Frank Ally – who was also present for the ceremony.
“This is a great achievement for her, and her time spent working on anti money laundering cases and at the Land Registry creates a benchmark of what a pupilage should be; giving them enough experience and exposure,” the AG said when speaking at the event. He also noted that there is much progression to be had working in the AG’s Office, as he recalled when the Chief Justice himself joined wanting to “carve a career” for himself. “Now the Honorable Chief Justice proves this is possible and we hope this is an inspiration to Shireen and others.”
Nissa Thompson, also from the AG’s Office, noted that, “She has set a standard of professionalism in the office. She told me she always wanted to be a lawyer, and even if she first accepted a job with the Financial Investigation Crime Unit, she was able to put all those skills into being a pupil in the field of law and now as a practicing lawyer.”
Ms. Denys noted that she was grateful for all the experience she gained in the field of combating financial crime, and looks forward to helping the AG’s Office.
Lawyers she had worked alongside during her pupillage also noted that Shireen demonstrated a willingness to work and learn, stressing even that in one particular case, “She handled 20 out of the 22 witnesses we had scheduled.”
Giving some words of advice, the Chief Justice also noted that she should not rush to join the private profession, but rather see how else she can learn, evolve, and contribute to the Attorney General’s office. The Chief Justice was joined by Supreme Court Judges Dodin and Esparon on the Bench for the ceremony – both congratulated her and wished her the best on this new chapter.
In addition to being called to the Bar, Ms. Denys took her oaths on the same day under her capacity as Assistant Official Notary alongside Ketlynn Marie.