Virgin Islands Bar Newsletter

Volume 2, Issue 3 May 2014

Story by: Tanisha Bailey-Roka, Esq.

There is a reason why a Twentieth Anniversary

is celebrated with platinum. The sheer beauty,

rarity, and value placed on the occasion

makes it more than comparable. The same

was true for the Twentieth Anniversary of the

Virgin Islands Annual Moot Court Competition.

The culmination of two decades worth of ex-

perience and learning is always worth cele-

brating. It is the annual gathering of students

from across the Territory, members of the judi-

ciary, members of the Legislative branch, and

parents and friends to enjoy the incredible

(Continued on page 2)

Charlotte Amalie Victors in Twentieth

Annual VIBA Moot Court Competition

gal study throughout the peri-

od of your active practice of

law. Id. Failure to do so results

in your suspension from mem-

bership in the Virgin Islands’

Bar. Id.

(Continued on page 2)

Continuing your professional

education serves to improve

the administration of justice

and benefit the public interest.

See, V.I.S.CT.R. 208. Continu-

ing legal education (“CLE”)

provides you with periodic

opportunities for professional

self-evaluation and opportuni-

ties to enhance your profes-

sional skills. Id. (emphasis

added). By regularly partici-

pating in CLE programs, you

also improve the quality of

legal services rendered to the

public. Id.

If you are an active member

of the United States Virgin

Islands, you are required to

participate in the requisite

number of hours, as set forth in

V.I.S.CT.R. 208, of further le-

President’s Message

Virgin Islands Bar Association Edited by Sunshine S. Benoit, Esq.

Special points of interest:

VIBA will hold its Mid-

year CLE on Friday,

May 30, 2014, at Divi

Carina Bay Resort in St.

Croix. The program

offers 6.0 credits, in-

cluding 2.0 ethics cred-

its and features presen-

tations on client trust

accounts, mediation,

effective deposition

and more.

The District Court of the

Virgin Islands will host

its Mid-Year CLE on

Friday, July 11, 2014,

at Frenchman’s Reef

Hotel in St. Thomas.

There will be 7 credits,

including 1 ethics credit

with presentations on

trial advocacy issues.

Some Bankruptcy Fees

in the District Court will

increase on June 1,

2014 and can be

viewed at the Court’s

website at http://www.

vid.uscourts.gov.

The Supreme Court of

the Virgin Islands is

looking for a Computer

Support Technician in

St. Thomas. Information

is available via their

website.

The Winning Team from Charlotte Amalie High School from left to right: Ernest Morris, Esq., VIBA Moot Court Committee Chairman; S. Aliya Charlery, Esq., Attorney Coach; Benjamain Bougouneau, Student; Sheila Joseph, Student; Kmanza Tongue, Student; Lambakisye Richardson, Faculty Advisor; (Not Pictured: Douglas

Sprotte, Esq., Attorney Coach).

Photo Courtesy of Rafael Llanos,Jr.

Virgin Islands Bar Newsletter Vol. 1, Issue 2 Page 2

Timely Legislation Coincides with Moot Court

rounds were judged by

Chief Justice Rhys Hodge of

the Virgin Islands Supreme

Court, Chief Judge Wilma

Lewis of the District Court of

the Virgin Islands, and

Judge Adam Christian of the

Superior Court of the Virgin

Islands for the District of St.

Thomas and St. John. The

topic was a timely one that

focused on the dangerous

and often confounding

problem of School Bullying.

In a twist of irony, the stu-

dents learned from Senator

Kenneth Gittens who attend-

ed the program, and of-

fered some closing remarks,

that the Senate had passed

an anti-bullying legislation

for the first time in the Terri-

tory just that day.

The three days of competi-

tion crackled with excite-

ment and anticipation as the

grand stage of debate.

Highlights from the event

included comments from

former Judge Soraya Diase

-Coffelt who founded the

competition in 1994. Her

stirring words served as a

reminder of the importance

of creating spaces where

students can show off their

intellect and analytical skills.

She encouraged the continu-

ation of the competition as

a way of promoting the

(Continued from page 1) legal profession to young

minds. Judge Coffelt also

accepted an award on be-

half of Judge Audrey Thom-

as who was unable to at-

tend in person. Judge Thom-

as’s work with the Moot

Court Competition has di-

rectly contributed to the

longevity and quality of the

program. Her commitment

to the students of the Terri-

tory who compete annually

in this event is unwavering,

and the Competition has

thrived under her sponsor-

ship and support. The V.I.

Bar is proud to have Judge

Thomas as this year’s hon-

oree.

For the third year in a row,

the preliminary rounds were

judged by Moot Court Jus-

tices Emile Henderson, III;

Nagesh Tammara; and Tan-

isha Bailey-Roka. The final

“The topic was a timely

one that focused on the

dangerous and often

confounding problem of

School Bullying.“

You will further your professional education, earn up to 6 CLE

credits (including 2 ethics credits), and support your Virgin Islands

Bar Association (“VIBA”) if you attend our upcoming Mid-Year CLE.

Members enjoy our CLEs for many reasons. Members are much

more likely to learn about trends and updates in local law as well

as the practice of law in the U.S. Virgin Islands than they would

from most other CLE providers. Members appreciate the oppor-

tunity to converse and network with legal practitioners and CLE

presenters. By interacting with colleagues and even opposing

counsels at our CLEs, members foster collegiality, civility and pro-

fessionalism within our legal community and, in so doing, advance

Goal # 1 of the VIBA’s Strategic Plan.

The Mid-Year CLE will take place on Friday, May 30, 2014, at the

Divi Carina Bay Resort on St. Croix.

I encourage you to attend the Mid-

Year CLE for the following reasons.

It is essential for you to approach

mediation with the same level of

preparation as you would a trial.

Taking the time to evaluate the

case and prepare you client thor-

oughly will result in better resolutions and more efficient, produc-

tive mediations. By attending the Mediation Matters CLE, you will

learn various aspects of mediation such as deciding whether and

when to mediate, getting the most out of your mediation, how to

effectively use your mediator as well as maximizing your client’s

chances for settlement.

(Continued from page 1)

(Continued on page 4)

President’s Message Focuses on CLEs

students vied for the finals

rounds surrounded by their

mentors, coaches, parents, and

friends. The list of winners are

as follows:

Coming in First Place were the

Appellees from Charlotte

Amalie High School: Sheila

Joseph, Kamanza Tonge, and

Benjamin Bougouneau. Their

Teacher Advisor – Iambakisye

Richardson, and Attorney

Coaches – S. Aliya Charlery,

Esq. and Douglas Sprotte, Esq.

(Continued on page 3)

President Nycole Thompson

Page 3 Volume 1, Issue 1

rounds were judged by

Chief Justice Rhys Hodge of

the Virgin Islands Supreme

Court, Chief Judge Wilma

Lewis of the District Court of

the Virgin Islands, and

Judge Adam Christian of the

Superior Court of the Virgin

Islands for the District of St.

Thomas and St. John. The

topic was a timely one that

focused on the dangerous

and often confounding

problem of School Bullying.

In a twist of irony, the stu-

dents learned from Senator

Kenneth Gittens who attend-

ed the program, and of-

fered some closing remarks,

that the Senate had passed

an anti-bullying legislation

for the first time in the Terri-

tory just that day.

The three days of competi-

tion crackled with excite-

ment and anticipation as the

Platinum Celebration for Moot Court

In Second Place were the Appellants St. Croix

Educational Complex High School: Kayra

Clouden and Chasen Richards. Their Teacher

Advisor – Randy Holzapple and Attorney

Coach – Alphonso Andrews, Esq.

In Third Place were the Appellees from Char-

lotte Amalie High School: Hadiya Hazel, So-

raya Benjamin, and Tejea Swanston. Their

Teacher Advisor – Iambakisye Richardson and

Attorney Coaches – S. Aliya Charlery, Esq.

and Douglas Sprotte, Esq.

And finally in Fourth Place were the Appellees

from St. Croix Central High School: Shanice

James, Carl-Michael James, and Bria James.

Their Teacher Advisor – Ericka Hansen and

Attorney Coaches – Kelvin Vidale, Esq. and

Nizar DeWood, Esq.

The Moot Court Competition is an important

part of the Territory’s legal landscape. It is the

first introduction for many young minds to the

ways in which lawyers are encouraged to think

and perform under pressure. It gives the stu-

dents travel experiences and memories that

will last a lifetime. They learn teamwork,

sportsmanship, and collaborative skills that

they will hone in the rest of their academic

careers. I was very proud to be a part of this

day, and would encourage all members of the

bar to get involved with the competition. There

is nothing more exciting and rewarding than

seeing the face of sheer victory for those who

actually succeeded, and the look of sheer

hopefulness on the faces of those who worked

hard, did their best, and yet didn’t walk away

with the title of “winner.” Somehow, they are

all made to feel so special and so amazing for

simply the act of trying that every one of them

walk away with a sense of importance,

weightiness, and meaning that only true cham-

pions understand. This is the real gift the Com-

petition gives to these students—a chance to

shine and show off all the talent and hard

work they accomplished. I can’t think of any

better gift for a platinum celebration!

(Continued from page 2)

Photo Courtesy of Rafael Llanos,Jr.

27 & 28 King Cross Street

Phoenix Business Court

P. O. Box 4108

Christiansted, VI 00822

Vi rg in I s la nd s Bar Assoc i a t ion

Telephone: (340) 778-7497

Facsimile: (340) 773-5060

Email: executivedirector@vibar.org

Were on the Web!

http://www.vibar.org

Check us out on

Facebook!

Do you have newsworthy information pertaining to the VI Bar? If so, contribute to the Newsletter.

Contact Sunshine S. Benoit, Esq. at 340-773-2785 or sbenoit@bryantbarnes.com

Want to tools to successfully take, defend, and use depositions to

its greatest advantage? Get effective deposition techniques and

strategies. By attending the Effective Deposition: Techniques

and Strategies that Work CLE, you will also learn to prepare cli-

ents substantially and emotionally for their depositions.

Stay out of the line of fire! Learn practical steps that you can take

to avoid a malpractice claim for malpractice; safeguard against

risk to your reputation and financial well-being; and manage a

claim before a suit is ever filed.

We are honoured (no pun intended) that members of our judiciary

will participate in the Judicial Panel CLE and answer your ques-

tions about the practice of law in the U.S. Virgin Islands. This is a

fantastic opportunity for you to engage with some of our esteemed

jurists outside the courtroom. The Judicial Panel promises to be an

engaging and interactive CLE. Come with your questions ready

and your ears open!

When you select and use expert witnesses, you notice that, in many

instances, there are choices to be made rather than right or wrong

answers. Your choices should be based on a careful consideration

of pros and cons to using expert witnesses. Learn when and how to

use expert witnesses by attending the Use of Expert Witnesses in

Litigation CLE.

Attorneys have an ethical obligation to correctly handle client trust

accounts. Learn how to avoid misusing client trust accounts by at-

tending the Client Trust Account CLE.

If you register by May 23, 2014, the full day CLE costs $250.00

and includes breakfast and lunch. The half day CLE costs $125.00

and includes breakfast or lunch. If you register after May 23,

2014, the full day CLE costs $350.00 and includes breakfast and

lunch. The half day CLE costs $175.00 and includes breakfast or

lunch.

I thank K. Glenda Cameron, Esq. and S. Aliya Charlery, Esq. (Co-

Chairpersons of the V.I.B.A.’s Legal Education and Admission To The

Bar Committee (“CLE Committee”)), the CLE Committee members

and Hinda Carbon for planning the Mid-Year CLE! Their hard

work has advanced Goal 1 of the VIBA’s Strategic Plan, which is to

enhance the professional and personal lives of members.

I also thank the CLE presenters: Donovan Hamm, Esq., Henry Smock,

Esq., Andrew Capdeville, Esq., Wilfredo Geigel, Esq., Robert

Vaughan, Esq., Charlotte Perrell, Esq., and the jurists who partici-

pate in the Judicial Panel CLE. Without their participation, this

exciting Mid-Year CLE program would not be possible.

(Continued from page 2)

Mid Year VIBA CLE (President’s Message Continued)

Page 4 Virgin Islands Bar Newsletter Vol. 1, Issue 2

Happy Spring!