Last Wednesday, Saint Lucian Kevin Jerome Basil Williams reaped the rewards of many years of tough, late-night studying when he was called to the Bar of Ontario, the governing body for lawyers and paralegals in Canada’s most populous province. Although this is a significant achievement, Williams is just getting started.
The STAR first reported on the promising young Saint Lucian’s story last June, a few months before he began a 10-month mandatory period of articling with the Law Office of Odette Rwigamba. The son of Justice Lorraine Williams and the Honourable Basil Williams S.C., Kevin’s journey began back home in Saint Lucia as a student of St. Mary’s College. After graduating in 2004 as Student of the Year and valedictorian, he moved to Canada where, in 2009, he graduated from Carleton University with a BA Law and Political Science and minor in Spanish, Highest Honours.
He also has a Masters in International Affairs from the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs. On June 12 last year, Williams came one step closer to his goal when he graduated from the University of Ottawa Law School, earning his Juris Doctor (JD).
Then it was on to the period of articling which included numerous assignments including research, drafting and filing court documents, defending motions in court and participating in mediation. On Wednesday, Williams told the STAR the experience was rewarding as he gained practical knowledge in immigration, family law, civil litigation and real estate, among other areas. As with any other goal, he says, he encountered several challenges along the way: meeting deadlines, staying motivated despite disappointments—all of which he overcame thanks to the team-oriented environment of his office and, most importantly, his mother’s constant prayers and her unwavering support, financial and otherwise.
“It was a humbling experience being called to the Bar,” said Williams. “It is a great honour and a blessing that will forever be in my mind. The novelty has not worn off yet and I replay it in my head several times daily. I just praise and thank God for allowing me to see the fruits of my labour.”
Williams is now working at the Law Office of Odette Rwigamba, and says that all has been going well. “I left as a student and returned as an associate lawyer. This is my first week and it has been busy. Our team is phenomenal. We work hard but also have fun. Work does not feel like a burden. I’m happy to go into the office no matter what day of the week it is!”
As for how he was able to stay the course during his many years of schooling, Williams credited his success to having a “work-life balance.” To keep fit, he worked out with weights and played tennis. He volunteered with the Young Leaders Advisory Council (YLAC), an organisation that aims to create opportunities for young people in Ottawa, Canada’s capital city.
“However, the most important factor in my success was my relationship with God,” he said. Williams is an active member of Campus Rush, a church made up mainly of university students. He serves on the finance committee and in Campus Rush Music, the music ministry of the church. He revealed that while he is not opposed to the idea, he currently has no plans to join Saint Lucia’s law fraternity. He believes he is in Canada because that’s where God wants him to be at this time.
Williams offers this advice to young people about to set out in life: “Work hard, be good to people, and never compromise the values and norms that were instilled in you. Don’t pursue law or any profession just for the money. Seek to transform and improve the lives of others. The rewards will follow!”
