Becoming an Attorney at Law

The following are the most common ways to qualify as an attorney-at-law in the Cayman Islands.

For Caymanians:

• Qualifying with a law degree

• Qualifying with a non-law degree

• Professional Course

• Articles

For Non Caymanians:

• Admission as a solicitor or barrister/advocate in the United Kingdom, Jamaica or other Commonwealth country that is recognized as having a comparable qualification.

• Application for Limited Admission

The Legal Practitioners Law (2003 Revision) (the “Law”) and the Legal Practitioners (Students) Regulations (2005 Revision) (the “Regulations”) govern all aspects of training and qualifying as an attorney-at-law.

Unlike the Law Society of England and Wales, the Cayman Islands Law Society is not responsible for and does not control the process of admitting persons to practice law in the Cayman Islands.

Sections 3 and 4 of the Regulations empower the Cayman Islands Law School, acting under the auspices of the Legal Advisory Council, to provide a system of legal education, which include examinations leading to a law degree and to an Attorney-at-Law Certificate. The Legal Advisory Council is comprised of: the Chief Justice; the Attorney General; the President of the Cayman Islands Law Society; and the President of the Caymanian Bar Association.

The admission process is governed under section 3(1) of the Law where a judge of the Grand Court is responsible for hearing applications from eligible candidates for admission to practice law.