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What is the process for admission to the Bar in Saint Lucia?

Before a non-citizen can be admitted by the High Court to practice as an attorney-at-law in Saint Lucia, the Attorney General must issue an official order published in the Government Gazette. This order confirms that the applicant has satisfied the requirements outlined in sections 15(1) and (2) of the Legal Profession Act, Cap. 2.04, and is eligible for admission under section 16 of the Revised Laws of Saint Lucia.

Steps for Admission:

Application Submission:

  1. The applicant submits a formal application in the form of a statutory declaration, along with supporting evidence demonstrating compliance with section 15(1) and (2) of the Legal Profession Act, Cap. 2.04.

Required Documentation:
The application must include:

  1. A certified copy of the bio-data page of the applicant’s passport
  2. Certified copies of all relevant academic and professional certificates
  3. An original or certified copy of a certificate of character issued by the applicant’s country of residence
  4. A Certificate of Good Standing from the applicant’s local Bar Association. 

Request for Chief Justice’s Opinion:

  1. Upon approval of the application, a request is sent to the Chief Justice for his/her view on the applicant’s eligibility, as required by section 16(2) of the Legal Profession Act.

Chief Justice’s Response:

  1. The Chief Justice reviews the application and confirms whether the applicant is a national of the stated country and whether that country grants reciprocal admission rights to citizens of Saint Lucia.

Preparation of Statutory Instrument:

  1. If the Chief Justice is satisfied, the application is forwarded to the Legislative Drafting Unit via the Attorney General to prepare the statutory instrument known as the Legal Profession (Eligibility) Order.

Approval and Signature:
After preparation, the Attorney General reviews, approves, and signs the statutory instrument.

Publication:
The signed order is sent to the National Printing Corporation for official publication in the Government Gazette, completing the process at the Attorney General Chambers.