The University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus (UWI FIC) and the Antigua and Barbuda Bar Association are strengthening their ties through a new partnership designed to give law students greater access to professional development and practical learning opportunities.
According to a press release from The UWI Five Islands Campus, the two institutions formalized the partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed at the Five Islands Campus.
The signing was attended by Pro Vice-Chancellor and Campus Principal Professor C. Justin Robinson, Assistant Lecturer in the School of Humanities & Education Jenna Dicocco, Bar Association President Luann De Costa, and George Looby.
Professor Robinson said the agreement comes at an important time as the campus launches its LLB programme, which has attracted applications from Antigua and Barbuda and across the wider OECS.
“We’re not just trying to give people access to a law degree; we want our students building research and advocacy on the legal issues that matter here, in our own jurisdiction,” Robinson said.
De Costa said the Bar Association plans to be actively involved in helping shape the programme.
“We’re here to be a real partner in this, not just observers,” she said. “That means helping shape the curriculum, mentoring students, and standing with them as they work toward establishing a student law society and a law journal.”
Under the MOU, experienced attorneys will be identified to mentor students through a new mentorship programme. The partners will also stage workshops addressing legal matters of interest and benefit to employees.
The Bar Association will assist with promoting internship opportunities at member law firms and organizations, while UWI FIC will host Continuing Legal Education sessions featuring legal practitioners.
Joint networking events will also connect students with practicing attorneys and the wider legal community.
The UWI Five Islands said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to preparing students for practice within the Commonwealth Caribbean legal system while building stronger connections between the university and Antigua and Barbuda’s legal profession.
