Attorney Terrence Williams honoured by King’s Counsel appointment, to continue work in human rights and public law

Former head of the Independent Commission of Investigations attorney-at-law Terrence Williams who was recently appointed King's Counsel says he is looking forward to giving more service in the areas of human rights and public law.

Last week Friday, he was called to the Inner Bar during a ceremony at the Supreme Court.

Of the attorneys who applied this year, Williams was the only one who was appointed King's Counsel.

Family members, judges, friends and many members of the legal fraternity attended the ceremony, which was presided over by Justice Leighton Pusey, and congratulated him on his well-earned achievement.

Williams told The Gleaner that the appointment of King's Counsel was a great honour for him.

Williams said he was in the prime of his law practice and his focus is on human rights and public law.

“I am looking forward to giving more service in those areas,” Williams emphasised.

The calling to the Inner Bar is a time honoured tradition for members of the legal profession who have distinguished themselves in the legal field and in service to their country.

Attorneys-at-law are appointed King's Counsel in Jamaica on the recommendation of several bodies, after which their recommendations are submitted to the Governor General for his assent.

The appointment of King's Counsel is made to attorneys who have served at the Bar for at least 10 years and displayed good character as well as advocacy.

Williams, who is married to Supreme Court Judge Lorna Shelly-Williams, has been practising law since 1990.

He was a prosecutor in the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions from 1990 to 1995 and was appointed acting Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions.

He then went into private practice until 2000 when he took up a job offer as Director of Public Prosecutions in the British Virgin Islands.

He was commended for his performance in that role. 

On his return to Jamaica in 2010, he was appointed the first Commissioner of INDECOM.

He has appeared in many high profile cases in the courts in Jamaica, BVI and Anguilla as well as the United Kingdom Privy Council.

He was also course director for Criminal Procedure at the Norman Manley Law School.

Williams is now in private practice and is co-principal of the law firm Public Law Chambers.

He practices in Jamaica, BVI, Anguilla and Belize.

Williams has also has written several legal articles.

- Barbara Gayle

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