Renee Tamara St. Rose etched her name into Saint Lucian legal history on Wednesday, July 24, when she was formally sworn in as King’s Counsel, the youngest attorney ever to attain the prestigious rank in the country.
In a ceremonial sitting of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court held at the Finance Administrative Centre, St. Rose took the official oath before the Chief Justices, her peers in the legal fraternity, and a gallery filled with friends, family, and dignitaries.
The distinction of King’s Counsel, traditionally conferred upon attorneys recognized for excellence, integrity, and service to the legal profession, was granted to St. Rose following a rigorous selection process. Her elevation is a milestone not only for her personally but for Saint Lucia’s legal community, where she is now one of just two women to hold the title.
St. Rose, a Senior Partner at Fosters Law Firm, was presented to the court by her mentor and colleague, Senior King’s Counsel Peter Foster.
Recounting her early days as a young attorney in Vieux Fort, Foster detailed her rise from a shy newcomer to a legal powerhouse with a formidable presence in the courtroom and an unmatched work ethic.
“I thought she might be eaten alive in court,” Foster said during his tribute, “but from the first assignment, she proved me wrong. Renee is no pushover. She’s diligent, sharp, and fiercely independent.”
St. Rose’s legal education began at the University of Buckingham in the United Kingdom, where she earned her law degree with honours. She later completed bar training at Manchester Metropolitan University before returning home in 2002. Over the years, her practice has spanned Saint Lucia, the British Virgin Islands, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, with a focus on commercial litigation, insolvency, administrative law, and corporate governance.
Among the notable cases in her career is the landmark 2014 matter of Nelson & Others v. FirstCaribbean International Bank, which redefined legal principles around secured credit and property rights.
Her role in the environmental class action lawsuit concerning emissions from a cement plant in Corinth also drew attention for its impact on public health and regulatory oversight.
Fellow attorney Diana Thomas-Hunte delivered a deeply personal tribute at the ceremony, stating, “Renee represents the very best of us, not only because of her victories, but because of her values.” Thomas-Hunte recalled their shared beginnings and spoke candidly about St. Rose’s mentorship, advocacy for social justice, and behind-the-scenes support for younger lawyers.
Saint Lucia’s Attorney General, Leslie Mondesir, also praised St. Rose’s professional discipline and moral leadership. “She is always ready to assist, with deep knowledge and a pleasant disposition. Her journey has been one of relentless dedication,” Mondesir said, noting that St. Rose is now a model for future generations of legal professionals.
The day’s proceedings were filled with moments of reflection and recognition of St. Rose’s broader contributions to justice. She has served on the Bar Association, the Legal Aid Authority, and the Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy, among others.
Senior King’s Counsel Dexter Theodor, speaking on behalf of the inner bar, described the appointment as more than a title. “It is a testament to a career defined by excellence, integrity, and an unrelenting commitment to the rule of law.”
In her own words, St. Rose recited the traditional oath, pledging loyalty to the Crown and to justice, promising to uphold the rule of law without fear or favour.
“I will duly and truly minister the King’s matters and truly counsel the King in his matters when I shall be called,” she declared.
Those who gathered at the ceremony, some traveling from across the Caribbean, North America, and Europe, witnessed what many described as a watershed moment for Saint Lucian jurisprudence.
St. Rose’s appointment, while rooted in decades of service, also points forward, to the potential of a new generation of Caribbean legal minds.
She now joins a distinguished group of senior advocates entrusted with guiding the profession, representing the highest ideals of law and public service.
Her name, now inscribed in the annals of Saint Lucia’s legal history, marks a shift, not only in age and gender representation, but in the ever-evolving standards of leadership in Caribbean law.
