SOCAL Steering Committee Nominees 2025
Nominees for the 2025 Society of Caribbean Lawyers Steering Committee elections are listed below. Voting will take place at the Society of Caribbean Lawyers AGM on 17 November 2025 (details here).
If you would like to apply for a Steering Committee role, please complete this form: https://forms.office.com/e/zGcAkFZPke. Job descriptions can be found here. Applications will close at 11:59pm on 13 November 2025.
This page will be updated with candidate profiles once applications have closed.
Chair
Vice Chair
Tia Archer
My name is Tia, and I am a British-Caribbean paralegal at Crowdcube. I have Bajan and Guyanese roots, and that background has shaped how I approach my career and the communities I choose to support. I am applying for a role on the SOCAL committee because I want to contribute to a space where Caribbean students, trainees and practitioners feel represented, encouraged and connected.
At Crowdcube, I work at the intersection of legal review, operational decision-making and founder engagement. I handle the entire onboarding process for early-stage companies, assessing the accuracy and consistency of legal and financial documentation and flagging issues that may have regulatory or compliance implications. The role is fast-paced and often requires me to balance multiple cases at once, which has strengthened my ability to analyse information quickly, communicate clearly with founders and colleagues and maintain high standards of accuracy under pressure. It has also given me a practical understanding of how legal frameworks operate within real commercial environments, shaping my approach to responsibility and judgement in my work.
I have completed legal internships at Arnold and Porter, Puma Property Finance and Grayfords. Each placement offered a different perspective on the profession, from commercial decision-making to regulatory analysis and the day-to-day realities of client-focused work. These experiences have helped me develop a thoughtful and well-rounded approach to legal problem-solving.
I have also held leadership and financial management roles. As Treasurer of the Queen Mary African and Caribbean Society, I secured more than £12,000 in funding, built new sponsorship relationships and oversaw budgeting and financial reporting. This experience taught me the importance of strong governance, transparency and consistency for any organisation that wants to grow.
My connection to the Caribbean is both active and personal. I previously volunteered in St Vincent and the Grenadines, and I plan to return to St Lucia next year to support community-based legal initiatives. These experiences keep me grounded and remind me why networks like SOCAL are essential.
If elected, I would bring a steady, organised and community-driven approach to the committee. I aim to help expand SOCAL’s reach across the UK, strengthen internal processes and create more meaningful opportunities for students and young professionals of Caribbean heritage.
Secretary
Treasurer
Tia Archer
My name is Tia, and I am a British-Caribbean paralegal at Crowdcube. I have Bajan and Guyanese roots, and that background has shaped how I approach my career and the communities I choose to support. I am applying for a role on the SOCAL committee because I want to contribute to a space where Caribbean students, trainees and practitioners feel represented, encouraged and connected.
At Crowdcube, I work at the intersection of legal review, operational decision-making and founder engagement. I handle the entire onboarding process for early-stage companies, assessing the accuracy and consistency of legal and financial documentation and flagging issues that may have regulatory or compliance implications. The role is fast-paced and often requires me to balance multiple cases at once, which has strengthened my ability to analyse information quickly, communicate clearly with founders and colleagues and maintain high standards of accuracy under pressure. It has also given me a practical understanding of how legal frameworks operate within real commercial environments, shaping my approach to responsibility and judgement in my work.
I have completed legal internships at Arnold and Porter, Puma Property Finance and Grayfords. Each placement offered a different perspective on the profession, from commercial decision-making to regulatory analysis and the day-to-day realities of client-focused work. These experiences have helped me develop a thoughtful and well-rounded approach to legal problem-solving.
I have also held leadership and financial management roles. As Treasurer of the Queen Mary African and Caribbean Society, I secured more than £12,000 in funding, built new sponsorship relationships and oversaw budgeting and financial reporting. This experience taught me the importance of strong governance, transparency and consistency for any organisation that wants to grow.
My connection to the Caribbean is both active and personal. I previously volunteered in St Vincent and the Grenadines, and I plan to return to St Lucia next year to support community-based legal initiatives. These experiences keep me grounded and remind me why networks like SOCAL are essential.
If elected, I would bring a steady, organised and community-driven approach to the committee. I aim to help expand SOCAL’s reach across the UK, strengthen internal processes and create more meaningful opportunities for students and young professionals of Caribbean heritage.
Community Liaison & Regional Division Officer(s)
La’Shaunna Williamson
My name is La’Shaunna Williamson and I am a third seat trainee solicitor working in litigation. I work at a a national firm but I work primarily within the Cardiff & Swansea offices. I have also been a SOCAL mentor, I sit on the committee at Ladies of Law, this year worked on the Cardiff & District Law Society as Diversity & Wellbeing Officer, was the first Anti-Racism Officer at Cardiff University, founded the Cardiff University Women in Law Society & created EDI programmes for professionals and students at Cardiff University. I continually work on EDI initiatives including work for charities. I am applying for the role of Community Liaison & Regional Division Officer as I would love the opportunity to bring more SOCAL initiatives and events to the South Wales Caribbean law community. I would coordinate with all other officers to ensure alignment with all SOCAL initiatives. I would love to work with this committee in continuing the fantastic work in building the network and representing the interests of lawyers of Caribbean heritage! By building the network deeper into South Wales I also hope to inspire more young people in the community to join the profession.
Whitney Joseph
Whitney is a Senior Associate in the Banking and Finance practice at an international law firm in London, focusing primarily on debt capital markets. Whitney regularly represents some of the world's leading investment banks and financial institutions on a range of domestic and international capital markets products. As a Social Mobility Ambassador for the Law Society of England and Wales, Whitney has helped to raise the profile of social mobility, diversity and inclusion within the UK’s legal profession by demonstrating how the profession can better support candidates from less traditional backgrounds. She has worked with a range of corporate organisations and charities for over a decade supporting causes which impact the black community. As a proud St Lucian, Whitney is passionate about supporting and celebrating lawyers of Caribbean heritage working within the UK’s legal profession and is also a keen supporter of initiatives which aim to strengthen ties between lawyers practising across the United Kingdom and the Caribbean.
Yasmin Jeffcoate
I am passionate about championing and maintaining diversity withing the legal field. I hope to be given the chance to contribute in a meaningful way through the SOCAL Steering Committee.
Events Officer(s)
Joshua Watt
I am a Trainee Patent Attorney at WP Thompson, specialising in intellectual property law across, AI, engineering, and medical technologies. I hold a BSc in Theoretical Physics from the University of Leeds and am currently completing an MSc in Data Analytics and Computer Science at the University of York. Additionally, I am due to begin the Postgraduate Certificate in Intellectual Property Law at Bournemouth University next year January.
As a British-Jamaican professional based in Manchester, and a proud alumnus of May Pen High School in Jamaica, I am committed to the representation and visibility of Caribbean voices in the UK legal and STEM sectors. I currently serve with IP Inclusive’s IP & ME community, where I have contributed to articles and various outreach projects celebrating diversity in the IP profession. I am passionate about bridging professional excellence with cultural pride, particularly through writing and public engagement.
I would be honoured to contribute to the Society of Caribbean Lawyers by helping to strengthen its publications, initiative, and partnerships. My focus would be on curating content that highlights member achievements, sharing thought pieces relevant to Caribbean professionals, and supporting collaborations with other legal and diversity networks.
I would love to help expand the Society’s national reach beyond London, ensuring Caribbean lawyers across the UK have meaningful opportunities to connect, collaborate, and celebrate our shared heritage.
Shelaine Stanley-Mitchell
Shelaine, is a qualified solicitor in England and Wales of Grenadian and Ghanaian heritage. She currently works in-house at Banijay UK, one of the world’s leading television producers, where she provides legal and business affairs support across television programming. Shelaine has earned on-screen credits for her legal work on several high-profile shows for major broadcasters, reflecting her ability to combine commercial insight with creativity in a fast-paced media environment.
Before qualifying as a solicitor, Shelaine built a career in television production, working for major broadcasters including the BBC and a range of respected independent studios. This unique dual perspective creative and legal gives her a rare understanding of how stories are developed, protected, and brought to life.
Shelaine is deeply committed to representation, access, and community within the legal profession. As Events Lead for the British Ghanaian Lawyers Union for two years, she helped expand the network’s influence and visibility, curating events that celebrated identity, championed excellence, and created meaningful connections between lawyers, students, and creatives.
Beyond her professional achievements, Shelaine is passionate about mentoring and education. She supports aspiring lawyers and students from underrepresented backgrounds through Bridging Barriers and Future Frontiers, and serves as a school governor, using her skills to shape inclusive learning environments and empower young people to realise their potential.
As Events Officer and Student Outreach Officer for the Society of Caribbean Lawyers, Shelaine brings creativity, energy, and purpose to everything she does. Her goal is to create spaces where Caribbean and African heritage is celebrated, where students feel seen and supported, and where the next generation of lawyers can build confidence and community.
Tatiana Scantlebury
I am an aspiring International Human Rights and Criminal Lawyer with seven years of experience advancing access to justice, empowering young people, and strengthening community-led initiatives. My work focuses on engaging students, emerging advocates, and diverse communities through education, mentorship, and advocacy helping them build the skills, confidence, and networks to make a meaningful impact.
I have led mentorship programmes, coordinated outreach initiatives, and co-organised large-scale conferences, workshops, and dialogue sessions on human rights, social justice, and leadership development. These experiences have allowed me to foster collaboration, connect with diverse participants, and inspire active involvement in professional and social initiatives.
In my experiences, I have developed strong skills in volunteer and stakeholder management, relationship building, and programme coordination ensuring initiatives are inclusive, impactful, and sustainable. I have also leveraged digital and social media tools to expand reach, engage communities, and promote participation.
Proud of my Barbadian roots, I draw inspiration from the resilience, creativity, and unity of our region. I am dedicated to strengthening Caribbean diaspora connections, fostering meaningful engagement, and empowering the next generation of Caribbean legal professionals.
Yasmin Jeffcoate
I am passionate about championing and maintaining diversity withing the legal field. I hope to be given the chance to contribute in a meaningful way through the SOCAL Steering Committee.
Memberships Officer
Joshua Watt
I am a Trainee Patent Attorney at WP Thompson, specialising in intellectual property law across, AI, engineering, and medical technologies. I hold a BSc in Theoretical Physics from the University of Leeds and am currently completing an MSc in Data Analytics and Computer Science at the University of York. Additionally, I am due to begin the Postgraduate Certificate in Intellectual Property Law at Bournemouth University next year January.
As a British-Jamaican professional based in Manchester, and a proud alumnus of May Pen High School in Jamaica, I am committed to the representation and visibility of Caribbean voices in the UK legal and STEM sectors. I currently serve with IP Inclusive’s IP & ME community, where I have contributed to articles and various outreach projects celebrating diversity in the IP profession. I am passionate about bridging professional excellence with cultural pride, particularly through writing and public engagement.
I would be honoured to contribute to the Society of Caribbean Lawyers by helping to strengthen its publications, initiative, and partnerships. My focus would be on curating content that highlights member achievements, sharing thought pieces relevant to Caribbean professionals, and supporting collaborations with other legal and diversity networks.
I would love to help expand the Society’s national reach beyond London, ensuring Caribbean lawyers across the UK have meaningful opportunities to connect, collaborate, and celebrate our shared heritage.
Tatiana Scantlebury
I am an aspiring International Human Rights and Criminal Lawyer with seven years of experience advancing access to justice, empowering young people, and strengthening community-led initiatives. My work focuses on engaging students, emerging advocates, and diverse communities through education, mentorship, and advocacy helping them build the skills, confidence, and networks to make a meaningful impact.
I have led mentorship programmes, coordinated outreach initiatives, and co-organised large-scale conferences, workshops, and dialogue sessions on human rights, social justice, and leadership development. These experiences have allowed me to foster collaboration, connect with diverse participants, and inspire active involvement in professional and social initiatives.
In my experiences, I have developed strong skills in volunteer and stakeholder management, relationship building, and programme coordination ensuring initiatives are inclusive, impactful, and sustainable. I have also leveraged digital and social media tools to expand reach, engage communities, and promote participation.
Proud of my Barbadian roots, I draw inspiration from the resilience, creativity, and unity of our region. I am dedicated to strengthening Caribbean diaspora connections, fostering meaningful engagement, and empowering the next generation of Caribbean legal professionals.
Yasmin Jeffcoate
I am passionate about championing and maintaining diversity withing the legal field. I hope to be given the chance to contribute in a meaningful way through the SOCAL Steering Committee.
Publications Officer(s)
Dominique Toppin
I am an analytical and creative communications professional with over five years of experience in publishing, research and stakeholder engagement across the media, insurance and government sectors. My work focuses on helping organisations share their stories with clarity and purpose through well-crafted publications, multimedia projects and communication strategies that build strong relationships and visibility.
As a Communications Consultant with Barbados Today and the National Cultural Foundation, I coordinate content and communication projects that highlight Barbados’ culture and creative industries. I also develop strategies that enhance engagement, manage timelines for written, photo and video content, and ensure that each piece aligns with organisational goals and branding standards.
Previously, as a Business Writer with The Nation Publishing, I worked closely with editorial, design and marketing teams to create data-driven content strategies. This experience deepened my understanding of how storytelling, analytics and teamwork come together to strengthen publications and campaigns. I also contributed to streamlining production and reporting processes, which improved efficiency and stakeholder satisfaction. My performance earned me the Progressive Worker Award for exceeding targets and contributing to measurable growth.
As a Publications Officer, I aim to bring together my analytical mindset, creative skills and commitment to quality communication to produce materials that inform, inspire and strengthen organisational impact.
Joshua Watt
I am a Trainee Patent Attorney at WP Thompson, specialising in intellectual property law across, AI, engineering, and medical technologies. I hold a BSc in Theoretical Physics from the University of Leeds and am currently completing an MSc in Data Analytics and Computer Science at the University of York. Additionally, I am due to begin the Postgraduate Certificate in Intellectual Property Law at Bournemouth University next year January.
As a British-Jamaican professional based in Manchester, and a proud alumnus of May Pen High School in Jamaica, I am committed to the representation and visibility of Caribbean voices in the UK legal and STEM sectors. I currently serve with IP Inclusive’s IP & ME community, where I have contributed to articles and various outreach projects celebrating diversity in the IP profession. I am passionate about bridging professional excellence with cultural pride, particularly through writing and public engagement.
I would be honoured to contribute to the Society of Caribbean Lawyers by helping to strengthen its publications, initiative, and partnerships. My focus would be on curating content that highlights member achievements, sharing thought pieces relevant to Caribbean professionals, and supporting collaborations with other legal and diversity networks.
I would love to help expand the Society’s national reach beyond London, ensuring Caribbean lawyers across the UK have meaningful opportunities to connect, collaborate, and celebrate our shared heritage.
Nicolle Coote
No statement submitted.
Social Media Officer
Special Initiatives Officer(s)
Joshua Watt
I am a Trainee Patent Attorney at WP Thompson, specialising in intellectual property law across, AI, engineering, and medical technologies. I hold a BSc in Theoretical Physics from the University of Leeds and am currently completing an MSc in Data Analytics and Computer Science at the University of York. Additionally, I am due to begin the Postgraduate Certificate in Intellectual Property Law at Bournemouth University next year January.
As a British-Jamaican professional based in Manchester, and a proud alumnus of May Pen High School in Jamaica, I am committed to the representation and visibility of Caribbean voices in the UK legal and STEM sectors. I currently serve with IP Inclusive’s IP & ME community, where I have contributed to articles and various outreach projects celebrating diversity in the IP profession. I am passionate about bridging professional excellence with cultural pride, particularly through writing and public engagement.
I would be honoured to contribute to the Society of Caribbean Lawyers by helping to strengthen its publications, initiative, and partnerships. My focus would be on curating content that highlights member achievements, sharing thought pieces relevant to Caribbean professionals, and supporting collaborations with other legal and diversity networks.
I would love to help expand the Society’s national reach beyond London, ensuring Caribbean lawyers across the UK have meaningful opportunities to connect, collaborate, and celebrate our shared heritage.
Nicolle Coote
No statement submitted.
Sponsorships Officer
Joshua Watt
I am a Trainee Patent Attorney at WP Thompson, specialising in intellectual property law across, AI, engineering, and medical technologies. I hold a BSc in Theoretical Physics from the University of Leeds and am currently completing an MSc in Data Analytics and Computer Science at the University of York. Additionally, I am due to begin the Postgraduate Certificate in Intellectual Property Law at Bournemouth University next year January.
As a British-Jamaican professional based in Manchester, and a proud alumnus of May Pen High School in Jamaica, I am committed to the representation and visibility of Caribbean voices in the UK legal and STEM sectors. I currently serve with IP Inclusive’s IP & ME community, where I have contributed to articles and various outreach projects celebrating diversity in the IP profession. I am passionate about bridging professional excellence with cultural pride, particularly through writing and public engagement.
I would be honoured to contribute to the Society of Caribbean Lawyers by helping to strengthen its publications, initiative, and partnerships. My focus would be on curating content that highlights member achievements, sharing thought pieces relevant to Caribbean professionals, and supporting collaborations with other legal and diversity networks.
I would love to help expand the Society’s national reach beyond London, ensuring Caribbean lawyers across the UK have meaningful opportunities to connect, collaborate, and celebrate our shared heritage.
Tatiana Scantlebury
I am an aspiring International Human Rights and Criminal Lawyer with seven years of experience advancing access to justice, empowering young people, and strengthening community-led initiatives. My work focuses on engaging students, emerging advocates, and diverse communities through education, mentorship, and advocacy helping them build the skills, confidence, and networks to make a meaningful impact.
I have led mentorship programmes, coordinated outreach initiatives, and co-organised large-scale conferences, workshops, and dialogue sessions on human rights, social justice, and leadership development. These experiences have allowed me to foster collaboration, connect with diverse participants, and inspire active involvement in professional and social initiatives.
In my experiences, I have developed strong skills in volunteer and stakeholder management, relationship building, and programme coordination ensuring initiatives are inclusive, impactful, and sustainable. I have also leveraged digital and social media tools to expand reach, engage communities, and promote participation.
Proud of my Barbadian roots, I draw inspiration from the resilience, creativity, and unity of our region. I am dedicated to strengthening Caribbean diaspora connections, fostering meaningful engagement, and empowering the next generation of Caribbean legal professionals.
Student Outreach Officer(s)
Amaya Foy
I am a second-year LLB student at the University of Leeds from Bermuda, with Caribbean roots tracing back to St Kitts, Turks and Caicos, and Anguilla through my great-grandparents and great-great-grandparents. I am passionate about community engagement and representation within the legal profession, particularly for students of Caribbean descent in the UK. Before beginning my law degree, I completed a BA in Sociology with minors in Global Studies and Marketing at Lehigh University in Pennsylvania, where I founded and served as President of the Caribbean Student Society. Leading the society allowed me to unite people around shared identity and purpose, develop organisational and event-planning skills, and foster an inclusive, collaborative community.
My volunteer work reflects a strong commitment to empowerment and access. In Bermuda, I supported local schools and foundations providing creative and educational resources for young people. I also volunteer with Bermuda’s Access to Justice Legal Clinic, assisting individuals who might otherwise face barriers in obtaining legal guidance. At the University of Leeds, I am part of a community engagement programme that delivers interactive law-related workshops in secondary schools and colleges across Leeds. These experiences have strengthened my communication, leadership, and teamwork skills while deepening my dedication to making the law more accessible.
I also believe in recognising and celebrating the long-standing history and contributions of Caribbean people across the UK, from the generations who built vibrant communities and broke down barriers to today’s students and professionals who continue that legacy.
As Student Outreach Officer, my goal is to create tangible pathways for Caribbean law students to engage with SOCAL and access its opportunities, guidance, and professional networks. I plan to actively reach out to university law societies, Afro-Caribbean student groups, and student outreach organisations to promote SOCAL’s mentorship initiatives, seminars, and networking events. By connecting students with SOCAL’s resources, I aim to equip them with knowledge, contacts, and confidence to thrive in law school and in their career journeys.
I will work to advance SOCAL’s mission by ensuring Caribbean law students feel supported, represented, and empowered within the legal community and beyond.
Joshua Watt
I am a Trainee Patent Attorney at WP Thompson, specialising in intellectual property law across, AI, engineering, and medical technologies. I hold a BSc in Theoretical Physics from the University of Leeds and am currently completing an MSc in Data Analytics and Computer Science at the University of York. Additionally, I am due to begin the Postgraduate Certificate in Intellectual Property Law at Bournemouth University next year January.
As a British-Jamaican professional based in Manchester, and a proud alumnus of May Pen High School in Jamaica, I am committed to the representation and visibility of Caribbean voices in the UK legal and STEM sectors. I currently serve with IP Inclusive’s IP & ME community, where I have contributed to articles and various outreach projects celebrating diversity in the IP profession. I am passionate about bridging professional excellence with cultural pride, particularly through writing and public engagement.
I would be honoured to contribute to the Society of Caribbean Lawyers by helping to strengthen its publications, initiative, and partnerships. My focus would be on curating content that highlights member achievements, sharing thought pieces relevant to Caribbean professionals, and supporting collaborations with other legal and diversity networks.
I would love to help expand the Society’s national reach beyond London, ensuring Caribbean lawyers across the UK have meaningful opportunities to connect, collaborate, and celebrate our shared heritage.
Nicolle Coote
No statement submitted.
Nikeesha Nancoo
In my academic and extracurricular experiences, I have developed strong communication, organisation, and engagement skills that align closely with this role. Through my involvement in university societies and the University of Birmingham's student mentoring program, I have gained experience in event planning, student outreach, and community building. These experiences have deepened my commitment to creating spaces where aspiring lawyers, particularly those from the Caribbean, can connect, learn, and thrive.
I am particularly drawn to SOCAL’s mentoring initiatives and university engagement work. I would relish the opportunity to represent SOCAL at law fairs, facilitate connections between students and mentors, and help expand the organisation’s reach to more universities. I believe that collaboration and visibility are key to ensuring lasting change in the profession, and I would be proud to play a part in that effort. I was part of the mentoring scheme of SOCAL, and I had a great opportunity to gain insight into the legal profession. It would be my honour to educate other students about SOCAL.
Shelaine Stanley-Mitchell
Shelaine, is a qualified solicitor in England and Wales of Grenadian and Ghanaian heritage. She currently works in-house at Banijay UK, one of the world’s leading television producers, where she provides legal and business affairs support across television programming. Shelaine has earned on-screen credits for her legal work on several high-profile shows for major broadcasters, reflecting her ability to combine commercial insight with creativity in a fast-paced media environment.
Before qualifying as a solicitor, Shelaine built a career in television production, working for major broadcasters including the BBC and a range of respected independent studios. This unique dual perspective creative and legal gives her a rare understanding of how stories are developed, protected, and brought to life.
Shelaine is deeply committed to representation, access, and community within the legal profession. As Events Lead for the British Ghanaian Lawyers Union for two years, she helped expand the network’s influence and visibility, curating events that celebrated identity, championed excellence, and created meaningful connections between lawyers, students, and creatives.
Beyond her professional achievements, Shelaine is passionate about mentoring and education. She supports aspiring lawyers and students from underrepresented backgrounds through Bridging Barriers and Future Frontiers, and serves as a school governor, using her skills to shape inclusive learning environments and empower young people to realise their potential.
As Events Officer and Student Outreach Officer for the Society of Caribbean Lawyers, Shelaine brings creativity, energy, and purpose to everything she does. Her goal is to create spaces where Caribbean and African heritage is celebrated, where students feel seen and supported, and where the next generation of lawyers can build confidence and community.
Web Officer
Joshua Watt
I am a Trainee Patent Attorney at WP Thompson, specialising in intellectual property law across, AI, engineering, and medical technologies. I hold a BSc in Theoretical Physics from the University of Leeds and am currently completing an MSc in Data Analytics and Computer Science at the University of York. Additionally, I am due to begin the Postgraduate Certificate in Intellectual Property Law at Bournemouth University next year January.
As a British-Jamaican professional based in Manchester, and a proud alumnus of May Pen High School in Jamaica, I am committed to the representation and visibility of Caribbean voices in the UK legal and STEM sectors. I currently serve with IP Inclusive’s IP & ME community, where I have contributed to articles and various outreach projects celebrating diversity in the IP profession. I am passionate about bridging professional excellence with cultural pride, particularly through writing and public engagement.
I would be honoured to contribute to the Society of Caribbean Lawyers by helping to strengthen its publications, initiative, and partnerships. My focus would be on curating content that highlights member achievements, sharing thought pieces relevant to Caribbean professionals, and supporting collaborations with other legal and diversity networks.
I would love to help expand the Society’s national reach beyond London, ensuring Caribbean lawyers across the UK have meaningful opportunities to connect, collaborate, and celebrate our shared heritage.
