By Ronalda Luke
Mundelle Gladys Bardouille has joined the ranks of Dominica’s legal fraternity as its newest attorney-at-law, stepping into the role with a commitment to advancing justice and strengthening access to legal services.
On October 23, 2024, the Petition to have the 30-year-old Pointe Michel native admitted to practice as a barrister and solicitor of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court in the Commonwealth of Dominica was put forward by attorney-at-law Diana Vincia Auguiste and seconded by attorney-at-law Ellise Darwton, before High Court Judge, His Lordship Justice Colin Williams.
In moving the application, Auguiste highlighted Bardouille’s qualifications, character, and commitment to the law.
“The applicant is a fit and proper person to be admitted as a solicitor and barrister,” she told the Court, emphasizing Bardouille’s strong academic foundation. She noted that the applicant had earned her Bachelor of Laws from the University of the West Indies in 2022 and completed her studies at the Sir Hugh Wooding Law School in Trinidad, where she received her legal education certificate in September 2024.
Auguiste shared her personal observations, recounting Bardouille’s service-oriented approach and dedication during her time as a student at Dominica’s Land Registry Division from December 2021 to April 2022.
“I observed her respectful, disciplined, hardworking, and intelligent nature,” she said, adding that Bardouille consistently treated clients and colleagues with kindness and courtesy. “Having observed the applicant for these months, My Lord, I have no doubt that she is service-oriented and she is full of enthusiasm, and that will assist her, to deliver excellent service and representation to her clients.”
Reflecting on her shared years of knowing Bardouille, Auguiste spoke warmly about Bardouille’s background as a passionate church singer, noting, “I am looking forward to seeing how she will incorporate this gift into her legal career.”
The attorney-at-law concluded by underscoring Bardouille’s integrity and suitability for legal practice, expressing confidence in her potential for success as she embarks on her journey as a barrister and solicitor.
In seconding the application attorney Darwton echoed similar sentiments, highlighting Bardouille’s dedication, professionalism, and skill development through roles in customer service and legal training. She recounted their connection since 2016 when Bardouille worked at the Dominica Electricity Services Ltd. (DOMLEC), as a customer service clerk.
“Mundelle displayed excellent customer service, even in the most difficult situations,” Darwton noted, adding that she effectively managed and diffused tense encounters. “She would often come to my office with questions, keenly listening to explanations on the Companies Act and Electricity Supply Act,” she disclosed, describing her determination to fully understand the legal dimensions of her work.
Bardouille’s path to law, however, was already clear. In 2019, she announced her intention to pursue legal studies, which Darwton found fitting for such a focused and disciplined individual. Upon completing her studies, Bardouille returned to DOMLEC for her in-service training, where she honed her skills in contract drafting, legal opinions, and research under Darwton’s supervision.
“Mundelle was meticulous in her research. The briefs and opinions she prepared were well-written and reflected a clear understanding of legal issues,” Darwton praised, underscoring her professionalism, punctuality, independence, reliability, and preparedness—qualities she deemed essential for a promising attorney.
Darwton also touched on Bardouille’s well-rounded personality and her active involvement in music, cooking, and church.
“These passions highlight her creativity and dynamism, qualities valuable to any professional,” she added.
She further advised Bardouille to remain open to all facets of the law, encouraging her to explore opportunities beyond Court advocacy.
“Oftentimes, young attorneys are excited about being in Court, but there are boundless opportunities where the law can also be effectively served… remember that no matter what the circumstances… you should bloom wherever you are planted,” Darwton encouraged.
Concluding her submission, Darwton affirmed her support, recommending Bardouille as a “fit and proper person” for admission.
In her first remarks to the Court as an attorney, Bardouille expressed deep gratitude and a firm commitment to her new responsibilities.
“I am quite elated, yet humbled and privileged to stand before this honourable Court as the newest member of the legal fraternity,” she voiced, acknowledging the importance of her support network, thanking God and her family for their unwavering encouragement.
Looking ahead, she pledged to uphold the values of diligence, integrity, and justice, bearing a deep responsibility to the Court, her clients, and colleagues.
“These obligations I take to heart,” she affirmed. “I will work diligently, dedicating my efforts toward improving the legal system and ensuring greater access to justice,” she declared.
President of Dominica’s Bar Association, Noelize Knight Didier extended her congratulations to Bardouille, urging her to carry forward the message of her brief yet impactful speech.
She strongly encouraged the young attorney to join the Bar Association, emphasizing the vital support and professional growth it provides, which will serve her well on her path as an attorney.
In closing remarks, His Lordship Justice Colin Williams offered advice on the longevity and growth of a legal career. He reminded Bardouille that her admission to the Bar was just one milestone in a lifelong journey. However, he encouraged her to view this achievement as a “port of call” rather than a final destination, urging Bardouille to build a strong foundation for her legal practice through continued learning, conference attendance, and professional development.
Justice Williams emphasized the importance of staying current with the evolving legal landscape, noting that “this is not a static profession. It is a profession that is dynamic. The only thing certain about the profession is that there is always change.”
While he acknowledged her passion for commercial and civil law, he urged her to remember her social responsibilities. He encouraged her to engage in pro bono work, suggesting that she take on at least one uncompensated criminal case each year.
“What is the benefit of that? A better society, a society that understands service,” he said, adding that these experiences would not only aid her professional growth but also deepen her empathy and resilience.
Justice Williams implored the newest attorney to build upon her strong foundation, leveraging the support of her family and friends.
“We got there on the strength of a community, a society of supporters. Don’t disappoint them.”