Beating the odds: Single mom admitted to Guyana’s bar

A 34-year-old single mother who recently graduated from Hugh Wooding Law School was admitted to practice in Guyana on Wednesday at the Demerara High Court.
Sophia Findlay, a former employee of Guyana Times, petition was presented to Chief Justice (acting) Roxane George by Attorney-at-Law Nigel Hugh, who described her as an ambitious, hardworking and dedicated individual.
Chief Justice (acting) Roxane George-Wiltshire told the ambitious woman that she must commit to the hard work success entails and she cannot afford to slack off now, because she has much to offer the profession.
“You need to commit to conducting thorough research in order to serve the people of this country. People will be dependent on you, so you will build a reputation that people will depend on,” Chief Justice told the new attorney in accepting the petition.
The Chief Justice encouraged Findlay to “utilise all that makes you who you are today. You bring a wealth of experience, so don’t lose or don’t disregard it, use all that you have to ensure a successful career”.
Findlay, after listening to the Chief Justice’s advice, expressed her gratitude for being added to the bar. She added that her advice will not fall on deaf ears and she is committed to honouring the oath taken.
The young single mother highlighted that there were moments of tears, sleepless nights and times she doubted herself but with her faith in God, she pulled through.
She further expressed her gratitude to everyone who played an integral role in her success.
The single mother barely held back tears while speaking about her son, Aedyn, whom she acknowledged was her motivation. According to Findlay, moving to Trinidad to pursue her studies was no easy task, since she had to migrate with her son and commence studies.
“Even though I had the opportunity to attend law school, I would not have gone if my son couldn’t go with me. I always told him that we are doing this together, you are working hard for your high school and mommy is working hard for her LEC (Legal Education Certificate) and together we made a dream team. He is at the Bishop’s High School and I am here. This is for him,” said Findlay.
The new lawyer expressed that she was always an advocate for justice and wanted to be the instrument to change and with this platform, she will advocate for the voiceless.
Findlay is attached to Hughes, Fields and Stoby Firm, where she will be practicing in criminal, corporate and oil and gas law.