Chell Sisters, Attorneys-at-law, From Orange Walk
A promising young attorney from Orange Walk Town was called to the bar this morning. The brief ceremony was held virtually due to COVID-19 protocols. Nonetheless, Dovini Chell’s entire family made the trip to Belize City to attend her swearing in as she was called upon by seasoned attorney Derek Courtenay. Dovini now joins her older sister, Shanidi Chell, who was also called to the bar in 2016. Here’s News Five’s Isani Cayetano with that story.
Isani Cayetano, Reporting
Six years after her sister became a practicing attorney, twenty-five-year-old Dovini Chell has joined her in the legal fraternity. This morning, Senior Counsel Derek Courtenay called her to the bar before Acting Chief Justice Michelle Arana. For the Chell family which comes from humble beginnings, this achievement is another landmark as they continue to push for the education of their three children.
Dovini Chell
Dovini Chell, Attorney
“My ambition started really in first form at high school. From there I decided that I wanted to study law and then after sixth form, after attending Muffles Junior College, I made my way to the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus in Barbados for three years to obtain my Bachelor of Laws and then I completed law school last year in Jamaica.”
For her elder sibling, this accomplishment is the culmination of her parents effort to ensure that they are aptly qualified and prepared for the world of work, in this case, the legal profession.
Shanidi Chell Urbina
Shanidi Chell Urbina, Attorney
“As Dovini’s older sister, I can say that I’m very proud, she has worked so hard for this moment. Everyone in our family is proud, our grandparents, our parents, our aunts, uncles, everyone is so proud of her and the family feels, we feel grateful for this opportunity to share this very important milestone in her life.”
At present, Dovini Chell is undertaking her pupillage at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. After completing her apprenticeship, she will be considered a practicing attorney with a right of audience before all courts.
Dovini Chell
“Currently I am at the DPP’s office as a Crown Counsel and I am practicing criminal law. So I will continue to practice criminal law at the D.P.P.’s office as a Crown Counsel.”
Isani Cayetano
“What advice would you give to any young woman who aspires to join the legal profession at some point in her life?”
Dovini Chell
“To carry on and that in moments where you may feel like you‘re overloading, just take it one step at a time, one day at a time and one subject at a time and there is an end and in the end you will feel accomplished.”
It’s a feel good story that, for the Chell sisters, would not have become a reality if it wasn’t for the support of their parents, as well as friends and family.
Shanidi Chell
“It is only through our parents’ hard work, our family’s support. The support of our friends that we could have accomplished this and so it means a lot for us to be here with her in this moment, you know. It’s a special moment in her life and we wouldn’t trade it for anything else to be able to say that we are Chell sisters, attorneys-at-law, from Orange Walk.”
Isani Cayetano for News Five.
