Oct. 24, 2008 — Chief Justice Rhys S. Hodge formally swore in attorney Veronica J. Handy as the Clerk of the Supreme Court Friday at the R.H. Amphlett Leader Justice Complex on St. Croix. Handy herself then swore in 18 new members of the Virgin Islands Bar.
Courtroom 203 was full of attorneys, friends and family members to witness both ceremonies. The panel presiding over the ceremony, along with Hodge, included associate judges Maria M. Cabret and Ive Arlington Swan.
"Handy is an exceptionally well-qualified individual suited for this critical position," said Hodge. "Her dedication to the practice of law, her passion for service, her executive and supervisory experience is essential components for effective leadership of the Clerk's Office."
Working under the direction of the chief justice, Handy is primarily charged with operating the day-to-day functions of the clerk's office. The clerk is responsible for the supervision of the professional and non-professional staff in the clerk's office and the administration and management of the appellate case processing of the Supreme Court.
The clerk also serves as the Secretary to the Judicial Council.
Prior to her appointment, Handy concentrated her practice in family law, immigration, litigation, mediation, estates, arbitration, appellate practice and general legal advice. She started her profession as a law clerk in 1980 in the office of Edith L. Borrn and then ascended to partner in the firm that became known as Bornn, Bornn, Handy and Rasheid. Since 2002, until her appointment, Handy was the managing member of the Handy Legal Group, PLLC.
Handy received her law degree from Hofstra University in Hempsted, N.Y.
U.S. Magistrate Geoffrey W. Barnard, chairman of the committee of the Bar Admissions, moved on the admission of attorneys Natalie Ann Bonanno, Nesha Rosita Christian-Hendrickson, Shawn Thomas Deggins, Joseph A. DiRuzzo, Walter G. Latimer, Gabe Lonis Lerner, Charles Edward Lockwood, Dolace McLean, Tracey McCormick, Jennifer Quildon Miller, Kurt Eugene Petri, Jason Reid, Emily Kay Sabo, Emily Shoup, Jay R. Stucki, Nagesh Veenkat Tammara, Carol Laura Thomas-Jacobs and Gregory Adam Thorp.
"The attorneys have gone through a rigorous investigation into character and fitness and passed an intense exam to be admitted to the V.I. Bar," Barnard said. "I am very satisfied that they are fit to handle people’s money."
Swan lightened up the ceremony saying, "I heard you are all legal geniuses." He spoke of two habits that he believed attorneys needed to develop. The first is to always put their best effort forward and, second, to get in the habit of filing things on time.
"Unless there is death or an illness doesn’t ask for extensions," Swan said. "Do it right the first time."
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