"I opened shop in 1993...always with the intention to practise law differently - to approach it from a customer service angle; from a solution based perspective," stated Mr. Keithley F. T Lake, Senior Partner and founding member of one of Anguilla's top law firms, Keithley Lake & Associates. It has been fifteen years since and now the firm not only has a resounding reputation for exceeding their clients' expectations, but is ahead of the game in matters of corporate banking and finance, intellectual property, commercial litigation and real estate development. Having climbed the marble staircase of the legal fraternity here in Anguilla, Keithley Lake & Associates have positioned themselves at the apex of a new dawn on Anguillian development in both the finance and tourism industries.Â
  Practicing law "differently" has clearly had its advantages and in celebration of its obvious success, the firm held its 15th Anniversary activities on the 29th of June to the 6th of July 2008. The week was packed with activities for staff, clientele and even included a charitable event. Among the most notable events was the Staff Motivational Seminar, held on Wednesday, July 2nd, where the Honourable Justice Janice George-Creque made critical deliveries entitled "The Relationship between the Practitioners and the Support Staff" and "The Proper Functioning of the Law Office." Well-known motivational speaker, Mr Louis Price, also spoke on "Balancing Your Life" and "Setting and Achieving Your Goals." By Saturday they were at the Tender Loving Care Home for the Elderly cheering up everyone with ‘vibsy' renditions of folk songs that were a sure hit. The cherry on top of the week's events came on Sunday, the 6th of July where both staff and clients enjoyed an elegant evening at Zurra Restaurant. The evening included a display of the talents of the partners, associates and staff, a pictorial walk through the history of the Firm and awards for  long serving, hardworking and dedicated members and staff. Clearly a week like no other, it is certain that there will be many more to follow as Keithley Lake & Associates possess the drive to deliver on whatever mission they embark be it legal or recreational.      Â
   Like many good things, Keithley Lake & Associates too had humble beginnings. As the brainchild of Mr. Lake, things were set in motion upon his return to his homeland, Anguilla. Thinking that it was "a good idea to join a growing firm and be a part of a dream", Ms. Yvette Wallace (now Managing Partner) joined in twelve years ago and has since assisted in the firm's overall balance and drive. Less than a year later, Mr. Kenneth Porter (now also a Partner) eying what he thought of as "a small firm with clear and excellent prospects for development" also came on board. And so, the story goes, three attorneys and four administrative personnel (inclusive of an accounts personnel) became seven attorneys, three consultant lawyers, one chartered accountant, one qualified legal executive and nine additional administrative personnel. It is no wonder that the focus of the firm has gradually shifted to commercial and developmental transactions and high-end civil and commercial litigation, for when one applies drive to international standards of ethics and client-based response - success is natural.          Â
   Even in the midst of their success, the firm has remained unselfish by seeking throughout the years to give back to the community and invest their time, talent, and skills in the moulding of Anguilla's legal landscape.Â
 They have placed themselves at the vanguard of the legislative and other developments of the island. For instance, Mr. Keithley Lake has been highly involved in the development of offshore companies legislation for the island. Ms. Tira Greene, one of the firm's consultant attorneys, was integrally involved in drafting the Intellectual Property Laws of Anguilla. Mr. Kenneth Porter was extensively involved in the preparation of the Electronics Transaction Acts via the E-commerce Steering Group of Anguilla of which he was a part, and was also involved in other legislative development through the Anguilla Financial Services Association's Legislative Committee of which he was a chairperson. Likewise, Ms. Yvette Wallace has greatly assisted in the upgrading and revision of various banking and finance legislation, one of which has been the Mutual Legal Assistance (Tax Matters) Act for 2005. Members of the firm are all involved extensively in the Anguillian community whether it be via outreach organisations, church groups or other munificent, societal bodies.   Â
  To help ensure that this heritage is taken advantaged of by the next generation, the firm has consistently sponsored the Keithley Lake & Associates Prize for Literatures in English at the Advanced Level. This prize is available to the star pupil in the subject area at the end of sixth form and is presented to them upon their graduation from the Albena Lake Hodge Comprehensive High School. Along with that, they have teamed up with the firm Daniel Brantley & Associates and provided the KLA & DBA Scholarship at the Norman Manley Law School. The award is based not only on academic abilities but also on economic need and is available to two second-year law students, one of which must be from the Eastern Caribbean. Outside of these opportunities, Keithley Lake & Associates regularly provides donations to charities and other organisations from time to time.      Â
       With so many positive possibilities in the present, one might expect sky-high projections for the future from members of the firm. For the most part, it is expected that the firm will remain a boutique firm in nature and thus maintain their personable touch. However, as the "go to" firm with respect to banking, finance and real estate development, an increased regional influence and global outlook is not only expected here - it is welcomed. Having taken pains to continuously apply their mission statement, the firm will no doubt continue in its reputation for innovation, boldness and excellence in the practice.      Â
      For that, they have not only their clients to thank but the calibre of the individuals involved in this dream: their habitual drive for excellence, the camaraderie and respect for each other's given abilities and talents and their willingness to associate the needs of the firm's with their own. This standard of excellence in their work product and presentation is no creature of myth but was even deemed worthy of mention in the closing address of the Honourable Justice Adrian Saunders, then High Court judge to the territory between 1997 and 2001, now a judge of the Caribbean Court of Justice. Keithley Lake & Associates is an excellent example of the importance of understanding the business of law and what this understanding can accomplish. After all, it's the business of law that creates opportunities for the practice of law and being able to provide a healthy dose of customer-oriented service alongside a solution-based product certainly doesn't hurt either. Â
