New York based attorney-at-law Ms. Shellon Washington hails from the mining town of Linden, Region 10. She migrated to the United States at age 26 but at that age she had already accumulated experience practicing law in Guyana and was also admitted to the bar in Trinidad and Tobago and New York. Thus, when she migrated, whilst it was easy for her to take up practice in America it was not without having to challenge racism. And whereas some may have buckled she persevered and today has a thriving private practice with a clientele that includes 60 per cent Guyanese.
Village Voice News (VV) caught up with Shellon who graciously squeezed us into her schedule. Our conversation follows: –
VV: What influenced your decision to study and practice law? Also, is there a moment/incident /mission that stands out specifically?
Washington: I was first influenced by a teacher who advised my mom to send me to law school. After graduating law school, I wanted to make a difference in my community and ultimately be in a position to give back to the people of Linden. One of the most significant factors which also propelled me to practice law was the way I saw the police harass young men in my community. I remember how my brothers were the constant target of harassment and the stress this caused my parents. I wanted to be in a position to change this.
VV: What are your areas of practice and where is your practice located?
Washington: The areas I practice include medical malpractice, tort to person or property, matrimonial law and real property. I own my own firm which is located in New York and my office is located at 455 Utica Avenue, Brooklyn NY 11203.
VV: Why have you opted for private practice in competitive New York rather than work with the state or government?
Washington: My preference was always private practice rather than any government agency. By starting my own firm, this gave me the opportunity to help people who would not otherwise be in a position to afford an attorney and could not qualify for legal aid. Another reason is our people lacked competent representation and I believe I was able to break the barrier and provide something that was lacking to our people.
VV: Could you provide further information into the case where you won an appeal before The Supreme Court of the State of New York, Appellate Division, Second Judicial Department?
Washington: Yes, I had appeared in a tort case for the defendant before the New York Supreme Court and the Judge made an error in law. The judge wrongfully granted a motion I filed “on condition that my client appear at a traverse hearing.” This is incorrect, the authorities clearly stated that a person in my client’s position was entitled to a dismissal.
The motion I filed before the judge was seeking a dismissal of the complaint on the basis that the court had no jurisdiction. The plaintiff in that matter had failed to establish jurisdiction because she did not serve process on my client at his place of residence.
Although my arguments were clear, and the authorities correctly established my position, the judge erred by failing to follow the law. I appealed his decision and the panel of justices agreed with my arguments. This decision was a big win for me because I do not regularly appear before the Appellate Division.
The case is Laura Mendez v. Jerome Rattigan No: 524301/18 and the decision was dated September 9, 2022.
VV: You are of Guyanese heritage. Could you provide a glimpse into your climb as a daughter of Linden, Region 10 to the courtrooms of New York. To whom, if any, would you share your success with?
Washington: I am Guyanese by birth and migrated to the United States after practicing law for a brief period in Guyana. When I migrated, I was already admitted to the bar in Guyana, Trinidad and New York.
Although I practiced for a short time in Guyana I migrated to New York with a wealth of knowledge. In the beginning my plans were to become a transaction attorney, but after graduating from the University of Miami with a LLM, my perspective had shifted.
I worked for a few years as a contract attorney with some of the largest firms in Manhattan, but I never felt like I was living my purpose.
I later aligned myself with an experienced attorney who had also migrated from Guyana and began learning the procedure in New York. Before long I was in a position to mentor others.
I have learned how to navigate the system in New York and overcome tremendous obstacles including racism.
VV: What are the schools you attended?
Washington: In Guyana I attended McKenzie High School in Linden, then the University of Guyana and Hugh Wooding Law School in Trinidad. I attended University of Miami School of Law where I obtained an LLM.
VV: When you look back at your journey, is there anything more you would like to share?
Washington: Yes. My faith in God has kept me focused and helped me to overcome any hardship. I am grateful that I am able to make a tremendous impact on the lives of my people. About 60 per cent of my clients are Guyanese. This gives me the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of my country men and women by helping them navigate the complex legal system in New York and vindicate their causes before the courts.
