From the Cayman Islands to London: A young Caymanian’s journey in law

In this feature, Cayman Finance interviews Caymanian Rejonté Rivers from our Finance and Corporate team.

This article was first published in Cayman Finance on 17 November 2025. 

What inspired you to pursue a career in law, and how did your early life in the Cayman Islands shape that decision?

As a child, I always told my mother that I wanted to be a lawyer, and it is something that she always reminded me of as I went through school at St. Ignatius.

A major influence in my decision to pursue a legal career happened during high school when I had the incredible opportunity to be mentored by Hon. Justice Cheryll Richards KC, who was the Solicitor General at the time.

Through that work experience programme, I was introduced to legal life on the island and had the privilege of working alongside some truly remarkable people. This was my first real exposure to the inner workings of the legal profession, and it sparked a deep sense of admiration for the impact that those in the legal field could have. The guidance, encouragement and knowledge I received were key in my decision to pursue law.

As I continued my journey, my roles in governance services gave me further insight into the legal world, providing me with valuable quasi-legal experience. I had the chance to interact closely with lawyers, observe their work and engage in meaningful conversations. As I progressed in those roles, many people encouraged me to pursue law, and I became more inspired to pursue my childhood dream.

The mentors I had throughout the years, as well as the exposure to legal work through my governance roles, shaped my decision to pursue a career in law.

Can you tell us about your journey in joining Mourant, your experience working in the Cayman office, and what it was like transitioning to the London office?

My journey at Mourant began in January 2015, though not in a legal role initially. With a bachelor’s degree in finance and accounting, I started as a corporate administrator in the Governance team after two years of similar work at another offshore law firm. My very first role at the previous firm was as a clerical assistant, but I quickly advanced to a corporate administrator position and then decided to make the move to Mourant. This marked the start of a life-changing opportunity, where I gained invaluable experience and truly settled into working life at a professional services firm.

I was passionate about my role in the Governance team, always eager to learn and take on more responsibility. Over the years, my dedication led to several promotions – first to senior corporate administrator, then to client services manager. At this point, with encouragement from family, friends and colleagues, I decided to pursue the legal career I had always wanted. I applied for the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) at BPP, taking advantage of Mourant’s support (including flexible scheduling and study leave), to complete the course while working full-time.

Upon finishing the GDL, I took on a paralegal role at Mourant to gain legal experience, all while completing the Professional Practice Course (PPC) at Truman Bodden Law School.

Mourant continued to support my legal studies, and after completing the PPC, I was offered an articles of clerkship with the firm, where I worked across finance, corporate and litigation seats, gaining exposure to various areas of law and expanding my knowledge of the business.

When it came time to decide which team to qualify for, it was a difficult choice. Ultimately, I chose finance and corporate, where my background in governance would complement my legal skills. I accepted an associate role in the Finance and Corporate team, where I continue to thrive.

Having spent most of my career in Mourant’s Cayman office, I am grateful to everyone who has contributed to my journey, especially the funds lawyers at Mourant who have supported, inspired and guided me for over a decade.

Since qualifying in April 2021, I have continued to push myself professionally. One of the most exciting opportunities in my career was my secondment to Mourant’s London office in 2023. This included working more closely with the firm’s London Managing Partner and Global Head of Investment Funds, Alex Last, and a client secondment to GHO Capital Partners LLP (GHO).

Moving to London alone was a major decision, and while the timing and challenges were daunting, discussions with family and close friends encouraged me to take the leap. My secondment at GHO was an incredible experience. I worked closely with the GHO team, leading M&A transactions and advising on Cayman-related matters, and it was a fantastic opportunity to grow as a lawyer.

The transition to Mourant’s London office was equally rewarding. I have had the chance to meet colleagues from different jurisdictions and have broadened my perspective and network. Attending events like the Cayman Finance roundtable earlier this year and meeting inspiring individuals like Cayman Finance Associate Director Samantha Widmer has been a highlight.

Thanks to the success of my secondment to GHO, I was promoted to Senior Associate at Mourant in 2024. I am excited to continue growing as a lawyer and take on new challenges. The sky’s the limit!

As a young Caymanian woman working in the legal profession, how has your background influenced your career, and why is representation important in the legal industry?

As a young Caymanian woman, my background has deeply influenced both the way I approach my work and the values I bring to the profession. One of my greatest inspirations has been my mother – the strongest and most determined woman I know. Watching her balance so much when I was growing up gave me a deep respect for hard work and perseverance. Those qualities now guide me daily in a fast-paced, demanding legal environment.

Entering the legal profession as a Caymanian woman has not been without its challenges. However, it has given me a unique perspective. Working in law in a jurisdiction like Cayman has given me an appreciation for the importance of both local and international insight. My Caymanian background helps me bring a grounded perspective to my work, while also highlighting the importance of trust and cultural awareness in client relationships.

Representation in the legal industry is crucial. When people from varied backgrounds have a seat at the table, we create a more inclusive and resilient legal environment. Seeing people who look like you and share similar experiences in professional spaces also sends a powerful message: that you belong, and that your voice has value.

For me, it’s about opening doors for the next generation of Caymanian professionals and promoting the Cayman legal industry worldwide. I hope to be the example I once needed – to prove to the next generation that it is possible to be successful and thrive in the global legal industry.

What lessons have you learned in your career so far, and what advice would you give to young Caymanians who aspire to follow a similar professional path?

Some key lessons I have learned and advice I would offer include:

1. No role is too small – sometimes you just need to get your foot in the door.
   During my interview at a previous firm, one of the interviewers acknowledged that I was overqualified for the clerical assistant role, but she emphasised that it would be a great ‘foot in the door’ to bigger opportunities. This moment taught me that even a seemingly small step can spark unexpected growth. If you’re job hunting, don’t hesitate to take on trainee or entry-level roles; there are people out there who see potential and will give you a chance.
2. Fear should never be a reason to say no.
   Throughout my career, I have taken on various challenges where I was not sure of the outcome. I worked through a lot of fears with the help of family and friends. As someone who is naturally introverted, I have learned that pushing yourself out of your comfort zone can be key to personal growth. Whether it’s attending events solo, talking to a new person each day, or even making a bold move like relocating, each small challenge helps you grow and become more comfortable with who you are.
3. Adopt the right mindset, stay determined, and never become complacent.
   I have learned that there’s no limit to what you can achieve when you believe in yourself, push through challenges, and remain open to new opportunities. You have to be your own biggest cheerleader and stay committed to your goals.