Shelly-Ann Thompson, Freelance Writer

Outside of volunteerism and being a lawyer at Myers, Fletcher and Gordon, Sanya Young enjoys playing squash, hanging out at the beach and spending time with relatives. Her new love is carnival in Trinidad and Tobago. - Rudolph Brown/Chief Photographer

With her infectious smile, a humble personality and the ability to rapidly spit out words, one could easily be misled by her charm. But underneath it all, Sanya Young is a 26-year-old lawyer who is also a devoted humanitarian.

Practising for three years, Young is an associate partner at Myers, Fletcher and Gordon (MFG), one of the leading llaw firms in the island.

Being modest, she says, beneath the glitz and glamour of law is hard work.

"I think the practice of law is just like any other career. It is most fulfilling if it's something you enjoy and love to do, otherwise it will just be a frustrating job.

Don't be fooled, the practice of law is not as glamorous as you would like to believe. To be a first-rate lawyer, you have to put in long hours of very hard work. It can be exciting, though it is not always exciting."

While clocking long hours at the office, Young can be found volunteering at Jamaica Movement for the Advancement of Literacy (JAMAL) and Jamaica Society for the Blind,where she has been for eight and nine years respectively.

"It gives me a great sense of satisfaction to know that I am making a difference in the lives of those who are in need. To be honest, in many ways I do it for myself as outreach work helps to keep me grounded and assists in making me remember the things that are important and just how blessed I am."

Not Afraid to Share

And, she is not too proud to share her blessings with disadvantaged children and adults.

"I remember when I first started studying at the Faculty of Law, I hated it so much. I was convinced that this was not what I wanted to do and felt so frustrated. During this time I started volunteering at JAMAL and I recall my first interaction with individuals who were my parents' age who could not even write their own names. Tears came to my eyes as I realised just how fortunate I was to even be at the university, she told Flair."

The firm, MFG, has also widened her flair and appreciation for volunteerism. She sits on the social outreach committee, which sponsors many charitable organisations and events. It is headed by a partner, Gina Phillipps-Black. "I am proud to say that MFG has a huge social conscience and plays a significant role in uplifting the less fortunate."

Born in the United States, Jamaica has been her home since she was three years old. Young has twin sister, LeAnne, an older brother, Mark, and a younger sister, Anjule.

Emphasis on Education

YOUNG

Her parents' emphasis on education might have laid the foundation for her success. "My parents always put education first and it was a rule in our house that schoolwork was always completed before all else."

When not volunteering or working, Young plays squash. "I'm not very good but I love to play!" She also hangs out with family and friends and her new love is also carnival in Trinidad!

Considering all her attributes and the ability to combine work, volunteerism and fun, she might be considered the perfect catch. "I tend to be viewed as opinionated and strong-willed and these characteristics may not be appealing to all men but the type of men who are appealing to me are those who can appreciate these qualities in a woman."

But the attractive lawyer realises that these are the vehicles towards self-powerment. She acknowledged that women are dominating the legal profession and also said that it is paramount for senior female practitioners to guide young female counsel as well as girls with aspirations of becoming lawyers.

Exciting time for women

"It is now an exciting time for women in the profession. It is an opportunity for us to make great contributions in the development of jurisprudence and advocating for the rights of others."

She touted MFG as the perfect firm in launching her career as a young associate. "The firm accepts only the highest standard of work from its associates, which is good because working here provides an excellent platform for learning and growing as a professional."

As a member of the commercial and the intellectual property departments, her practice covers intellectual property, pensions, employment, consumer and general commercial law. She works particularly with clients in the entertainment industry, trademark infringement and protection areas.

Intellectual Property

She enjoys the practice of intellectual property, that is headed by a partner, Peter Goldson. "This area of the law is still in a developmental stage, not only in Jamaica but in the region. We have very little local or regional case law concerning intellectual property and there are many areas in our existing legislation that need refining.

"Notwithstanding, more and more persons are appreciating the value of their intellectual property, whether it be in songs, stories, poems, artwork and even inventions. It's a welcome and positive move that more and more individuals are seeking to protect their creative works. Jamaica is a country known for producing outstanding creative geniuses who make a significant impact globally. It is therefore important that we as individuals and as a country appreciate the value of our intellectual property as well as the need to protect our intellectual creations."

More about Sanya

Education

Campion College

Norman Manley Law School, University of the West Indies

Posts held:

Chairperson - Human Rights Committee

Co-Chairperson - Norman Manley Lecture Committee; Chairperson - National Initiative for Street Children

Appointments

Convener - Jamaica Bar Association Intellectual Property Law Committee (2005-present)

Member - Jamaican Bar Association Social Affairs Committee (2004-present)

Director and Legal Adviser - Jamaica Society for the Blind (2003-present)

Director-Independent Jamaica Council for Human Rights (2003-2005)

Community involvement

Volunteer Teacher - Jamaica Movement for the Advancement of Adult Literacy (1998-present)

Volunteer - Jamaica Society for the Blind (1997-present)