Caymanian lawyer steps up corporate ladder

(CNS): Local law firm Walkers has named Caymanian attorney Lesley Connolly as the new Senior Vice President for Walkers Corporate Services Limited, a leading provider of offshore corporate services in the Cayman Islands. Walker says that in her new role, Connolly will have ultimate responsibility for managing the operational activities of the company and establishing a strong and highly effective team with the aim of enhancing the company’s competitive position and achieving its strategic objectives. A release from Walkers says that Connolly has been part of the Walkers Group for the past seven years, and that the firm sponsored her legal education.

Prior to stepping up as SVP, she worked as an Associate in the law firm’s Litigation Department, specialising in Trust Disputes, with previous postings as Assistant Operations Manager and Training Officer. Before joining Walkers Lesley obtained a Master of Science Degree in Hotel & Foodservice Management and worked as a Human Resource Manager for a large hotel.

Connolly was sponsored by Walkers throughout her legal education, obtaining her LLB with first class honours at the Cayman Islands Law School, where she was awarded the Sweet Maxwell Law Prize and her Legal Practice Course at the College of Law in London, which she passed with Commendation. After undertaking her Articles with Walkers, Connolly was admitted as an Attorney-at-Law in the Cayman Islands in April 2009.

"The combination of Lesley’s legal skills as well as her strong operational and HR Management expertise will make her an invaluable member of our team as we continue to roll out our suite of new and innovativeservices," commented Nancy Lewis, Chief Executive Officer of Walkers Global Holdings Limited. "We are delighted that Lesley has decided to make the switch from the legal side to join us and we are particularly proud to say that the staff of Walkers Corporate Services is 100% Caymanian."

"I am extremely excited to be starting with Walkers Corporate Services and overseeing the next stage in its development and the further expansion of its operations," Connolly said. "Due to its enhanced range of services, high quality team of professionals and value proposition, Walkers Corporate Services is recognised for providing its clients with a compelling offering."

Walkers Corporate Services has recently introduced a number of innovative, leading edge products and services which have cemented its reputation as the premier provider of offshore corporate services in the Cayman Islands.

In December 2009, the new ‘Second Generation Web Portal’ was launched by Walkers Corporate Services to provide clients with 24/7, secure global online access to all key corporate documents and information. This innovative client service tool includes intuitive search features to instantly retrieve statutory documents, agreements, board minutes and resolutions. Other features include pre-defined, frequently requested reports, billing information analysis and contact information.

Also recently added to the group’s product suite is Walkers Corporate Services’ new ‘Board Support’ feature. ‘The Boardroom’ allows board meeting attendees to directly download ‘Board Packs’ anywhere in the world at any time, rather than relying on email for the delivery of large files. Minutes can be uploaded directly after the conclusion of the meeting, while enhanced permissions and real-time updating ensures that the right individuals receive the correct documents at the right time.

"We have had a really fantastic response from our clients to the new products and the enhancements we have made to our service which clearly distinguishes Walkers Corporate Services from the competition," Lewis said. "We are all very excited about the coming year for the business and I am extremely confident that under Lesley’s leadership we will achieve even greater heights."