Andrea Christian LLM Maritime Law, 2009

Attorney - Sole Practitioner (Maritime, Family and Employment Law)

Hi, I'm Andrea Christian and I studied LLM Maritime Law within Southampton Law School at the University of Southampton.

The highlights of my time in Southampton included the warm, generous people my six year old son and I met and are still in contact with today.

While studying for my first law degree at home, I worked with the Maritime Authority of the Cayman Islands (MACI), where I developed a great interest in maritime law. The MACI offered scholarships for all areas of maritime studies and I successfully obtained one so I could continue my studies abroad. English friends and colleagues recommended the University of Southampton and the city seemed ideal as a place to study. I observed there is also a Cayman Islands Shipping Registry in Southampton.

The highlights of my time in Southampton included the warm, generous people my six year old son and I met and are still in contact with today. I enjoyed living and studying in a city with such a rich maritime history, the port which the Titanic left on its first and final fatal voyage. Of course, I also appreciated the opportunity to increase my knowledge of maritime law. After graduation in Southampton, I commenced my legal training. The period of articles ended in March and I am currently awaiting my call to the Cayman Islands Bar.

As I have always been interested in the political process and the impact on individuals' personal choices, especially regarding employment and education opportunities and human rights issues, I was encouraged to accept a nomination for the position of Member of the Legislative Assembly, one of the three arms of government and constitutionally responsible for making laws for the peace, order and good governance of the Cayman Islands.

I am proud that I am the first Caymanian to obtain a degree in maritime law, especially as I come from a seafaring community and appreciate the laws that may have even had an impact on my grandfather, uncles and other relatives, whose employment on ships and at sea built the social and economic foundation of these islands.