By Val Matthias. Updated 7:30 a.m., Friday, November 6, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).
After nearly a decade in private practice and a period in government, former Foreign Affairs Minister and opposition Senator Keisal Peters is returning to the legal profession with the establishment of Peters Law Firm, bringing with her 15 years of experience at the Bar and a desire to mentor the next generation of attorneys.
For Keisal Peters, the opening of her own law firm represents more than a return to the courtroom. It marks a new chapter in a legal career shaped by professional mentorship, an unexpected specialisation in family law and a journey through the highest levels of public service.
The former Minister of Foreign Affairs and opposition Senator has established Peters Law Firm after stepping away from private practice to serve in government, bringing to the venture experience gained over almost a decade as a practising attorney before her political appointment.
Speaking to One News St. Vincent on November 5, Peters reflected on the journey that brought her to this point, including the lawyers who helped shape her professional development, the cases that influenced her practice and her ambitions for the new firm.
Her interest in law initially centred on criminal prosecution. Peters said she had always imagined herself working on the prosecution side and maintained that interest throughout her university studies and professional legal training.
But her career took an unexpected direction when she began practising.
Although family law was not initially an area in which she envisioned building her career, she found herself increasingly handling cases involving family disputes, domestic violence, child abuse and child neglect.
What began as an area of law she had studied as part of her professional training gradually became one of her principal areas of practice.
Peters said the experience exposed her to the many social problems that can exist beneath what might initially appear to be straightforward legal disputes.
During her first decade in practice, she represented individuals affected by domestic violence and families dealing with cases of child abuse and neglect, including matters in which other family members sought legal intervention on behalf of children.
She said the experience allowed her to make an impact on people facing difficult circumstances and gave her an appreciation of the wider social issues that often accompany legal problems.
That understanding, she believes, has become even more valuable through her subsequent experience in government.
Peters said that while serving in public office, she continued to encounter situations in which social difficulties had underlying legal dimensions. She believes that being able to recognise both aspects can be useful in advising and representing clients.
Her professional foundation, however, was laid years before her entry into politics.
In 2009, while pursuing her legal education, Peters sought practical experience during a university break and approached several law chambers. Elizabeth Law Chambers, headed by senior counsel Stanley Stalky John, offered her an opportunity.
She subsequently completed a summer internship at the chambers, returned for the in-service training required during her legal studies and, after completing law school, began practising there.
Peters spent almost a decade at Elizabeth Law Chambers, working alongside John and his son, Akin John, whom she identified as senior lawyers who contributed to her professional development.
The experience exposed her to different areas of law, including corporate and insurance matters, broadening her knowledge and experience as a young advocate.
She recently celebrated 15 years at the Bar, a milestone that coincides with her decision to establish an independent legal practice.
Her entry into politics, however, required her to put her legal practice on hold.
In November 2020, Peters entered government as a senator and Minister of State with responsibility for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade. She subsequently became Minister of Foreign Affairs in August 2022, making history as the first woman to hold the position in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
During her time as a government minister, she was unable to practise as an attorney.
That period away from the courtroom did not, however, diminish her connection to the profession. Now that she has returned to private practice, Peters sees an opportunity to combine her legal experience with a broader understanding of the social and institutional issues affecting people.
For now, Peters Law Firm is operating as a sole practice, but she has plans to expand and bring other attorneys on board.
And while building a successful practice is an important part of the undertaking, Peters also wants the firm to become a place where younger lawyers can develop professionally.
She spoke warmly about her experience mentoring law students who came to Elizabeth Law Chambers to complete their in-service training, describing the opportunity to guide them through the practical demands of the profession as a source of personal satisfaction.
She also shared a more personal example of that commitment through her niece, whom she encouraged to pursue a legal career.
She said she looks forward to having other lawyers practising alongside her and eventually building what she described as a formidable legal team.
Her original interest in criminal law has also not disappeared. Peters indicated that she remains interested in criminal practice, particularly prosecution.
Her return to the profession also raises questions about balancing legal representation with her continued involvement in politics, especially when attorneys are called upon to handle matters that may attract strong public reactions.
Asked how she would approach representing someone in a case that might be unpopular with the public, Peters said lawyers have the right to decide which matters they wish to undertake.
She explained that if a case conflicted with her personal convictions, it was one she would not participate in.
For now, however, the immediate focus is on establishing Peters Law Firm and developing a practice that reflects the experience she has accumulated since entering the profession.
From her early days seeking an opportunity to learn at Elizabeth Law Chambers, to representing families, serving in Cabinet and returning to private practice, Peters’ legal journey has come full circle.
But this time, rather than working within another attorney’s chambers, she is building one of her own.
END
About the Author: This story was written and submitted by freelance journalist Mr. Val Matthias, a trained communicator with more than two decades in the media sector. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Media and Communication (UWI Mona), a Master of Science in Tourism and Hospitality Management (UWI Cave Hill), a Certificate in Digital Marketing, and has years of broadcast journalism experience rising to ranks of a programme manager. All supporting materials for this story have been presented, vetted, and verified. Mr Matthias can be reached at [email protected]
