Court of Appeal President Reflects on Legal Career

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – With an impressive legal career under his belt, Court of Appeal President Jon Issacs is set to retire from the bench in January.

Coming from a long line of attorneys, Isaacs says that at an early age, he felt drawn toward the law.

He started as a legal prosecutor in the 1980s at a time when he said courtesies afforded to lawyers were greater when compared to now.

Thirteen years later, he was then asked to serve as chief magistrate with the end goal of serving on the Supreme Court bench.

He shares challenges servicing in the magistracy.

“The most challenging was, in fact, getting magistrates to come to work on time,” he said.

“You might be aware of the reputation of magistrates coming to court late. It’s not always their fault because many times you would see the screaming sirens of the correctional service bus careening through the streets and you recognize that they sometimes come late.”

Isaacs said he was part of the planning and construction of the current Magistrates’ Court Complex on South Street.

After three years as chief magistrate, was appointed to act as a Supreme Court Justice in 200 for two years. He was then confirmed as a supreme court justice, a goal achieved.

Isaacs then elevated to the Court of Appeal and  this year was appointed president of the court of appeal.

To young lawyers, the outgoing court of appeal president said they need to keep their noses to the grindstone.

“As people often say, the law is a jealous mistress, it requires your full attention and devotion,” Isaacs said.