“Law was not something I’ve always wanted to pursue as a child. There were many various things at various points that I thought I wanted,” newly minted attorney Sarah David-Longe shared.
Newly minted attorney Sarah David-Longe
Raised on Hadfield Street, Wortmanville, Georgetown, David-Longe shared with ThingsGuyana that her formative years were filled with warmth, guidance, and support.
EARLY LIFE AND EDUCATION: A STRONG FOUNDATION
She described her upbringing as a time surrounded by love, laughter, and the unwavering support of her family.
I grew up with both parents, five siblings, and my grandmother (until she passed when I was in grade 4/5) in the household. My parents couldn’t [give] me everything I wanted, but they always [gave] me everything I needed. My home was always full of love and laughter, my parents and siblings shielded me from any semblance of ‘hard times.’
This Georgetown resident attended several schools, including Success Elementary, before heading to Queen’s College for her secondary education.
Despite a deep-rooted focus on academics, she was active in church, sports, dance, and music. David-Longe recalls that these experiences helped her become a well-rounded individual.
After finishing her secondary education, David-Longe, 25, went to the University of Guyana (UG). There, she studied Communication Studies and was even a radio announcer at one point.
However, despite her strong academic background and involvement in various activities, the law did not occur to her until later.
THE SHIFT TOWARDS LAW: A CHANGE IN DIRECTION
Despite her science background and communication experience, David-Longe ultimately found her calling – law.
Sarah, at her bar’s admission
It was her older siblings, Sonnel David-Longe-Patrick and Saevion David-Longe, who inspired her to consider law as a potential path.
Both siblings are established attorneys, and the 25-year-old credits them with giving her a vision for her career.
Once I decided on this path, they gave me something to aspire to.
Another significant influence in her journey was attorney and mentor Sandia Ramnarine, whom she holds in high regard.
Mrs. Sandia Ramnarine has greatly influenced me. She is an attorney, Executive Director, wife, mother, mentor, and so much more. I watched her succeed in her professional and personal life, and that inspired me and took away some of the fear of pursuing such a consuming career.
In addition to real-life role models, this attorney admits that pop culture also influenced her decision to pursue law.
Though very unrealistic, I have to add that I enjoy and am partially influenced by those movies and television shows based on lawyers. They make us out to be superheroes. What they get right, though, is that lawyers wield a great deal of influence and have the ability to change lives, and that’s the part that I’m here for.
Sarah and her brother
LAW SCHOOL CHALLENGES: OVERCOMING FINANCIAL AND ACADEMIC HURDLES
Pursuing law at the Hugh Wooding Law School, presented several challenges for David-Longe, particularly financial ones.
The greatest challenge was financial. Law school tuition fees are not simply attainable for the average Guyanese. Acquiring tuition fees, accommodation, airfare, and maintenance costs for moving to Trinidad for two years seemed like an insurmountable hurdle. However, the support and sacrifice of my family and friends saw me through, and I am forever grateful.
Once she secured the means to attend law school, the academic demands became her next challenge.
Law school itself is a major challenge. I immediately learned that I would have to rework a lot of habits. I was forced to adapt, forced to swim before I drowned. It meant a lot to me that I had family and friends encouraging and praying for me. I often felt like I didn’t have what it takes to come through, but people continued to push and support me. My law school housemates and friends near and far would stay up to study with me. We would motivate each other, work together, and teach each other. I also overcame that hurdle with a lot of prayer, support and sacrifice.
A PASSION FOR FAMILY LAW
Through her studies, David-Longe discovered a particular interest in family law, which she finds both challenging and rewarding.
Most people find it a bit messy, but I have fared well in navigating this area thus far. I think Criminal law is exciting. As a new attorney, though, I am committed to garnering as much knowledge and experience as and wherever I can.
A SURREAL DAY AT THE BAR ADMISSION CEREMONY
This 25-year-old attorney shared that her admission to the local bar was a moment filled with pride, gratitude, and a sense of accomplishment.
It was a bit surreal. There was a calm before a storm of emotions. I remember sitting in Court watching my family and friends come in, physically and online, and I wasn’t feeling much. Everything became real when the Chief Justice walked in. I listened to Mr. Neil Boston, SC, present my petition, and I couldn’t believe he was talking about me. I took the oath, and I felt such relief and joy. The most emotional part was delivering my response and thanking everyone who had supported me. I wrote the speech, but delivered it in the moment, watching the proud faces of my parents, my brother sitting beside me, and my law school friends smiling at me. It was a moment I don’t think I will soon forget. That moment for me meant that I am capable of doing what I say I will do, I am competent, and in the face of difficulties and tough times, with the help of God and the persons who showed up for me that day, I’d be okay and I can do great things.
David-Longe’s petition was presented by Senior Counsel Neil Boston, alongside Carole James-Boston and her brother, Saevion David-Longe.
The Honourable Chief Justice Roxane George heard and granted the petition, who had also presided over her siblings’ bar admission ceremonies.
L-R: Sarah’s brother, Saevion David-Longe, Sarah, the Honourable Chief Justice Roxane George and Senior Counsel Neil Boston.
IMMEDIATE GOALS AND LONG-TERM VISION
According to David-Longe, her immediate goal is to bridge the gap between her experiences as a student and a practising attorney.
I plan to learn as much as I can from those around me, to be teachable and to bridge the gap between being a student attorney and an actual attorney, between mock trials and trials, to move from dipping my toes into the career to being immersed enough to be exceptional at what I do.
Looking ahead, she hopes to make a lasting impact on Guyana’s legal system.
I simply hope to look back on the time that has passed and feel good about it. To feel like I have learned, grown, and served to the best of my ability.
