Shanae Warburton

Attorney-at-Law and CompliCore Jamaica Limited CEO

SO: Was the law always top-of-mind?

SW: Oh no, absolutely not. I wanted to be a neurosurgeon until I met chemistry in third form. Chemistry and mathematics were the banes of my existence! I decided to then try the arts, when I was introduced to and fell in love with law.

SO: Would you say that Jamaicans have a keener awareness of the law of the land?

SW: Yes. Most definitely, Jamaicans today have a keener awareness than days I can remember from some years ago.

SO: Awareness aside, what else can be done to enlighten the average person about their rights?

SW: I will always speak about educational reform. It is, I believe, the key solution to much of the ignorance of our people. There has to be some way we can incorporate our Charter of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms into our high school curriculum, and make it a mandatory course. I am also of the opinion that we must be more intentional about our use of social media. It cannot be just for fun. Social media is the perfect tool to educate citizens of all age groups, backgrounds, and social status in today’s atmosphere.

SO: That said, would you say that today’s lawyer is a lot more challenged than, say, two decades ago?

SW: For sure. In addition to persons not knowing their rights, Artificial Intelligence (AI) did not exist two decades ago, thus, the challenge that we face today regarding AI would not have existed. Many times clients believe they ‘know it all’ simply because of what
ChatGPT would have told them. Persons do not understand that law is part knowing the law, and part strategy. In the words of Barry G, may his soul rest in eternal peace, “For those who think they know but don’t know that they don’t know!”

SO: Moving beyond the law…Which is your favourite parish?

SW: I will say Saint James, not because I am from here, but because I genuinely love this place. Saint James is the perfect balance between city and country. I do not believe any other parish offers that.

SO: Driving to your preferred parish what are you listening to?

SW: “And I’ll testify of the battles You’ve won!!!!!” The Story I’ll Tell by Naomi Raine — and after my worship session, you will hear, “We work so hard, every week, we deserve a paarddyyy!” This song is Pardy by Machel Montano. Gospel and soca are my favourite genres.

SO: Who is your dream dinner guest?

SW: Viola Davis! I would listen to her speak for hours. What a woman! So feminine, so soulful, so unapologetically black. I believe there is so much I can learn from her.

SO: What’s your guilty pleasure?

SW: Binge-watching my shows. If I start an episode today, I will not sleep until the season is done! I will fight the sleep the next day. We will cross that bridge when we get there!

SO: What helps you relax?

SW: The beach — the sound of the waves. I love going to the beach at night when no one is around; the only thing interrupting the silence is the waves crashing against the shore.

SO: What’s a habit that makes your life better?

SW: Planning my weeks. Every Sunday I plan my week, and put it on my white board. I started this in November 2023 when I decided to register my law practice. It has helped tremendously with my anxiety, time management, and my many crash-outs.

SO: What’s the name of the last book read and what was the biggest takeaway?

SW: The last book I read is a book I have read multiple times. The Secret by Rhonda Byrne. My biggest takeaway is to always control my mind because thoughts become things. It helps me to remain positive and consistent.

SO: How would you describe your fashion sense?

SW: Elegant. Sophisticated. Classy, never trashy! I strongly believe that we should dress how we want to be addressed, and looking good makes us feel even better.

SO: Share with us a few wardrobe must-haves.

SW: Every woman must have:

1. A little black dress

2. A pair of pumps

3. An excellent quality handbag or purse

4. Seamless underwear

5. A crisp white button-down top

6. A well-tailored blazer

SO: What are two make-up essentials for you?

SW: 1. Red lipstick

2. Eyebrow pencil

SO: What’s your summer travel itinerary looking like?

SW: I am not so sure yet. It is a little too soon for me to plan! I am definitely not a planner.

SO: What’s your go-to Appleton cocktail?

SW: A good Mai-Tai does the job every time. But today, I’m having an Appleton 12 Tropical Bliss.

SO: Finally, what’s your personal philosophy?

SW: There are two Bible verses that keep me grounded:

1. For to whom much is given, much is expected. Luke 12:48 2. For I know the plans I have for you — plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

Round Hill Hotel and Villas bartender Henrique Gayle presents the Appleton 12 Tropical Bliss: Ingredients: 1 oz Appleton 12 1/2 oz St Germain 4oz pineapple juice 1/2 oz lime juice Dash of red grenadine Garnish with pineapple and cherry (Photo: Aceion Cunningham)

Attorney-at-law Shanae Warburton relaxes at the Ralph Lauren Polo Bar at Round Hill all set to enjoy an Appleton 12 Tropical Bliss. (Photo: Aceion Cunningham)

Shanae Warburton’s dream dinner guest? Academy Award-winning actress Viola Davis.

Among Shanae Warburton’s most cherished reads is The Secret by Rhonda Byrne.