Hon. Cleone T. Stapleton-Simmonds
Position: Founder and Principal
Honourable Cleone T. Stapleton-Simmonds is the Principal of CTS-Simmonds Legal Chambers. Cleone obtained a Bachelor of Law with Business Studies Honours Degree (Upper Second Class) from the Birmingham City University in England UK in 2010, and a Legal Education Certificate from the Hugh Wooding Law School, Trinidad in 2013. She is also an ACAMS Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist. Cleone has almost a decade of experience in the legal profession and was called to the Bar of St. Kitts and Nevis in 2015.
Prior to establishing CTS-Simmonds Legal Chambers, Cleone worked in the Civil Service first as law teacher at the Nevis Sixth Form College where she introduced the CAPE Law curriculum to Nevisian students in 2011. Cleone also served as a Legal Counsel in the Legal Department of the Nevis Island Administration.
Cleone also has a distinguished career in banking. She served in the roles of Assistant Compliance Officer for the Bank of Nevis Limited (BON) and Vice President of Compliance for the Bank of New Innovation (BONI) (previously the Bank of Nevis International Limited) respectively, during the period of 2019 to 2024.
Her extensive experience includes working with financial entities such as indigenous banks and credit unions, small to medium size businesses, real estate companies, regulators, non-profit organisations and charities. Cleone has assisted numerous local companies by providing legal advice on asset protection, strategic planning and operational management to improve business efficacy and increased profits. She has also registered and provided advice and support to local and international start-up businesses.
Cleone’s keen attention to detail, optimism, open and honest communication, passion for hard work and managerial experience has earned her a respectable reputation in the legal field. She is deadline-driven, self-motivated and an independent and critical thinker. Her professional and academic background have enabled her to harness key leadership and analytical skills which have proven to be valuable to her clients. Her pleasant personality, charisma, compassionate and easy-going nature has earned the respect and loyalty of her clients, peers and the wider community.
Cleone’s professional memberships and educational credentials include:
- Appointed Notary Public in 2024
- Appointed Justice of the Peace in 2022
- Elected Representative in the Nevis Island Assembly
- Practicing Member of the St. Kitts and Nevis Bar
- Certified Anti-money Laundering Specialist (CAMS), Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists
- Associate Member of the International Compliance Association (ICA)
- Member of Caribbean Women in Leadership (CIWIL)
Cleone’s professional experience, educational history, professionalism and strong work ethics have resulted in her ability to astutely serve and build lasting relationships with her clients, thereby assisting them in creating value for today and tomorrow.