Brenda Brooks

Brenda Brooks is one of Sint Maarten’s most respected and accomplished attorneys, widely recognized for her strategic legal insight, unwavering determination, and relentless pursuit of excellence. Known as a formidable advocate both inside and outside the courtroom, she is frequently sought after by government officials, corporate leaders, law enforcement agencies, businesses, and private individuals to handle complex, high-profile, and sensitive legal matters. Her reputation has been built on consistently delivering practical solutions and exceptional results where others see challenges. Passionate about the law, Brenda firmly believes that serving justice and advocating for others is not merely a profession, but her life’s calling.

A proud daughter of Saint Martin, Brenda was born on the French side of the island and completed her primary and secondary education within the Dutch educational system. After successfully completing her VWO studies in Sint Maarten and Curaçao, she pursued legal studies at the University of Amsterdam in the Netherlands, where she obtained a Master of Laws (LL.M.) degree in Dutch Law, specializing in Criminal Law and International Criminal Law.

During the final phase of her legal education, Brenda completed her internship and worked part-time at Jagtenberg & Jansen Attorneys in Hoofddorp, the Netherlands. There, she assisted in the preparation of the well-known civil inquiry proceedings initiated by a group of taxi drivers against TCA Amsterdam, gaining valuable practical experience in complex civil litigation and legal strategy.

Following the completion of her studies, Brenda joined Snijder Gerechtsdeurwaarders in Beverwijk as a Legal Advisor. Within a year, her exceptional performance and leadership abilities earned her promotion to Coordinator of the Execution Department, where she managed complex enforcement proceedings and coordinated legal execution matters. She remained in that position until deciding to return to Sint Maarten to fulfill her long-held ambition of serving her country.

Returning home was never a difficult decision. Brenda always intended to pursue higher education and acquire professional experience abroad before bringing that knowledge back to Sint Maarten. Deeply committed to her homeland, she believes that the greatest contribution she could make was to place her education, international experience, and legal expertise at the service of her community. This vision ultimately led to the establishment of Brooks & Associates, a law firm dedicated to providing exceptional legal representation founded upon professionalism, integrity, accessibility, and unwavering commitment to its clients.

Throughout her distinguished career, Brenda has served in numerous leadership and governance positions in both the public and private sectors. She has served on the Supervisory Board of NAGICO Insurances, the Supervisory Board of the Bureau Telecommunication and Post Sint Maarten (BTP), the Social Economic Council (SER), the Sports Foundation, the AIDS Foundation, the Appeal Advisory Committee of the Social & Health Insurance (SZV), and as a substitute member of the Appeals Commission for Attorneys-at-Law. These appointments reflect the confidence placed in her legal judgment, governance expertise, and principled leadership.

Brenda is also actively engaged in public leadership and civic development. She currently serves as the President of the Unified Resilient St. Maarten Movement (URSM), a political movement incorporated in October 2021. Since its inception, she has provided strategic leadership with a vision centered on integrity, transparency, accountability, sustainable national development, and good governance. Through her leadership, she continues to advocate for policies that strengthen democratic institutions, promote economic resilience, safeguard the rule of law, and improve the quality of life for the people of Sint Maarten.

Committed to education and the development of future legal professionals, Brenda previously served as a Law Instructor at the University of St. Martin, where she taught Business Law. Throughout her career, she has remained passionate about sharing her knowledge and practical experience with aspiring lawyers and business professionals. In addition to her academic contributions, Brenda has transformed Brooks & Associates into a platform for legal education, mentorship, and professional development, regularly providing internships, practical training, and guidance to aspiring legal students, scholars, and young professionals. She firmly believes that developing the next generation of legal practitioners is both a professional responsibility and an investment in the future of Sint Maarten’s legal system.

Beyond her legal practice, Brenda is deeply passionate about youth development and community service. She regularly visits primary and secondary schools to deliver motivational presentations, inspiring young people to remain committed to their education, strive for excellence, and believe in their ability to achieve their goals. She firmly believes that education is one of the most powerful instruments for transforming lives, strengthening communities, and creating future leaders. Through mentorship, public engagement, and community outreach, she encourages young people to pursue careers grounded in integrity, discipline, and service. In addition to mentoring youth, Brenda actively supports numerous charitable and community organizations through financial contributions and volunteer service, reflecting her enduring commitment to giving back to the people of Sint Maarten.

Today, Brenda Brooks is widely recognized not only as an accomplished attorney, but also as a trusted legal advisor, corporate governance expert, educator, public leader, and advocate for justice. Her extensive experience spans litigation, corporate and commercial law, public and constitutional law, criminal law, administrative law, family law, labor and employment law, immigration law, taxation, corporate governance, and complex regulatory matters. Whether advising governments, multinational corporations, entrepreneurs, or private individuals, she approaches every matter with professionalism, integrity, sound judgment, and an unwavering commitment to achieving the best possible outcome for those she represents.

Her career is defined by a steadfast belief that the practice of law extends beyond legal representation—it is about protecting rights, strengthening institutions, promoting justice, mentoring future generations, and contributing meaningfully to society. This philosophy continues to guide every aspect of her professional and public service.

Brenda is fluent in English, Dutch, French, Spanish, and Papiamento, enabling her to effectively serve a diverse international clientele throughout Sint Maarten, the wider Caribbean, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and beyond.

Ashton Richardson

Since the age of eight, Ashton Paul Richardson has aspired to become a judge and has dedicated his academic and professional career to achieving this goal.

Born and raised in Sint Maarten, Ashton is deeply rooted in his community, having attended public Dutch schools on the island. After completing his secondary education, he pursued an LL.B in HBO-Rechten (English stream) in The Hague, Netherlands, and later earned an LL.M in Global Criminal Law and Organized Crime from the University of Groningen. He graduated with distinction and received honors in Leadership.

During his studies in the Netherlands, Ashton had the opportunity to work with five judges at the Special Tribunal for Lebanon’s Trial Chambers. One judge, of Caribbean descent, played a pivotal role in reinforcing his ambition to serve as a judge in an international criminal court. Following this mentor’s advice, Ashton returned to Sint Maarten to gain domestic legal experience.

Upon returning home, he joined Brooks & Associates as a junior legal professional. However, he encountered an unexpected challenge when the Joint Court of Justice of Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten and BES declined to swear him in as an attorney due to the non-recognition of the courses acquired during bachelor studies. Determined to overcome this obstacle, Ashton enrolled at the University of Curaçao, attending online classes for four years while working full-time.

Throughout his career, Ashton has developed expertise in immigration law, achieving a 97% success rate in immigration cases. His contributions to Sint Maarten include securing precedent setting court judgements in immigration and human rights, contributing to the jurisprudence and opinio juris in the Dutch legal field. Ashton also contributes to Sint Maarten socially by collaborating with the department of Community Development, Family & Humanitarian Affairs (CDFHA), and other similar organisations, in providing immigration information sessions, consultation days for those who have limited access to legal recourse/resources, and provide career guidance to teens and young adults.

After completing the relevant courses at the University of Curaçao, and dedicating years of service to the community of Sint Maarten, Ashton’s perseverance and commitment have finally culminated in his official recognition as a legal professional. On February 14, 2025, Ashton was sworn in as an Attorney-at-law, marking a significant milestone in his journey.

His achievement not only reflects his personal dedication to the legal field but also reinforces his ongoing commitment to making a meaningful impact in his community, both through legal service and social advocacy. With his passion for justice and continued contributions to the legal profession, Ashton’s future as a legal practitioner is sure to be marked by further success and service.