MEET THE TEAM
Murrio D. Ducille, KC
LL.B (hons), LEC, Notary Public
PRINCIPAL AND SENIOR COUNSEL
BIO
Mr. Murrio D. Ducille, Principal and Senior Counsel of Murrio D. Ducille and Co., has since 1984 dedicated his life to the development of this noble profession. Known for being down to earth he remains humble notwithstanding his plethora of great achievements. Completely in line with the philosophy of the practice “no matter is too big or too small” for his full attention, Mr. Ducille always has his client’s best interests at heart. Mr. Ducille’s work ethic is undeniable and he is undoubtedly a combatant for the rights of any person who retains him as their advocate. His practice is considered the top criminal law firm in the Bahamas via which he has worked on many high profile cases gaining local and international recognition. Additionally, he has strengthened the skills of numerous young professionals and budding attorneys some of whom have the privilege of working under him daily and others who have had the honor of shadowing him when able.
Dedicating many years of service to the Attorney General’s Office as a lead Prosecutor thereafter developing the Criminal Defense Bar, he has proven to be an asset and developer of Bahamian Jurisprudence not only as President of the Criminal Bar Association but guest lecturer to Rotarians and the like. Mr. Ducille has also served as a lecturer at the esteemed College of the Bahamas, now University of the Bahamas, for nine (9) years teaching Business Law. He is a mentor to the young and old at the Bahamas Bar. In addition to same he also sits as a Justice in the Honorable Court of Appeal in Belize a few months each year.
Creative – Innovative - Embraces Challenge - are a few words to describe Mr. Ducille.
He is a pillar of wisdom in and out of the Court room and continues to sharpen his skills daily.
Mr. Ducille is also famed for his mantra, “Each day we wake up we walk along a precipice and our greatest obligation is to maintain our balance.”
EDUCATION
United Nations Certificate in International Law;
The Hague Academy of International Law (Holland), 1978
Certificate in Legal Education, Norman Manley Law School, University of the West Indies (Mona, Jamaica), 1975
Bachelor of Laws (Hons.), University of the West Indies, Cave Hill (Barbados, West Indies), 1973
Jamaica Bar, Qualified to practice in the Caribbean, 1975
Bahamas Bar, Member of the Bahamas Bar Association, 1984
Admitted to Dominica Bar, 1993
AREAS OF PRACTICE
Criminal Defense & Litigation
Criminal Law
Judicial Review
Constitutional Law
Employment Law
Dispute Resolution
Taxation
Civil Litigation
Contract Law
Family Law
Krysta A. Mason-Smith
LL.B (hons), BVC, LL.M,
Notary Public
MANAGING PARTNER
BIO
Frequently labeled as ‘underestimated at first sight’ due to her youthful and pleasant demeanor, Miss Mason-Smith continues to earn the respect of her legal fraternity by simply being the formidable version of her usual self in the Court room. She has been labeled a “fighter” and “pitbull” in the liking of her Principal Murrio Ducille, KC and in homage to him, as she is always determined to ensure that no matter the end result, the interests of her clients are not ignored. Clients continue to appreciate her work not only for its high grade but because of her warm personal touch in the process. Her keen eye and care for people from all walks of life has not only built her a strong network of contacts but also underpins her strategic abilities in courtroom and boardroom battles.
A warrior in the legal context, when you retain Miss Mason-Smith you are guaranteed to be positively impacted and appreciate her for all she has to offer. She aims to lead by example constantly being a pillar of creativity and passion when it concerns anything she puts her mind to. She is resilient yet graceful, fun yet professional, humorous yet stern, recognizing that there is a time and place for everything.
Most importantly, she remains humble knowing that she has so much more to learn and experience as she legally matures. Due to her down-to-earth demeanor, most would not know Miss Mason-Smith is an Attorney unless they have had to utilize her services, made a direct inquiry of her about her livelihood or realized they read her name somewhere. She attributes her accomplishments and life’s journey to the works of God Almighty who has blessed her with a plethora of powerful mentors and strong family support. She appreciates her challenges understanding that they only come to sharpen her skills and recreate her.
In a world where people often pay too much attention to someone else’s grass, Miss Mason-Smith maintains that she competes with no-one, only herself, and in that very same vein arrives on any scene prepared to be no-one other than herself even if a noisy marketplace lends some disapproval. She encourages others to do the same and to not only embrace their talents and success but their downfalls and disappointments too as they all work hand-in-hand building strength and character along the way. She adopts the phrase, “You are allowed to be a masterpiece and work-in-progress simultaneously”.
Law aside, she is a lover of music, travel and the arts. Beautiful inside and out, every version of her is truly one of a kind.
“When I look back on my life, I cannot imagine having to be confronted by a blank canvas, riddled with all the good I failed to do and all the help I did not give. My canvas must be filled with color - warm hues and refreshing contrasts.” – Krysta A. Mason-Smith
EDUCATION
AA Law and Criminal Justice Studies (Honors) Degree, College of the Bahamas, 2003
Bachelor of Laws (LL.B Hons.) Degree, University of Manchester, 2006
Bar Vocational Course, BPP Professional Education Law School, 2007
LL.M Intercultural Human Rights, St. Thomas University, 2008
Barrister
Bar of England & Wales
Qualified to practice in the UK and Commonwealth Counties, 2008
Counsel & Attorney-At-Law, Notary Public
Bahamas Bar
Member of the Bahamas Bar Association - qualified to practice in the Bahamas, 2008
INN
The Honorable Society of Lincoln’s Inn (Active)
London, England, UK
AREAS OF PRACTICE
Criminal Defense & Litigation
Criminal Law
Civil Litigation
Judicial Review
Constitutional Law
Human Rights Law
Dispute Resolution
Taxation
Quasi-Civil / Quasi-Criminal Litigation
Employment Law
Contract Law
Family Law
LANGUAGES:
English
Spanish (Intermediate)
Bryan G. Bastian
LL.B (hons), CLE
ASSOCIATE COUNSEL
BIO
Mr. Bryan Bastian is an Associate Counsel in the firm of Murrio D. Ducille & Co.. His main area of practice is Criminal Litigation. Mr. Bastian works closely under his legal mentor Murrio D. Ducille, KC who has since 2011 guided and exposed him to many strategic and ‘high profile’ cases.
His core responsibilities include:
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Reviewing legal matters
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Responding to legal work served upon the chambers
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Evaluation of client sensitive information
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Document verification
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To ensure documents and information provided complies with local laws
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Legal Research
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Authority Preparation
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To attend and monitor client intake interviews
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Trial Preparation aid
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Prosecutions and Client Liaison
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Assisting in Criminal Defense Litigation
Throughout his schooling Mr. Bastian has always maintained a positive disposition and all who had the privilege of becoming acquainted would always describe him as kind, resourceful, industrious, giving, a team player, fun and stylish. Notwithstanding his fun side however he always remained focused on his studies. He made the most of his spare time by not only sharing his Bahamian culture but exposing himself to different cultures by traveling across the UK and participating in intercultural events hosted by his and neighboring Universities. Mr. Bastian is also a proud graduate of the Eugene Dupuch Law School where he successfully obtained his Certificate of Legal Education under some of the best trained and skilled lecturers, most of which have been leaders in shaping Bahamian jurisprudence.
Not only is Mr. Bastian witty, but he is also an ardent advocate for Humanitarian efforts. Upon return to his homeland he became a proud member of the Rotary Club of Old Fort where he has the opportunity to give back to his community through hosting and participating in fundraisers for worthy causes and events which focus on discussions geared toward community development and improvement which are often attended by prominent local leaders. In addition to his active involvement in Rotary, he has also served his church as a member of the St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church Finance Committee and provided his assistance to St. Martin’s Monastery fundraisers whenever needed.
Law aside, Mr. Bastian has another passion which is business. He is a successful businessman where he assists in the management and operation of his family’s local businesses.
He is a firm believer in fairness and equality, living by the notion and colloquial saying ‘What’s good for the goose is good for the gander.’
His famous sayings include, “Let’s go MDC Crew!”, “Thank God it’s Friday!” and “We da best!”
EDUCATION
Associates of Arts Degree in Law and Criminal Justice Studies , College of the Bahamas, 2004
LL.B Degree (with Honors), University of Kent, 2009
Certificate of Legal Education ("CLE"), Eugene Dupuch Law School, 2022
AREAS OF PRACTICE
Criminal Law
Constitutional Law
Employment Law
Dispute Resolution
Contract Law
Business Law
Litigation
Sharese Lightbourne
A.A.
LEGAL SECRETARY AND RECEPTIONIST
BIO
Sharese acts as a liaison within the firm, organizing events as well as company information, ordering and maintaining all office supplies, and handling all contacts with vendors. In addition she directly handles most financial matters such as accounts receivable and accounting.
She provides the attorneys with reliable assistance and serves as a listening ear to our clients. She is the friendly voice that will most likely greet you when you call the law office.
She feels that it is important to continually increase her knowledge, not only in the legal field, but also in other areas that will enhance her ability to serve clients.
Sharese is married and a proud mother of a beautiful daughter. Away from work Sharese enjoys reading novels, traveling and spending quality time with her family.
EDUCATION
Associate Degree in Business Administration and Accounting, City College in Kendall, South Florida
