Our Story
Excellence with empathy - built by women who lead with strength.
Founded by attorneys Caroline P. Hay, K.C. and Kimberley P. McDowell, HayMcDowell is a female-led Jamaican law firm with offices in Kingston and Montego Bay.
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We are built on a shared belief - that clients deserve excellent legal advice along with understanding, transparency and a process that restores trust in the profession.
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In everything we do, our approach remains consistent:
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| Professional in delivery. Human in experience.
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Every matter receives the attention of a competent Attorney, supported by a dedicated legal team that manages your case with precision, care and respect.
Our Partners
Kimberley P. McDowell
Managing Partner
Montego Bay Office - Property & Civil Practice
Kimberley McDowell brings over a decade of expertise in property and civil law, guiding local and international clients through real estate transactions and litigation with clarity and care.
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Her practice focuses on Real Estate, Probate, and Commercial Litigation, and she’s particularly trusted by Jamaican diaspora clients who require efficiency, transparency, and seamless communication from abroad.
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Kim is a CIPP/E-accredited attorney (International Association of Privacy Professionals), a 3rd-Degree Black Belt in Taekwondo, and an advocate for discipline and diligence - in life and in law.
Why Clients Choose Kim:
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Efficient, client-focused, and trustworthy.
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Exceptional clarity and follow-through in every matter.
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Deep understanding of local and international property law.
Qualifications:
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B.Sc. (Hons) International Relations, UWI
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LL.B. (Hons), University of London
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CLE, Norman Manley Law School
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CIPP/E Certified
Our Partners
Caroline Patricia Hay, K.C.
Kingston Office - Litigation & Compliance
A King’s Counsel with over 31 years of practice, Caroline P. Hay K.C. is recognized in complex litigation and has a reputation for professional excellence and client care.
Her career spans both public service and private practice - from her time as a financial crimes investigative Attorney to Senior Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions in the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions to her current work in Commercial and Civil Litigation, Consultancies and AML/CFT Compliance.
​Caroline is also a Prosecutor by fiat of the DPP, offering legal support in complex fraud investigations, prosecutions, asset recovery and international assistance in criminal matters.
She is King’s Counsel, a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, a Notary Public, and a Certified Mediator. She has represented Jamaica internationally through her work with the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). She is a wife and mother.
Why Clients Choose Caroline:
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Strategic thinker and courtroom advocate.
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Known for precision, composure, and integrity.
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Brings clarity and confidence to high-stakes matters.
Qualifications:
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King's Counsel (K.C.) (2018)
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LL.B. (Hons), UWI
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CLE, Norman Manley Law School
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Admitted to the Bars of Jamaica (1994) and Guyana (1995)
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Fellow Institute of Arbitrators (2019)
Our Associate Attorney
Zurie Orlando Johnson
Defamation, Contentious Probate, Proceeds of Crime
Zurie is known for his thoroughness, discipline, and heart for service. With a background in both Law and Media & Communication, Zurie’s approach blends clarity in explanation with precision in execution.
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He is a Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS) and currently serves as President of the Kiwanis Club of Kingston.
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His practice areas include Defamation, Contentious Probate, Commercial Law, Civil Litigation and Sports Arbitration but is generally mixed.
Why Clients Choose Zurie:
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Communicative and grounded in service.
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Excellent attention to detail in sensitive legal processes.
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Brings both professionalism and empathy to every client interaction.
Qualifications:
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B.A. (Hons) Media & Communication, UWI
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LL.B. (Hons), UWI
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CLE, Norman Manley Law School
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Certified AML Specialist (CAMS)
Our Approach
The HayMcDowell Way
We believe every client should feel both represented and respected. That means direct communication, clear timelines, and honest advice - even when the truth is difficult.
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Our team structure ensures every matter is handled by more than one set of eyes - from attorneys to clerks, secretaries, and administrative staff - ensuring consistency and care from start to finish.
Our Commitment:
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Every client receives clear next steps.
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Every matter is handled with integrity and confidentiality.
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Every experience reflects the competence and professionalism of our firm.
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| We can’t promise the outcome, but we can promise the process.​
Our Team In Action
Real people. Real results.
From reception to resolution, our support staff, clerks, and attorneys work in sync to keep your matter moving.
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| Our clients are not just files to us.
We know that behind every case file is a person who deserves attention and assurance.
That’s why we operate as one - a firm defined not by hierarchy, but by shared excellence.
