... bringing you the latest news, views and information from The Law Society of Jersey.

Latest news includes details of Mr Matthew Jowitt KC's forthcoming swearing-in as Attorney General.

Law Society news includes notice of the 2026 Law Society AGM and the final reminder of the Annual CPD Certification Requirements which were due by 31 January and which, in a significant number of cases, remain outstanding.

Courts news includes updates on the courts' listings system and a reminder to all practitioners about the Case Centre bundling service and practitioners' filing obligations. There is notice of a vacancy for the role of Assistant Judicial Greffier.

Further reminders relating to important dates for members' diaries, members' and firms' obligations for updating the Law Society, and a number of other court-related, government and regulatory announcements are also included, along with wellbeing, education (which includes a notification of the forthcoming advocacy course) and employment updates.

Jersey's Solicitor General Matthew Jowitt KC will be sworn in as His Majesty’s Attorney General on Monday 2 March 2026 at 11:30am.

Members of the legal profession will be allocated tickets in due course. Practitioners are reminded that they will have to be seated by 11:00am.

Entry to the Royal Court without a ticket will not be permitted under any circumstances.

The Comptroller has become aware that the professional service firms in Jersey have experienced a significant increase in requests for advice and support from multinational groups around the new Multinational Corporate Income Tax (‘MCIT’). In particular there is a spike in the need to complete AML and KYC processes before onboarding, which is leading to a backlog and unforeseen delays.

In view of these exceptional circumstances the Comptroller is, in practice, extending the MCIT registration deadline to 28 February 2026. The Comptroller also confirms that if there are additional problems he is prepared to consider later submissions on a case-by-case basis.

On or before 31 January 2026, each ordinary member of The Law Society of Jersey should have filed a written confirmation, either personally or as part of a group return submitted on their behalf by the individual’s firm, stating that he or she has completed the CPD Requirement for 2025 (or is a newly qualified Jersey Advocate or Solicitor). Full or partial exemptions which have been applied for and granted must be noted on the confirmation letter.

Regrettably, a significant number of members of the profession have yet to file their confirmations, in breach of their obligations under Rule 7.7. of the Code of Conduct, and are being contacted appropriately.

It is the responsibility of the individual member to ensure that a CPD confirmation has been filed on his or her behalf. CPD confirmations should be sent to the Operations Manager, The Law Society of Jersey, PO Box 493, St Helier, Jersey or by email to manager@jerseylawsociety.je.

Any questions in relation to CPD should be directed to Jonathan Bale on 01534 613950 or at manager@jerseylawsociety.je.

Revised guidance in relation to members' Continuing Professional Development obligations has been approved by the Law Society.

The purpose of continuing professional development (“CPD”) is to allow members to continue to develop and enhance their legal knowledge to the degree expected of a professional.

Pursuant to Rule 7.7 of the Code of Conduct, all Jersey qualified advocates and écrivains are required to undertake 15 hours of CPD per calendar year (the “CPD Requirement”). Additional guidance to Rule 7 is set out in paragraphs G.7.17 and G7.18 of the Code of Conduct.

Revised further guidance is now set out in Guidance Note GN05: Continuing Professional Development - Eligible Activities (“GN05”) and Guidance Note GN06: Continuing Professional Development - Waivers and Sanctions ("GN06"), which are intended to provide further information and guidance to members in respect of the CPD Requirement.

The CPD Requirement remains at 15 hours per annum in total.

However, a number of changes have been made to the CPD Requirement with effect from 1 January 2026:

• Private Study is no longer an eligible activity;
• A maximum amount of five (5) hours in any one CPD year can be claimed for preparation for the delivery of any presentation on a topic relevant to the practice of Jersey law;
• A maximum amount of five (5) hours in any one CPD year can be claimed for attendance at in-house meetings (which will only themselves be relevant if in the form of a seminar or other discussion of points of Jersey law, and then only for the relevant time of such seminar or discussion).

Members are advised to review the guidance regarding the CPD Requirement, which came into effect from 1 January 2026.

To view/download the revised Guidance Notes, please click :

Guidance Note GN05 - CPD Eligible Activities

Guidance Note GN06 - CPD Waivers and Sanctions

To view / download the revised CPD recording template forms, please click :

CPD Record template (Excel) (preferred)

CPD Record template (Word)

Any queries should be sent directly to Jonathan Bale, Operations Manager, at manager@jerseylawsociety.je.

As members and firms will be aware, Law Society Subscriptions for Ordinary Members are now payable in two instalments.

Invoices for the first instalment for 2026, comprising 50% of the previous year's subscription rate, have now been issued to firms and, where applicable, individuals.

[See 'Law Society Membership - Updating Your Details' below]

Members (and firms) are reminded that subscriptions are payable on demand.  Prompt payment is requested.

The second instalment, representing the balance of the Ordinary Member subscription (as agreed at the 2026 Law Society AGM), will be invoiced in early July.

Any levies (e.g. Client Protection Fund) will be collected with the second instalment or subsequently as appropriate.

Subscription requests for Non Practising Members will be issued in the first week in March 2026.

Please note that subscriptions are subject to GST.  GST is not payable on any specific purpose levies which are raised.

Any queries in relation to subscriptions should be directed to the Accounts Department on 01534 613909 or by email at accounts@jerseylawsociety.je.

The Jersey International Child Law Conference is taking place on Friday 13th March 2026 from 9.30am to 5.30pm at The Radisson Blu Waterfront Hotel, St Helier.

This will be a child law conference covering both private and public law and the theme is “Modern Families”. The
programme will include sessions in respect of parentage, assisted reproduction, surrogacy, adoption, LGBT families
and recent changes in the law in Jersey and internationally.

We are very pleased that Mrs Justice Theis will be our
keynote speaker and the event will be chaired by HHJ Wildblood.

Further details can be downloaded here, and the booking form can be downloaded here.

Law firms operating as LLPs which have been recognised by the Law Society of Jersey as Legal Services Bodies ("LSBs") are reminded that any changes in the membership of the Legal Services Body must be advised to the Law Society in advance of the effective date of such changes.

Click Update to download the Legal Services Body Update Form.

Any queries in relation to LSBs, including in relation to potential new applications, should be directed to Jonathan Bale on 01534 613950 or email manager@jerseylawsociety.je.

Firms are reminded that any changes to their:

• practice address
• website address
• primary contact telephone number or
• email address for general enquiries

must be advised in advance of the effective date to the Law Society.

Notification of changes should be sent to Jonathan Bale on email manager@jerseylawsociety.je.

Where firms maintain a PO Box or JE1 address which does not include a physical office address, firms must provide the Law Society and the Court with a physical address for service purposes.

Key contact changes should also be advised by firms to the Legal Aid Office (email@legalaid.je) and to the Court (d.ozouf@courts.je).

Members are reminded that it is their personal responsibility to update the Law Society in respect of:

• change of firms
• change of circumstances
• change of contact details

Members are reminded of the importance of advising the Society of any changes in circumstances or firms.

Notification MUST be provided, in all cases, in advance of the effective date of the change.

All proposed changes must be advised by completion and submission of the Membership Update Form.

Click Update to download the Membership Update Form.

Completed Membership Update Forms must be sent to Jonathan Bale, Operations Manager at the Law Society at PO Box 493, St Helier, Jersey, JE4 5SZ, or by email at manager@jerseylawsociety.je.

No action will be taken in respect of any request until receipt by the Law Society of the Membership Update Form.

Members are reminded that any changes also need to be advised to the Judicial Greffe (to update the Court's records) so that they do not miss out on any important communications. Updates should be sent to Darrell Ozouf at d.ozouf@courts.je.

The Legal Aid Office should also be advised of any changes in personal details or circumstances. Details should be advised to email@legalaid.je.

Court users are reminded that a revised process has been implemented, on a trial basis, to streamline requests for Court Dates and Date-Fix Appointments.

The goal is to have one clear point of contact to enable court dates and date-fix appointments to be provided efficiently and in a timely manner, as well as to reduce unnecessary and repeated correspondence.

Further procedural enhancements, including a process to manage the volume of case correspondence being sent to the Court, will be introduced as soon as practicable.

The revised Court Listings Process is as follows:

How to Request a Court Date or Date-Fix Appointment

Email: datefix@courts.je

Subject line: Start with the case name (e.g., AG v Joe Bloggs), followed by “Court Date Request” or “Date-Fix Appointment”.

Copy all parties into the email.

Include in the email body:

• Parties’ names and contact details
• Availability (Teams or phone)
• Number of days required (agreed by parties before an  appointment)
• Who is filing the originating document (e.g., summons- Judge/Jurats requirement
• Any queries needing judicial input
• Dates parties are unavailable

Key Rules

Do not send other correspondence to this email.

No attachments except an Act of Court or Summons (copy relevant info into the email body).

Monitoring hours: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (weekdays only).

Urgent requests: If a date is needed within 5 working days, mark the email URGENT.

Matters arising during a trial requiring the court to sit early: correspondence should continue to be sent to the Bailiff’s Judicial Secretary.

Response time: Usually within 7 working days.

Follow-ups: Send by same email only, no phone calls.

After a date is offered: Parties must agree and send one consolidated response to confirm or request alternatives. If the latest date is selected an explanation must be given. Do not include Bailiff’s Chambers in further discussions.

The revised Court Date and Date Fix Process came into effect on Monday 15 December 2025.

Click Court Listings to view/download the revised process.

Practitioners are reminded that Case Centre Bundling Service is purely for the uploading of court bundles in advance of scheduled hearings before the Royal Court.  The uploading of a court bundle to Case Centre does not constitute ‘filing’ of pleadings/affidavits/draft orders etc with the Judicial Greffe.  To comply with ‘filing’ obligations, practitioners must ensure that they send all such documents to JGRCourtDocuments@courts.je.

Do not send emails filing documents to any other address in the court service.

Samedi Court - Ex parte Representations and Tabling
Ex-Parte Representations (clearly marked as “Ex-Parte Representation” or “Representation”) must be filed at JGRCourtDocuments@courts.je by no later than 5:00 pm on Tuesday of the week they are to be heard by the Samedi Court. 

Further, 3 hard-copy bundles (where 50 pages or less) must be filed with the Bailiff’s Chambers for the attention of the Court.  Bundles consisting of 50 pages or more must be uploaded onto Caselines by liaising with JGR Case Lines (JGRCaseLines@courts.je).

The original Representation with a payment receipt attached should be filed with the Judicial Greffe for the attention of the Samedi Section. Information regarding the payment of court fees can be found here Court fees - Courts.je.

If an ex-parte Representation is filed after 5:00 pm Tuesday, subject to the sitting Judge’s view, the application will be deferred to the next sitting of the Samedi Court.  Please note that details of Ex-Parte Representations are not published on Court listings - Courts.je.

All applications for inclusion on the Table must be filed at the Judicial Greffe reception by no later than 12:00 pm on Thursday of the week they to be heard by the Samedi Court.  A hard copy of each application with a payment receipt attached should be filed. All applications must be marked for the attention of the Samedi Section. 

Please note that all matters on the Table will be listed on Court listings - Courts.je - “Forthcoming” (no later than 3:00 pm on Thursday) and “Results” (no later than12:00 pm the following Monday) sections.

Counsel should ensure that they bring 3 copies of the Tabled application to the Samedi Court for the presiding Judge and Jurats.

We know that parenting after separation can feel overwhelming at times.

That’s why the Children and Families Hub have teamed up with the Jersey Family Court Advisory Service (JFCAS) to offer free, confidential one-to-one appointments for parents and carers.

What JFCAS can do:

• Listen and talk through the challenges of co-parenting
• Share options to help you move forward as a separated family
• Offer advice on creating safe, child-focused arrangements
• Explain how children’s needs are considered in Family Court proceedings

What JFCAS can’t do:

• Provide legal advice
• Take on casework outside of Family Court
• Make decisions for you - but they will help you explore your choices.
• These sessions are a chance to get clear, independent advice to help you make the best decisions for your children and your family.

To book 1:1 sessions, which take place on the last Friday of each month, go to Eventbrite.

Practitioners will find the latest news and events published by the Jersey Financial Services Commission here.

The Jersey Data Protection Authority (JDPA) has launched a public consultation on proposed changes to its registration fee structure.

The current fee model has remained unchanged since January 2020. To ensure a fair, affordable, risk based and sustainable approach that supports Jersey’s continued compliance and competitiveness, the JDPA is proposing several updates. These changes are designed to reflect the evolving regulatory landscape, maintain Jersey’s EU “adequacy” status, and ensure the Authority can continue to deliver effective, independent oversight.

Paul Vane, Information Commissioner, is urging everyone to take part in the consultation. Most Island businesses rely on the secure and uninterrupted flow of personal data between Jersey and the EEA - something made possible by Jersey’s adequacy decision.

Under the new proposals, the JDPA aims to:
• address the gap between public and private sector fees
• offset the RPI increases since the last review
• create a sustainable funding model for JDPA’s regulatory work
• streamline fee-setting to cut costs for the public

Here’s what’s on the table:
• 50% annual fee reduction for organisations with fewer than 50 full-time employees (FTEs)
• an increased charge for larger entities with more than 50 FTEs
• a new band based on past-year revenues
• revised fees for administered entities

How to respond:

Online: complete the survey
Email: consultation@jerseyoic.org
Post: Jersey Office of the Information Commissioner, 5 Castle Street, St Helier, Jersey JE2 3BT

Deadline for responses: Friday, 20 February 2026

The consultation paper is available to read in full on JOIC's website.

Practitioners are advised that the Licensing Assembly will meet in ordinary session on :

📅 Thursday 19 March 2026 at 10.00am

📅 Thursday 18 June 2026 at 10.00am

📅 Thursday 24 September 2026 at 10.00am

📅 Thursday 17 December 2026 at 10.00am

for the purpose of considering applications under the Licensing (Jersey) Law 1974.

Advance notice is given that next year's Assise d’Héritage will be held on Friday 18 September 2026.

As advocates will be expected to renew their oath at the Assise d’Héritage, they are respectfully requested to 'save the date'.

The Law Society's Annual Dinner which celebrates the Opening of the Legal Year will again be held on the same day as the Assise d’Héritage, on Friday 18 September 2026.

The dinner will again be held at L'Horizon Hotel, St Brelade.

Members are requested to 'save the date'.

The next Jersey Advocacy training course will be held on Thursday 11th and Friday 12th June 2026.

A letter will shortly be going out from the Deputy Bailiff to all newly qualified advocates and to those who have qualified during the last five years who have not yet attended this important training. A letter will also be sent to all Senior Partners.

To secure places please reply as soon as possible.

The training will be held at the Hotel de France.

The Iod Jersey had an incredible 140 students apply for the Future Leaders Scheme, and to give as many students as possible this opportunity, we’re looking for directors/senior leaders to host a student for 3–5 days this summer.  We have had over 30 students ask for a placement at a law firm.

It’s a short commitment that delivers real value and previous leaders tell us they get as much out of it as the students. The shadowing takes place during the summer (July and August usually) at a suitable time determined between the student and the senior leader, between 3 - 5 days. 

The aim is for the student to experience what a role at that level of seniority is like.  It is not like Project Trident where you must occupy the student with tasks and projects over two weeks.  Instead, this Year 12 student will accompany and follow you as you conduct your daily tasks, attend meetings and ultimately observe how you operate and the types of decisions you make daily. 

Benefits include:

• A fresh perspective on your department
• A chance to inspire the next generation
• Great visibility for your team
• A positive contribution to Jersey’s talent pipeline
• A genuinely rewarding experience (many leaders stay connected afterwards)

If you can support a student, please email student.ambassador.jersey@IoD.com or apply directly here

Let’s give as many of these brilliant young people as possible the chance to see leadership up close.

The 2026 IBA Annual Conference will take place in Copenhagen, Denmark on 4 - 9 October 2026.

What will IBA 2026 offer you?

• Access 5,000+ attendees representing over 2,700 law firms, corporations, governments and regulators from more than 130 jurisdictions
• Opportunities to win more work and referrals at the world’s best networking and business development event for lawyers and law firms
• Save time and money by meeting all your legal contacts under one roof
• Hear from leading international figures, government officials, general counsel and experts from across all practice areas and continents
• Expand your professional network and meet legal professionals and practitioners from around the world
• Participate in sessions that offer practical strategies and tools to apply directly to your practice

Further details can be found here.

The Assistant Judicial Greffier of the Royal Court and Court of Appeal plays a pivotal role in delivering effective and efficient justice to the Island.  Reporting directly to the Judicial Greffier the post-holder is a key member of the Judicial Greffe's Leadership Team and leads the Samedi division of the Royal Court.

This is a broad-banded role (Grade 13 - 14) dependent on the level of knowledge and directly relevant experience.

For an informal chat about this role please contact  Stephanie Peat on this email S.Peat@courts.je

Please find a full job description here.

Please find the full competencies required for the role here.

The Channel Islands Financial Ombudsman is seeking a Jersey-based non-executive director to take up the role from March 2026.

An information pack with full details, and how to apply, can be found here.

The closing date for applications is 16 February 2026.

Applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds and/or disabilities are welcomed.

Are you looking for that next job on the legal career ladder?

Click Legal Vacancies to see the latest job adverts.

Individuals who are looking for that next Legal career move can also register to receive details of the latest vacancies as soon as they become available. Go to the Legal Vacancies page and click on the 'Subscribe' button under the heading "Subscribe to job alerts" and follow the instructions.

If your firm wishes to advertise any vacancies, please send the following information to Jonathan Bale at manager@jerseylawsociety.je:

• the job or role title - with a brief description of the role
• the term - whether Full Time / Part Time / Contract
• a job description (if available)
• details of the remuneration package (or indicate as Negotiable or Market Rate)
• when the role is available from
• how to apply
• the name and contact details for a contact point for condidates to request further details
• the closing date for applications (if any)

Please include a small image file of the firm's latest logo in the email.

Advertising of vacancies for law firms is currently free of charge.

To discuss any aspect of advertising your vacancy, please call Jonathan Bale on 01534 613950.

Should you wish to submit anything for publication in the Law Society's Directions newsletter, please write in the first instance to Jonathan Bale at manager@jerseylawsociety.je.

Details of forthcoming events which are relevant to the legal profession should be sent to Jonathan Bale at manager@jerseylawsociety.je.

Directions is published fortnightly on a Friday, with a copy deadline of the preceding Wednesday.