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

As we move towards the summer recess, this issue includes a reminder about the notice received from the Law Officers' Department regarding the revised approach that they will be taking on seeking costs in criminal cases, both in the Royal Court and the Magistrate's Court, and an indication from the Magistrate putting practitioners on notice that the Magistrate's Court will be expecting counsel to be prepared to address the court on such matters from 1 June.

We also include news of an opportunity to share experiences of the Family Courts in Jersey where allegations of domestic abuse or violence were involved, a reminder of the details of the swearing in of Judge Corinne Searle as a Commissioner of the Royal Court to assist with the Family Court and of this year's Bailiff's Chambers Bar Training. In Regulatory News, there is a brief synopsis of, and links to, the JFSC's published revisions to the AML/CFT/CPF Handbook.

Two new guidance notes for the profession have been issued. Further details can be found below in the Law Society Notices and links will be carried in the Directory section. The first guidance note offers guidance for when members, firms and legal services bodies need to communicate with the Law Society, and the second offers guidance to Non-Practising and Retired members of the Law Society as to what they may or may not do given their retired or non practising status. 

Important dates for members' diaries, reminders of 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 and employment updates.

Members are reminded that the Directory section below contains links to the most up-to-date versions of various guidance notes and forms relevant to the profession. This section will be updated and expanded to reflect and include the latest guidance and form versions, and will also include links to external websites which may be of use to practitioners.

Islanders who have had experience of the Family Courts in Jersey where allegations of domestic abuse or violence were involved are being invited to take part in confidential interviews with an independent reviewer.

Hannah Markham KC has been commissioned to undertake this work as part of Jersey’s ongoing efforts to implement the recommendations of the Taskforce on Violence Against Women and Girls, VAWG. One of the key recommendations is an independent review of the family justice system, focusing on how it responds to cases where allegations of domestic abuse or violence are made.

Individuals who come forward will be invited to attend a private, face-to-face interview in a confidential and appropriate non-Government setting. All information shared will be treated in the strictest confidence.

Hannah Markham KC will be in Jersey to conduct interviews on the following dates:

📅  22 June
📅  24 June
📅  25 June
📅  26 June

Anyone who would like to undertake a confidential interview about their experiences can contact Ms Markham directly, by email on: h.markham@gov.je​.

This work follows the independent review undertaken earlier this year by Eleanor Laws KC, which examined Jersey’s criminal justice system in relation to domestic abuse, rape and sexual assault cases as part of the VAWG programme. A report and recommendations (known as The Laws Review) was published in February this year.

It is anticipated that Ms Markham will publish a report of her findings later this year.

Comment from Hannah Markham KC: “I am keen to hear directly from islanders who have experience of the Family Court system in cases involving domestic abuse. Their insights are invaluable in helping to understand how the system operates in practice and where changes and or improvements may be needed. Their experiences will further inform the work already ongoing and add to the views from professionals working on Island. All contributions will be treated with the utmost confidentiality.”

The Law Officers' Department has requested that we make practitioners aware that they have updated their approach on seeking costs against convicted defendants in criminal cases.

As from 1 June 2026, applications for a contribution towards costs will be applied for against all convicted defendants, in both the Magistrates and Royal Courts, in accordance with the attached document.

The policy includes applying for a contribution to prosecution costs in the Magistrate’s Court following a plea of guilty, in addition to the current practice of applying for costs on conviction after trial. The new policy took effect from 1 June 2026.

The Magistrate has indicated that consideration will be given to issuing an amendment to the current Magistrate's Court Practice Direction to deal with costs in due course. In the meantime, the Magistrate has asked us to notify the profession that counsel must be prepared to address the Magistrate’s Court on costs following a guilty plea, or on conviction after trial and to provide evidence of a defendant’s income.

Judge Corinne Searle will be sworn in as a Commissioner of the Royal Court to assist with the Family Court at 9.45am on Monday 15 June 2026.

The Bâtonnier would greatly appreciate the attendance in Court of a number of family practitioners to welcome Commissioner Searle to her new role.

This year's Bailiff's Chambers Bar Training in Criminal and Family Law will be led by Her Honour Judge Patricia Lees and Her Honour Judge Caroline Wright, both of whom also serve as Commissioners of the Royal Court of Jersey.

This distinguished and highly experienced panel of trainers will be offering training to the judiciary and members of the Bar in relation to topical and current issues in Criminal and Family Law. 

The judiciary and members of the Bar will be trained separately.

Judge Lees is a criminal specialist who both practised at the Bar and now sits on the Bench in the large London Crown Courts.

Judge Wright is a family judge working at the Central Family Court, London, dealing with 12 central London authorities, an average of 750-800 care cases each year.

Seminar Details

Criminal and Family Law Practitioners are requested to hold the dates for these seminars – booking details will be published shortly.

📅 Criminal Law Training  [HHJ Lees] - 15th July 2026

📅 Family Law Training  [HHJ Wright] - 16th July 2026

🕛 Time: 9:15am - 4:30pm

📍 Venue: Jersey Zoo

CPD: 5 hours CPD (per day)

Voting is now open for the 2026 Rising Stars Awards.

Support the industry’s emerging talent by casting your vote today. Don’t miss your chance to recognise the next generation of leaders.

This year's finalists in the Law Category are:  

• Georgina Farley (Baker & Partners)
• Victoria Barclay (Walkers)
• Victoria Ramos (Bedell Cristin)

Voting closes TODAY.

Click here to vote.

Details of the 2026 The Jersey International Family Law Conference and Dinner - sponsored by Corbett Le Quesne - have been announced.

It will take place on Friday 2nd October 2026 at Hotel L’Horizon, St Brelade.

The theme of the conference this year is “Chattels: from the Hamster to the Super Yacht” and the keynote speaker is Sir Andrew McFarlane. 

There will be sessions in respect of the law relating to pets within family law, art, classic cars, super yachts and other chattels which occupy the Family Courts within financial remedy proceedings.

Costs (per person)
• Conference: £125.00
• Dinner: £110.00

Further (updated) details can be found here and the booking form can be downloaded here.

The Law Society has issued guidance to members on when members, firms and legal services bodies need to notify and/or report or communicate to the Law Society, and when.

The Guidance Note is intended to provide information to all members, and all employees of members, for the purposes of satisfying the requirements of the Code of Conduct in respect of matters requiring notification and/or reporting or communication to the Law Society.

The Law Society has issued guidance intended to provide information as what a Non-Practising or Retired Member of the Law Society may or may not do.

The Guidance Note can be found here.

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

The second instalment for 2026, comprising 50% of the year's subscription rate, will be issued by mid-July to firms and, where applicable, individuals.

As subscription invoices are based upon Law Society membership records, any changes in firm or status which have occurred but which have not been notified to the Law Society must be advised no later than 30 June 2026.

[See 'Members - Updating Your Details - Personal Responsibilities' below]

Members are reminded that subscriptions are payable on demand. Prompt payment is requested.

Members are further reminded of the terms of Bye-Law 13 of the Law Society's Bye-Laws, regarding the potential consequences of late payment or failure to pay.

Please note that subscriptions are subject to GST.

Any queries in relation to subscriptions should be directed to the Accounts Department on 613920 or by email accounts@jerseylawsociety.je.

Firms are reminded that their accountant's certificate (under Rule 47) in relation to the operation of their client account must, without exception, be submitted and received by the Law Society no later than six (6) months after their accounting year end.

Click accountant's certificate to download the latest certificate template, and accountant's reporting checklist to download the latest accountant's checklist.

A member's report, under Rule 50.1(a), must also be completed and submitted by the firm within six (6) months of the firm's year end, preferably at the same time as the accountant’s certificate.

Click members' report to download the latest reporting template.

All such returns should be addressed to the Operations Manager and sent to the The Law Society of Jersey, PO Box 493, St Helier, Jersey JE4 5SZ. Any queries in relation to such certifications should be addressed to Jonathan Bale on 01534 613950 or by email.

Where a firm has changed their accountant or the date of its financial year, it is required to inform the Law Society in writing.

For ease of reference, the Accounts Rules can be viewed/downloaded here.

The Jersey Financial Services Commission would very much like to encourage members of the Law Society to join their mid-year update on 23 June 2026 to hear how they are delivering their strategy to support Jersey’s global competitiveness and economic growth.

Building on the launch of their strategy and business plan earlier this year, they will share progress, explain how their supervisory approach is evolving, and explore the role of digital assets in supporting future growth.

You can join them in person or online.

Event Details

📅  Date: 23 June 2026

🕛  Time: 08:30am networking, 09:00am start, 10:30am close

📍  Venue: Royal Yacht, Celestial Hall / online livestream option

Register to attend on Eventbrite.

The JFSC has announced that they are actively seeking to appoint two Commissioners to join their Board. Representing the JFSC across a wide range of stakeholders is a key part of the commissioner role. Strong interpersonal, diplomatic, and influencing skills are essential. Commissioners are expected to engage regularly, both formally and informally, and provide visible leadership in Jersey and internationally. These are high-profile public appointments, and candidates should expect public interest and scrutiny.

Extensive knowledge of Jersey’s financial services and regulatory landscape is critical.

Commissioners exercise powers set out in legislation and are responsible for strategic oversight and direction. Their duties are defined under the Financial Services Commission (Jersey) Law 1998.

Further details are available here.

The JFSC is also recruiting for the role of deputy chair. Prospective candidates may apply for this vacancy, and the additional responsibilities are listed on page 6 of the JFSC's full candidate brief, which can be found here.

Following the JFSC's recent consultations on revisions to the AML/CFT/CPF Handbook, they have published an updated consolidated version of the Handbook, along with the prescribed NPO Handbook. These will be effective from 31 May 2026.

They have also providing advance sight of changes to section 2.6 following amendments to the Money Laundering (Jersey) Order 2008 (MLO), which are due to take effect on 30 June 2026.

What this means for you

These updates:

●  bring together recent changes into one place, including updates on complex structures and criminal background checks

●  improve consistency across the Handbook

●  give you visibility of upcoming changes so you can prepare

●  provide simpler, more accessible guidance for non-profit organisations through the prescribed NPO Handbook

Criminal background checks

The JFSC has also made further updates to the criminal background checks sections, including:

●  COP96 – they now refer to ‘existing principal persons and key persons’ instead of ‘existing licensees’ for consistency

●  COP146 – they have added ‘save for the requirement to carry out criminal record checks’ to align COP145 and COP146 with the requirements for criminal background checks in section 10.6

●  Section 15, paragraph 9 – they have removed references to Deputy MLRO and Deputy MLCO

These changes reflect feedback they have received and help ensure that the criminal background checks rules are consistently applied.

Links to updated documents

●  consolidated AML/CFT/CPF Handbook

●  prescribed NPO Handbook

Upcoming MLCO changes

Following amendments to the MLO on 17 April 2026, the JFSC has updated the MLCO section of the Handbook.

These will take effect on 30 June 2026, in line with the effective date of the MLO changes. They will update the live version of the Handbook on this date.

To help you prepare, the JFSC has published a tracked changes version of section 2.6.

●  draft section 2.6 - AML/CFT/CPF Handbook

Further upcoming changes

There are additional changes to the MLO that are not yet reflected in the Handbook.

These include:

●  the introduction of a risk-based approach to appointing an MLCO - firms will not be able to use this until the Handbook is updated on 31 October 2026

●  changes to the Reliance framework - although already reflected in the Order, these will also take effect from 31 October 2026

What’s next?

The JFSC will publish the consolidated and individual sections of the AML/CFT/CPF on their website on 1 June. Reggie, our regulatory chatbot, will also be updated on this date.

They are continuing to work on further updates to the AML/CFT/CPF Handbook in relation to the MLCO and Reliance regime changes mentioned above. These will be subject to consultation and further details will be issued soon. 

If you have any questions, please contact the JFSC's Policy team.

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

CIFO is pleased to invite you to their virtual Annual Stakeholder Meeting, taking place on Wednesday 8th July 2026.

Join them as they present highlights from the 2025 annual report, followed by an interactive Q&A session with their Board Chair, Antony Townsend and Principal Ombudsman & Chief Executive, Douglas Melville.

📅 Date: Wednesday 8th July 2026

🕛  Time: 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

CIFO will publish further details and registration information soon. They hope you will be able to join them.

The ‘Data Protection and the Legal Profession - the view from the Regulator’ event taking place at 16:00 this Tuesday 16 June 2026 at the JOIC Offices, 5 Castle Street, St Helier, is now full.

There is a waiting list. Therefore, if you are not able to attend, please contact the JOIC Events team at events@jerseyoic.org or on 01534 716530 as soon as possible, so your space can be made available.

📅  Date: 16 June 2026
🕛  Time: 16:00 – 17:30
📍  Venue: JOIC Offices, 5 Castle Street, St Helier, JE2 3BT

Thinking about using AI in your business? There are likely to be data protection considerations.

The Jersey Office of the Information Commissioner (JOIC) has released the themes for its Data Protection Express clinics for May and June, which include providing support around protecting personal information when using AI, keeping personal information secure and the six golden rules of data protection, as well as managing a data breach.

The clinics run every Wednesday afternoon during May and June at the JOIC’s office at Ritz House, 5 Castle Street, St Helier, are free of charge and have been designed especially with small business owners in mind. Those booking a 30-minute spot benefit from:

● Clear, practical advice about local data protection law.
● The opportunity to ask questions tailored to their business.
● Feeling more confident about their responsibilities.

You can find out more and book your appointment on the events pages of the JOIC’s website, by calling the JOIC team on 716530 or emailing them at events@jerseyoic.org.

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

📅 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 this 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 and the guest speaker has been confirmed as the Lieutenant-Governor, His Excellency Vice Admiral Sir Jerry Kyd KBE.

Members are requested to 'save the date'.  Dinner bookings will open in due course.

​June 13 - Official birthday of His Majesty the King
June 21 - Anniversary of the birthday of His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales
July 17 - Anniversary of the birthday of Her Majesty The Queen
​September 8 - His Majesty The King's Accession
​November 8​ - ​Remembrance Day (second Sunday in November)
​November 14 - ​Anniversary of the birthday of His Majesty the King
​November 30 - ​St Andrew's Day (in Scotland)

Further information on dates for flying flags on buildings for 2026 and flag flying in general can be found here.

LawCare is the mental wellbeing charity for the legal profession. They’ve been supporting legal professionals for over 25 years and understand life in the law.

LawCare offer free, confidential, emotional support, peer support and resources to those working in the law in the UK, Channel Islands and Isle of Man. They promote mental health and wellbeing best practice in legal workplaces and drive culture change in education, training and practice.

If you need support contact the LawCare helpline on 0800 279 6888 (open 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday), email support@lawcare.org.uk or access online chat and other resources at www.lawcare.org.uk.

LawCare supports all branches of the legal profession: advocates, solicitors, barristers, judges, chartered legal executives, paralegals, trademark attorneys, patent attorneys, costs lawyers, notaries, licensed conveyancers, support staff and concerned family members.

The Law Society of Jersey is proud to be associated with, and to support the work of, LawCare.

This Volunteers’ Week, LawCare are looking for new online chat volunteers to support people across the legal sector.

Online chat sits alongside their helpline and email support. For some people, it is the easiest way to contact LawCare. It is private, anonymous and can feel more manageable than picking up the phone, especially from a busy office.

Many people tell us they would not have contacted us any other way.

Could you help, or do you know someone who might?

Find out more and apply

Life in law is fast-paced and demanding. Practitioners spend so much time helping others that their own wellbeing can take a back seat.

The Legal Pause is a podcast dedicated to putting solicitor wellbeing first. They will also introduce you to fresh perspectives (sometimes the controversial ones!) about issues that often get overlooked.

Their podcast offers expert conversations on solicitor wellbeing, plus practical insights you can use in everyday life and work. In just half an hour, it’s a pause that fits easily into your routine while leaving you feeling more balanced and supported.

More details, and where to download the podcasts from, can be found here.

Applications are now open for the Jersey Law Course commencing in October 2026. Those who wish to apply for the course should complete this application form: Jersey Law Course Application 2026-27.

Please note that the deadline for applications is 11th September 2026. Anyone who would like guidance or information about the course should contact Advocate Claire Davies at the Institute of Law (claire.davies@iol.ac.je) or go to Jersey Law Course page on the Institute's website Jersey Law Course - Institute of Law Jersey.

There will be a presentation in relation to the Jersey Law Course at the Société Jersiaise, Pier Road, Saint Helier on 18th June 2026. Potential applicants, or others interested to find out more about the course, are welcome to attend. The session will commence at 1pm and finish by no later than 1.45pm.

The Legal Policy & Research Unit (LPRU) of the International Bar Association has created a podcast series interviewing inspiring IBA members from around the world with interesting careers and remarkable stories.

Each guest shares their thoughts and experiences about what it means to be a woman in the legal profession and how they have navigated different types of workplaces and challenges over the course of their career. The series covers women across all sectors of the law.

The third episode of its Inspirational legal women podcast Series 2, featuring Fiona McLeod AO KC, a senior counsel with more than 30 years’ experience practising across Australia in commercial and public law, including doing considerable work on class actions and royal commissions, is now live, and you can listen to it here.

IBA launches its Artificial Intelligence Institute to advance responsible AI governance and inclusive international cooperation

The IBA has announced the launch of the International Bar Association (IBA) Artificial Intelligence Institute (IBA AI Institute) – a new initiative dedicated to influencing and promoting the development of responsible artificial intelligence (AI) governance through international cooperation and interdisciplinary expertise in alignment with the rule of law and fundamental principles of justice. Dr Farzana Dudhwala will serve as the first Director of the Institute.

Established under the leadership of former IBA President Jaime Carey and the current IBA President Claudio Visco, the Institute will leverage the IBA’s global network of more than 80,000 lawyers and 190 bar associations and law societies spanning all continents to help address the legal, societal, economic and democratic challenges presented by rapidly advancing AI technologies.

The Institute will focus on promoting interdisciplinary collaboration, recognising that the challenges and opportunities presented by AI extend far beyond the legal profession. It will actively engage with diverse stakeholders including technologists, international organisations, governments, policymakers, civil society, research institutions and industry leaders.

Furthermore, the Institute will seek to contribute legal expertise and perspectives to existing international and multi-stakeholder AI forums and initiatives, helping to inform the development of practical, human-instituted, human-centred and globally inclusive AI governance frameworks.

Report explores impact of cross-border remote work

The IBA Global Employment Institute (GEI) has released its 2026 introductory Digital Nomad Report, which highlights the increasing legal, tax and immigration challenges arising from cross-border remote work. Findings include that employees increasingly desire more flexible work conditions, including working remotely, and the growth of digital nomadism is creating complex compliance risks for multinational employees.

Report highlights AI, skills shortages and employee wellbeing as defining workplace challenges

The GEI has also published its 14th Annual Global Report, identifying the growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI) and digitalisation, persistent skills shortages and employee wellbeing as the key issues shaping employment law and human resources (HR) practice worldwide.

Based on responses from lawyers in 48 countries, the 14th Annual Global Report: National regulatory trends in human resources law examines legal and workplace developments during 2024 and 2025, highlighting how governments, employers and regulators are responding to rapid technological change, evolving workforce models and increasing compliance expectations. The report offers a comparative insight into how workplaces and regulatory frameworks are being shaped across different regions.

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.

A complete list of upcoming IBA events can be found on their conference diary page.

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 Sits Vac:

• 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.

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

Guidance Note GN02 - Use of AI in the Legal Profession

Guidance Note GN03 - Notifications to the Law Society

Guidance Note GN05 - CPD Eligible Activities

Guidance Note GN06 - CPD Waivers and Sanctions

Guidance Note GN09 - Non-Practising and Retired Members - Limitations and Obligations

To view / download the most up-to-date Law Society forms, please click :

Code of Conduct - Membership Update form (individuals)

Code of Conduct - Legal Services Body Update form

Code of Conduct - CPD Record template (Excel) (preferred)

Code of Conduct - CPD Record template (Word)

Code of Conduct - Waiver Application form

Accounts Rules - Accountant's Certificate template

Accounts Rules - Accountant's Reporting Checklist template

Accounts Rules - Member's Report template

Accounts Rules - Waiver Application form

CEO (Neville Benbow)

Email: ceo@jerseylawsociety.je

Operations Manager (Jonathan Bale)

Email: manager@jerseylawsociety.je

Telephone: +44 (0)1534 613950

Accounts

Email: accounts@jerseylawsociety.je

LawCare: LawCare is the mental health charity for everyone in the 
legal sector.

The Solicitors' Charity: The Solicitors’ Charity has been supporting solicitors at times of need since 1858.

Jersey Family Court Advisory Service (JFCAS). To book 1:1 sessions, which take place on the last Friday of each month, go to Eventbrite.

Any links to third-party websites are provided solely for informational purposes. Inclusion of such links does not constitute or imply our endorsement, approval, or affiliation with the linked site or its operators.

Should you wish to submit anything for publication in the Law Society's Directions newsletter, please write in the first instance to Submissions.

Details of forthcoming events which are relevant to the legal profession should be sent to Events.

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