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

This issue includes a final reminder about next week's Bailiff's Chambers Bar Training in Criminal and Family Law, a reminder of the date of the swearing-in of the new Solicitor General and information relating to Public Law Children's Panel accreditation. We also carry news of an opportunity to express your interest in joining a small panel of appropriately qualifed lawyers to assist the Jersey Police Authority.

Important news from the Law Society includes a reminder of the release of revised and refreshed standard seller questionnaires (SSQs), for mandatory use in residential property transactions completing after 1 August 2026, and of even more vital import, the news that reservations are now being taken for the Law Society's annual dinner on Friday 18 September 2026.

Important dates for members' diaries and a number of other court-related, government and regulatory announcements are also included, along with wellbeing, education and sits vac 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, and now also includes links to the new SSQs. 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.

The King, on the recommendation of the Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice, has been pleased to approve the appointment of Advocate Victoria Catharine Bell to the office of His Majesty’s Solicitor General of Jersey in succession of the previous Solicitor General, Mr Matthew Jowitt KC who succeeded Mr Mark Temple KC as His Majesty’s Attorney General.

Advocate Bell was educated at Jersey College for Girls, and the University of Exeter where she read English before converting to Law. In 2009 she was admitted as a solicitor of the Senior Courts of England and Wales and in 2016 as an advocate of the Royal Court of Jersey. She has worked at the Law Officers’ Department since 2009, being made Senior Legal Adviser in 2024.

Advocate Bell will be sworn in as His Majesty’s Solicitor General on Monday 13 July 2026 at 11:00am.

Tickets will not be issued but anyone interested in attending should have notified the Bailiff’s Judicial Secretary at r.traisnel@courts.je before midday yesterday, per the communication to the profession of 6 July 2026.

All attendees must be seated by 10:45am.

This year's Bailiff's Chambers Bar Training in Criminal and Family Law will be led by Her Honour Judge Patricia Lees, who also serves as a Commissioner of the Royal Court of Jersey, and His Honour Judge Daren Guite.

The 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.

Criminal Law Training

Training for the Bar on Criminal Law is taking place at the Zoo on 15 July 2026.The training is being run by Her Honour Judge Patricia Lees and the programme will be released in due course. Professor David Ormerod will be joining Judge Lees and giving training on evidence, bad character and hearsay.

Please book your place by emailing Henry Buckley at H.Buckley1@courts.je. T Payment can be made by cheque (made payable to the ‘Treasurer of the States’) or by card payment either in person at the Bailiff’s Chambers or over the telephone on 441102.

Family Law Training

Training for the Bar on Family Law is taking place at the Zoo on 16 July 2026. The judge giving the training is His Honour Judge Daren Guite who is a specialist children judge. The training will cover, inter alia:

1. Post-adoption contact
2. Children’s participation in private law proceedings
3. Covert Recording – best practice
4. Remanding children to foster care – more harm than good?
5. Case law updates

Bookings

To book your place, please could you email Henry Buckley at H.Buckley1@courts.je.

The cost of the Criminal training is £95 for the day which includes lunch and refreshments. The cost of the Family training is also £95 for the day which includes lunch and refreshments. Should you wish to book for both days, the fee will be £175.

Payment can be made by cheque (made payable to the ‘Treasurer of the States’) or by card payment either in person at the Bailiff’s Chambers or over the telephone on 441102.

Seminar Details

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

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

🕛 Time: 9:15am - 4:30pm

📍 Venue: Jersey Zoo

CPD: 5 hours CPD (per day)

As property practitioners will be aware, the Law Society Property & Conveyancing Sub-Committee (Sub-Committee) has been seeking to simplify residential conveyancing processes. Work has previously been undertaken to condense and standardise the typical due diligence questions asked by a purchaser’s lawyer, and the standard forms of the Standard Seller Questionnaire for Residential Properties, the Standard Seller Questionnaire for Share Transfer Properties, and the Standard Seller Questionnaire for Flying Freehold Properties were all adopted in 2022, and have been in use by practitioners since then.

The Sub-Committee has recently completed a review of the full set of standard form questionnaires, and now intends to implement revised, refreshed, updated and re-formatted versions of the standard seller questionnaires.

For ease of reference, please see below links to downloadable versions of the revised and updated SSQs (all dated 1 July 2026) below:

SSQ - Residential Properties (Freehold)

SSQ - Share Transfer Properties

SSQ - Residential Apartments (Flying Freehold)

Links to the revised and updated SSQs are included in the Directory section of Directions, and will remain there in the future.

All of the revised and updated SSQs have been approved by the Sub-Committee.

Property practitioners are asked to circulate this communication within their property and conveyancing teams and to ensure that the new and revised versions of the SSQs are downloaded for use going forward.

The Law Society recommends that the revised and updated SSQs are used going forward for transactions completing in July; the use of the revised and updated SSQs will, however, be mandatory for all transactions due to complete after 1st August 2026.

Any queries in relation to the SSQs should in the first instance be directed to Jonathan Bale at manager@jerseylawsociety.je, who is collating any queries for review and appropriate consideration in due course by the Sub-Committee.

The representation of children and parents in court proceedings under the Children (Jersey) Law 2002 can only be undertaken by accredited members of the Public Law Children Panel.

As a consequence of the loss of some panel members, a new training course for potential panel members is being run over two days in September 2026, with refresher training for existing panel members being held on the second day.

Accreditation requires attendance at a designated three day training course (2 days in person, 1 day virtual), the completion of case studies, an examination and an interview.

Any family law practitioners who wish to become accredited members of the Public Law Children Panel and who have not already registered their interest are asked to advise Neville Benbow at ceo@jerseylawsociety.je by 17 July 2026.

While membership of the panel is limited to advocates, the accreditation training, which will be held at the Institute of Law on 8-9 September 2026, will additionally be open to family practitioners who are on a path to qualify as, or convert to be, an advocate within twelve months of the training course.

Application forms for accreditation will be issued in July.

Any further queries in relation to the accreditation training or membership of the panel should be directed to Neville Benbow at ceo@jerseylawsociety.je.

The Jersey Police Authority ("JPA") is seeking expressions of interest from suitably qualified legal professionals to join a small pool of Legally Qualified Persons ("LQPs") to support States of Jersey Police ("SoJP") misconduct proceedings.

Background

Under the Police (Complaints and Conduct – States of Jersey Police Force) Regulations 2025, misconduct proceedings are governed by a formal framework designed to ensure fairness, transparency, and independence.

In certain cases, the involvement of an independent legally qualified individual may be required, or considered beneficial, to support the integrity of proceedings and provide expert advice on legal and procedural matters.

The JPA is therefore seeking to establish a small, sustainable pool of LQPs to ensure that appropriate independent legal input is available when required.

Role of the Legally Qualified Person

The LQP will provide independent legal advice in misconduct proceedings, including advice on relevant law, procedure, and fairness, in line with the requirements of the Regulations.

Appointments will be made on a case by case basis.

Eligibility

Applicants should:

• Be a qualified lawyer with a minimum of 5 years’ post qualification experience
• Demonstrate sound legal judgement and professional integrity
• Be independent of the SoJP Police and the JPA
• Be able to identify and appropriately manage any actual or potential conflicts of interest

Time commitment and remuneration

• The expected demand for this role is low, with only occasional cases arising
• Participation will be ad hoc, with no guaranteed volume of work
• The role is expected to be undertaken on a voluntary basis or with minimal cost implications

Appointment, governance and safeguards

• LQPs will be appointed by the JPA for specific cases
• Robust arrangements will be in place to ensure independence, transparency, and proper management of conflicts of interest
• The role is subject to scrutiny and must be capable of withstanding challenge, therefore a clear and cautious approach to independence will be maintained
• Induction or briefing will be provided as required ahead of any involvement in proceedings

How to express interest

Interested individuals are invited in the first instance to submit a short expression of interest to Simon Harman, chairman of the JPA, by email to simon.harman@jerseypoliceauthority.je, outlining:

• Relevant legal experience
• Any tribunal, disciplinary, or quasi-judicial experience
• Confirmation of independence from policing bodies in Jersey.

Closing date for expressions of interest is 18 July 2026.

Reservations are now being taken for The Law Society of Jersey's Annual Dinner which celebrates the Opening of the Legal Year, being held at L'Horizon Hotel, St Brelade on Friday 18 September 2026.

Attendance is open to Ordinary, Non-Practising, Retired and Student Members of the Law Society, as well as Advocates and Solicitors working in the Law Officers' Department, Viscount's Department or Judicial Greffe.

Lawyers qualified in other jurisdictions who are working for Jersey law firms may also attend.

As the dinner is again being held on the same day as the Assise d'Héritage, and will be attended by members of the Court, we would very much anticipate strong representation from firms and across the whole profession, including lawyers in the Law Officers' Department and in non-practising roles outside law firms.

The Jersey Law Course Prizegiving will also be held at the dinner.

The details of the dinner are as follows:

📅 Date: 18 September 2026

🕛 Time: 7:00pm for 7:30pm

📍 Location: Hotel L'Horizon

Speaker: His Excellency Vice Admiral Sir Jeremy Kyd KBE, Lieutenant-Governor of Jersey

Click Booking to download the booking form.

Early bookings are encouraged to avoid disappointment as capacity is limited. Bookings should, in any event, be made by Friday 28 August 2026.

All bookings and dinner enquiries should be directed to the Operations Manager on 01534 613950 or manager@jerseylawsociety.je.

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.

Subscription invoices are based upon Law Society membership records as at 30 June 2026.  Any subsequently notified changes in firm or status will not be reflected in invoices. 

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 01534 613909 or by email accounts@jerseylawsociety.je.

Young professionals in Jersey were celebrated at Jersey Finance’s Rising Stars Awards which took place at the Royal Jersey Showground last week (3rd July).

The awards, now in their seventh year, continue to provide a valuable platform to celebrate and spotlight the outstanding contributions of young professionals across 14 categories in the finance and related professional services sector.

The ceremony was an upbeat and sociable event, which was introduced by Jersey Finance’s Chief Executive Officer, Joe Moynihan, who highlighted the essential role Jersey’s young professionals play within the industry and its future.

A panel of independent judges selected a shortlist of outstanding young professionals and members of the public then cast their votes to determine the winners.

The judges for 2026 were David Kennedy, CEO Jersey Sport; Farah Ballands, Chair, Board of Governors, Jersey College for Girls; and Helene Narcy, Board of Commissioners, JFSC.

Winner of the Law category was Victoria Ramos of Bedell Cristin.

The full list of winners of this year's awards is as follows:

• Accountancy: Connor Devenny, TMF Group
• Banking: Bronte Robson, Butterfield Bank Jersey
• Compliance: Carlos Da Silva Sa, Aztec Group
• Community Impact: Charlotte Dawson, PwC
• Corporate Services: Petra Felgueiras, Hawksford
• Digital and Fintech Innovation: Yaw Appau, EY
• Diversity and Inclusion: Christine Mwangi, EY
• Funds: Lewis Millward, BNP Paribas S.A., Securities Services
• People, Talent and Culture: Clara Slee, RBS International
• Insurance, Pensions and Risk Advisory: Antonia Buckler, TMF group
• Investment Management: Elliott Kirkbride-Wright, HSBC Bank Plc (Jersey Branch)
• Law: Victoria Ramos, Bedell Cristin
• Marketing and Business Development: Liv Mehigan, Fairway Group Limited
• Trust and Corporate Services: George Moore, HSBC Bank Plc (Jersey Branch)

The Judicial Committee of the Privy Council (JCPC) has published its consultation on revising fees payable to the Court.

The consultation paper can be found here and responses can be sent to jcpcfeesconsultation@jcpc.uk until 5pm (BST) on Tuesday 22 September 2026.

In addition to the written consultation the JCPC will be holding a series of stakeholder meetings, via Teams, in July. Please check the consultation paper for further details of how to join one of these meetings.

The Jersey Competition Regulatory Authority (JCRA) is consulting on the implementation of the new Competition (Mergers and Acquisitions) (Jersey) Order 2026 (the 2026 Order), which will come into effect on 1 November 2026.

The consultation

The JCRA is preparing for the effective implementation of the 2026 Order and, through consultation, is seeking stakeholder views on:

• the JCRA’s proposed approach to call-in powers;
• the potential introduction of a simplified notification; and
• the use of voluntary applications and briefing notes.

We welcome your responses to the questions set out in the consultation, which can be found here: C-005 - Updates to the Competition (Mergers and Acquisitions) (Jersey) Order 2010 | JCRA. Responses should be submitted by 4 August 2026 to competition@jcra.je.

Engagement with the JCRA

Throughout the consultation process, there will be opportunities for stakeholders to engage directly with the JCRA to discuss the proposals.

Drop-in sessions for stakeholders will be held on 9 and 10 July and 27 and 28 July, between 12:00 and 14:00, at the JCRA’s Office 2nd Floor Salisbury House, 1 - 9 Union Street, St Helier, Jersey.

Stakeholders may also request a meeting by appointment, on a first come, first serve basis. Please contact competition@jcra.je to arrange an appointment.

A webinar will be held on 29 July. Please contact competition@jcra.je to register your interest.

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.

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

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

 

📅 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'.

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.

The 2026 Women in the Law - Wellbeing report by the Next 100 Years: Women In Law project, supported by LawCare, RPC, and Goodbody Wellness Company, surveyed over 500 women in the legal sector.

This important report finds that women in the legal profession face significant structural barriers, which limit their progression to senior roles despite their strong representation overall. Many experience high levels of stress, anxiety, and burnout, affecting both wellbeing and career decisions, with some considering leaving the profession.

85% of respondents had experienced health and wellbeing issues that had affected their work in the past five years.

70% had experienced ongoing exhaustion or low energy frequently or almost constantly, not fully relieved by rest.

65% of those experiencing exhaustion did not feel comfortable raising it at work.

67% have considered moving jobs or taking a career break due to health and wellbeing issues.

50% do not believe their current working pattern is sustainable for their health in the long term.

43% do not feel they can openly discuss health and wellbeing concerns at work without negative consequences.

A lack of openness around these issues worsens the problem, while poor wellbeing has wider impacts on individuals, organisations, and the profession’s standards and reputation. The report calls for urgent, systemic change, emphasising that improving women’s workplace experiences is a shared responsibility and that embedding wellbeing and inclusive cultures must be a priority.

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.

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.

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.

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 GN01 - The Route to Qualification as a Jersey Lawyer

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

Standard Form Documents:

Standard Seller Questionnaire - Residential Property (Freehold)

Standard Seller Questionnaire - Share Transfer Properties

Standard Seller Questionnaire - Residential Apartments (Flying Freehold)

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.

Jersey Gazette

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.