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

This issue includes news of a new Royal Court practice direction establishing a framework for the broadcast of judges' sentencing remarks, the appointment of Mr Mark Temple KC as deputy bailiff, and the swearings-in of eight new advocates and two new écrivains. The Employment section below carries information on an open vacancy for Assistant Judicial Greffier, Appellate and Samedi, and on applying for Law Commissioner roles with the Jersey Law Commission.

Legal aid news includes notice of revised capital and income threshold limits, and details of a vacancy in the Legal Aid office (see the Employment section below).

Revenue Jersey has asked us to bring to the profession's attention a statement on the application of LTT to the purchase of parking spaces via shares (see below), and a warning relating to members' firms with associated service companies and their GST registrations (or lack thereof - see further below).

Further reminders relating to important dates for members' diaries (including Courts' Christmas greetings and sittings), members' obligations as regards CPD, and a number of other court-related, government and regulatory announcements are also included, along with wellbeing, education and employment updates.

The Royal Court of Jersey has issued a Practice Direction regarding the recording and broadcast of the sentencing remarks of judges to the public.

This development supports the Court’s commitment to open justice and greater public understanding of how serious criminal cases are sentenced.

The Practice Direction sets out how and when sentencing remarks may be filmed and shared. The change means that, in certain cases, authorised media organisations will be able to record a judge delivering their sentencing remarks and broadcast the footage on television, radio, and online platforms. Only the judge delivering their sentencing remarks may be filmed. Jurats, defendants, lawyers, court staff, victims and witnesses must not be recorded.

This Practice Direction is effective as from 2:00pm on 3 December 2025.

Click Broadcasting Sentencing to view/download the Practice Direction.

Click Courts to view all Practice Directions.

Attorney General Mark Temple has been announced as Jersey's new Deputy Bailiff.

His Majesty the King approved the appointment, which was announced in the States Assembly on 21 October 2025.

Mr Temple will succeed Mr Robert MacRae as Deputy Bailiff, and said the appointment was a "great honour".

Mr Temple moved to Jersey in 2003, and was admitted as an advocate in 2005. He specialised in litigation and dispute resolution in private practice in Jersey and was appointed a Queen's Counsel, now King's Counsel, in 2015.

Mr Temple served as the Island's Solicitor General between 2015 and 2020, when he became Attorney General.

The new Deputy Bailiff will be sworn in during January 2026.

Eight new advocates and two new écrivains will be sworn in at Royal Court ceremonies in December, following their completion of the qualifying examinations.

Members are invited to attend the swearing-in ceremony, as detailed below, to welcome the new qualifiers to the profession:

📅 Date: Thursday 11 December 2025

🕛 Time: 11:30am

• Rebecca Gueno (Advocate)
• Oliver Hughes (Advocate)
• Edward Kelleher (Advocate)
• Craig Dinnett (Advocate)
• Michael Ogilvy Watson (Advocate)
• Rebecca De Freitas (Advocate)
• Elizabetta Quaranta (Écrivain)

📅 Date: Wednesday 17 December 2025

🕛 Time: 11:30am

• Bradley Gibb (Advocate)
• Taye Le Monnier (Advocate)
• Samuel Graves (Écrivain)

All members of the Jersey Family Law Association are cordially invited, and encouraged, to attend the JFLA AGM:

📅 Date: Thursday 11 December 2025

🕛 Time: 4pm

📍 Venue: The Family Court.

The AGM will be accompanied by a fireside chat with Family Judge McFadzean, and followed by Christmas drinks.

Ordinary Members of the Law Society will be well aware of their obligation to complete not less than 15 hours per annum of CPD.

The CPD requirement does not apply to individuals in the year in which they are sworn-in. Non-Practising Members do not have a CPD obligation, although they are encouraged to undertake relevant CPD in respect of the role they are undertaking.

Now that we are closing in on the end of the year, members are strongly encouraged to review their CPD activity to ensure that sufficient CPD is completed before the end of 2025 - learn now to avoid the year-end rush !

Members are encouraged to review the Law Society's Guidance Note on Eligible Activities - click Guidance to view. Members can find CPD record templates here (Excel, semi-automated, preferred) or here (Word, manual).

Any queries in relation to the Code of Conduct and the CPD requirements should be directed, in the first instance, to Jonathan Bale on 01534 613950 or email manager@jerseylawsociety.je.

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.

Under the terms of the Legal Aid Scheme, the Capital and Income Limits, in respect of eligibility for Legal Aid, are adjusted on an annual basis, in line with changes to the Median Average Earnings, as detailed in the Government's Average Earnings Report as at June each year.

As a consequence of the reported Median Average Earnings for Full Time Employees increasing to £890 per week (from £850 per week in 2024), with effect from 1 January 2026, the relevant capital and income thresholds will be amended as follows:

Capital Limit (Individual)

Public Law (Criminal / Human Rights) £70,000
Private Law (Family / Civil matters) £70,000

Income Limit (Individual)

Public Law (Criminal / Human Rights) £70,000
Private Law (Family / Civil matters) £47,000

Applicants have to satisfy both the capital and income tests in a qualifying area of law to be granted Legal Aid. Legal Aid will not be granted where the capital and/or income limits are exceeded.

Revenue Jersey has requested that the Law Society bring to the attention of the profession the statement of the Comptroller set out below (in relation to the application of Land Transaction Tax (LTT) to the purchase of parking spaces via shares).

The statement is made because there have been a number of approaches to Revenue Jersey by firms on this topic, and it is hoped that this statement will bring some consistency, without the need to take what are generally cases involving low values to an appeal to seek clarity.

Application of the LTT Law to the purchase of shares giving rights to parking spaces.

[This statement applies where parking spaces are acquired other than as part of the acquisition of other share transfer property (in which case please read the statement  ‘Acquiring share transfer property associated with parking and other land’ in Land transaction tax concessions and practice)]

Where the rights to a specific parking space(s) is acquired via the rights attached to a share(s) by virtue of the articles of association of a company, then the Comptroller is clear that a liability to LTT will arise.

A parking space as described in this statement will not attract the 3% non-main residence rate, and as such the Comptroller for clarity will accept the use of Table A (Non-domestic) for all these transactions.

The Comptroller also expects that any securities in relation to the shares covered by the statement will be subject to LTT.

The statement is valid for any transactions on or after the 8 December 2025.

Revenue Jersey has come across a number of instances where law firms with associated service companies are not fully complying with the requirements under the Goods and Services Tax (Jersey) Law 2007.

In particular, Revenue Jersey has noted that that whilst the law firm itself may be registered for GST, the service company may not be, despite the fact it is required to do so if its turnover breaches the threshold amount (currently £300,000).

This leads to subsequent errors in declarations and returns. The Comptroller is of the opinion that this situation would in some circumstances create significant risks for both the firm and public purse.

The Comptroller urges firms to review their position in relation to GST, especially as to whether they have the necessary registrations. If there are issues, his officers are available to help, please email GST@gov.je.

With the election approaching next June, the States Greffe is keen for all Islanders to learn more about Jersey’s political system and the electoral process.

With this in mind, they would like to offer two initiatives to members of the Law Society:

Tour the States Chamber

This informative behind-the-scenes tour of the States Chamber is offered by the team at the States Greffe. The tour covers the inner workings of the States Assembly and how decisions are made that impact you and your colleagues both personally and professionally.  This informal tour usually takes an hour, with the opportunity to ask questions throughout.

Tours are slotted in around States Assembly meetings and staff availability. Ideally, the States Greffe would suggest a minimum of 10 participants, but we are used to accommodating larger groups of up to 25 or more.

In-Person Lunch and Learn: Your States Assembly and Voting in Jersey

This 30-minute in-person lunch and learn session gives participants the opportunity to learn more about Jersey’s political system and how the electoral process works, including the who, what, where and how of voting in 2026. The session includes a 20-minute presentation, followed by a 10-minute Q&A. Please note the length and nature of this session can be adapted if required.

If you would like to discuss either of these initiatives further, please contact Mrs Heidi Whitehead, Education and Outreach Officer, States Greffe, by email at h.whitehead3@gov.je.

The Government of Jersey has ​​​launched a consultation seeking views on proposals to extend access to the central register of beneficial ownership to persons who demonstrate a legitimate interest in accessing beneficial owner information for the purpose of preventing, detecting, or investigating money laundering, terrorist financing and proliferation financing.

The Government is inviting views from stakeholders and the wider community to help shape policy to enable Jersey to meet its international commitments while maintaining a fair, proportionate, and effective framework.​

Further details on the consultation, and how to submit comments to the consultation can be found here.

Responses to the consultation​ should be submitted no later than the close of business on 30 January 2026. Pos​tal submissions must bear a postal date no later than that date.

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, go to Eventbrite.

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

Latest news includes:

• Insights shared at the SIFS Fifth Economic Crime and Compliance Symposium,

   

• Feedback published by the JFSC from their conflicts of interest thematic examination,

   

• Feedback on criminal background checks and follow-on consultations on AML/CFT/CPF Handbook enhancements and on complex structures, and

   

• a consultation on, and the JFSC's interim approach to, the civil financial penalties regime.

Practitioners are advised that the last Samedi Court sitting of 2025 will take place on:

📅  Friday 19 December 2025, and will include Christmas Greetings at 2:30pm.

Practitioners are further advised that the first Samedi Court sitting of 2026 will be on:

📅  Friday 2 January 2026.

Members of the profession are advised that Christmas Greetings will be exchanged in the Petty Debts Court at 10:00 am on Wednesday 17 December 2025 and in the Adult Remand Court at 10:00 am on Thursday 18 December 2025.

All Court users are invited to attend.

Practitioners are reminded that the final Licensing Assembly for 2025 will meet in ordinary session on :

📅 Thursday 18 December 2025 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 Government of Jersey, through its Building a Safer Community, BASC, initiative, is proud to announce the launch of the Safe Places Scheme, a community-driven effort to create a network of safe, welcoming locations across the Island for anyone feeling vulnerable, intimidated, or at risk.

From banks and cafés to Parish Halls and sports clubs, businesses and organisations across Jersey are invited to register as ‘Safe Places’, offering refuge and support to those in need.

Further details can be found here, including links to help businesses and organisations interested in becoming a Safe Place.

The Jersey Institute of Law would like to thank all of the Jersey lawyers who give, and have given, their time and expertise to support access to legal knowledge and education in the Island.

The Institute would like to encourage applications from all legal professionals who are interested in teaching law. This may be as a lecturer, mentor, or adjunct teacher on a range of courses from LL.B level to the Jersey Law Course.

The Institute would be particularly keen to hear from members of the profession willing and able to teach either of the following:

1. Contract (Mistake, Misrepresentation, Duress, Enforcement, Breach, Frustration, Damages, Equitable Remedies) 8 weeks of teaching from w/c 6th January Wednesdays 3.00 - 4.30pm Thursdays 1.30 - 2.30pm; and

2. Legal System (Judicial appointments and diversity, civil justice system, access to civil justice and Legal Aid, ADR) 4 weeks of teaching from w/c 6th January Mondays 1.30 - 3.00pm and Tuesdays 1.00 - 2.00pm.

If this is of interest, please contact Advocate Claire Davies via email (administration@iol.ac.je) to discuss the options available.

Highlands Professional, the career development branch of Highlands College, is offering a new suite of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) workshops to maximise the potential of you and your team.

Designed for anyone wishing to update, refresh and evidence valuable CPD hours, each workshop is delivered by experienced trainers and will be highly interactive, using a range of techniques to suit all learners.

Bespoke CPD training workshops are also available on request.

Brochures can be obtained here.

The Law Society has not considered whether the CPD activities offered by Highlands Professional are, and does not endorse such CPD activities as, appropriate for members. Members are reminded that any CPD activity, whether formal or informal, should be planned wherever possible and be relevant to their role or specialism. Any activity that does not have a clear learning objective that relates to their role and specialism cannot be considered as appropriate CPD.

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 Judicial Greffe is seeking to recruit an Assistant Judicial Greffier, Appellate and Samedi.

Job Overview

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 12 - 13) dependent on the level of knowledge and directly relevant experience. The grade is under review.

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

For further information and to apply, click here.

Job Purpose

Please find a full job description here.

Competencies

Please find the full competencies required for the role here.

Job Title: Assistant Judicial Greffier Appellate and Samedi

Post requires candidate to be entitled for work: Yes

Salary Range: £83,790.38  to £96,007.23

Contract Type: Permanent

Full time/Part Time: Full Time

Term Time only post: No

Closing Date: 31/12/2025

The Law Society of Jersey is seeking to recruit an Administrator to provide part time support / holiday cover in the Legal Aid Office.

Working hours:  Average 15-20 hours per week over course of year, including training in first year.

Job Purpose

• Day to day administration of the Legal Aid Scheme (Part time)

Role and Responsibilities

• Public liaison/query management
• Firm liaison/query management
• Scheme administration
• Application processing
• Certificate issue
• Claims management
• Holiday/absence cover for Senior Administrator, Legal Aid

This role specifically requires the jobholder to provide holiday/absence cover for the Senior Administrator (up to 6 weeks @ 35 hours per week) plus part time working @ 10-12 hours per week. Average 15-20 hours per week.

On recruitment, an initial training period of 6 weeks (full time) will be required.

Skills Profile

• Good organisational and administrative skills
• Good communications skills (written and verbal)
• Good interpersonal skills
• Computer literate / System/CRM knowledge
• Attention to detail
• Administration/Office experience
• Experience in a legal environment (Desirable)
• Team player
• Flexible approach to working

Employment Status

• Applicants must be entitled or entitled to work.

Further information

For further information or to arrange an informal discussion, contact Neville Benbow at ceo@jerseylawsociety.je or call 01534 734826.

Applications / Closing Date

To apply for the role, please send letter of application and CV to Neville Benbow at ceo@jerseylawsociety.je.

Closing Date: 15 December 2025

The Jersey Law Commission is an independent body established to review, modernise, and improve the law of Jersey. Its role is to research areas of law that may be outdated, unclear, or in need of reform, and to make recommendations to ensure Jersey’s legal framework remains fair, effective, and accessible.

The Jersey Law Commission invites applications for the position of Law Commissioner in the following areas:

·         Criminal Law,

·         Family Law,

·         Property Law,

·         Constitutional Law,

·         Commercial Law,

·         Succession Law, and

·         Insolvency Law.

Applicants must be practising Jersey lawyers or academics with a recognised specialism in Jersey law.

Candidates should be Jersey residents or have a demonstrable strong connection to Jersey. They should be recognised experts in their chosen field.

The role of a Law Commissioner is a voluntary unpaid role. Commissioners contribute their expertise and time to the work of the Commission on a voluntary basis, reflecting their commitment to public service and the advancement of law reform. The time commitment involves attendance at meetings once a quarter, together with additional project work as required.

The Law Commission adheres to the Jersey Appointments Commission’s Guidelines and to the principles of diversity, equality, and non-discrimination. It is fully committed to equal opportunity and inclusivity, ensuring that all voices are heard and that its work reflects a broad range of perspectives and experiences. The Commission’s approach is to foster an environment where different skill sets and backgrounds are valued, and where inclusivity and accountability are central to its governance and activities.

The Jersey Law Commission is committed to maintaining the highest standards of legal development and welcomes applications from exceptional candidates.

Further information is available in a candidate brief; should you wish to have an informal discussion on any aspects of the role, please email resourcing@gov.je.

To apply, please email your CV and Supporting Statement, addressed to Ms Charlotte Brambilla, Chair, Jersey Law Commission, to resourcing@gov.je by 17.00 on the 8th December 2025.

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.