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

Law Society news includes notice of the 2026 Law Society AGM and a reminder of the Accounts Rules requirements relating to members' reports and accountants' certifications.

Courts news includes a reminder that the Hill Street entrance is no longer to be used to access, or exit from, the Royal Court building.

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.

We are now including in Directions a permanent Directory section (see below) which will contain 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.

Following a recruitment process overseen by the Jersey Appointments Commission, the Chief Minister intends to appoint the following Law Society members as Commissioners of the Jersey Law Commission:

• Claire Davies

• Dennis Dixon

• John Bisson

• Nicole Langlois

• Richard Holden

• Simon Thomas

• James Angus

Law Commissioners collectively identify aspects of law which they consider should be examined with a view to their development and reform, including the elimination of anomalies, the repeal of obsolete and unnecessary enactments, the reduction of the number of separate enactments and generally the simplification and modernisation of the law.

Further details regarding the appointees and the appointment process can be found here. 

Did you know that you can vote in Jersey's next election if you're aged 16 or over and have lived in the Island for one year leading up to Sunday 7 June 2026?

Vote.je is Jersey's Official Election Guide and it's their mission to help people understand Jersey's political system and to empower them to vote in every election as soon as they become eligible.

Join a FREE interactive, one-hour session which will take you behind-the-scenes and into the States Chamber, where Jersey’s elected parliament meets to debate and create the Island's laws.

You’ll learn how the decisions that affect our daily lives are made by the States Assembly, and how our elections work, so that you’ll be informed and ready to vote on election day.

The session is politically neutral, and you’ll have plenty of opportunity to ask questions.

Vote.je is delivered by the States Greffe (clerks to Jersey’s parliament) and overseen by the Jersey Electoral Authority.

There are seven dates to choose from and tickets are bookable via Eventbrite.

Saturday 7 March, 10am-11am
Saturday 11 April, 10am-11am
Thursday 30 April, 12pm-1pm
Saturday 16 May, 10am-11am
Thursday 21 May, 5.30pm-6.30pm
Wednesday 27 May, 12pm-1pm
Thursday 4 June, 12pm-1pm

For Businesses and Community Groups: In-Person Vote Presentations - Your States Assembly and Voting in Jersey explained

The States Greffe are also offering 30-45 minute in-person ‘Vote presentations’ to local organisations, for 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 20-30 minute presentation, followed by an opportunity to ask questions.  Please note the length and nature of this session can be adapted if required. For further enquiries please email: getinvolved@gov.je.

The Law Society of Jersey Annual General Meeting will be held on Wednesday 22 April 2026.

Date: 22 April 2026

Time: 4.00pm

Venue: Ogier, 44 Esplanade, St Helier

To achieve a quorum, a minimum of 37 Ordinary Members must be in attendance at the AGM.

The convening papers will be issued on 1 April 2026.

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, it is proposed to develop a new training course for potential panel members. Refresher training for existing panel members will also be made available at the same time.

Accreditation requires attendance at a designated three day training course, the completion of case studies, an examination and an interview.

Expressions of interest are invited from family law practitioners wishing to become accredited members of the Public Law Children Panel.

While membership of the panel is limited to advocates, the accreditation training, which is indicatively planned for 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.

Expressions of interest should be provided to Neville Benbow at ceo@jerseylawsociety.je by 13 March 2026.

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.

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 sent to the Operations Manager, 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 email manager@jerseylawsociety.je.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Chief Usher to the Royal Court has respectfully requested that all members enter and exit only via the main security reception.

The rear door to/from Hill Street is not to be used under any circumstances.

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.

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 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 Jeremy Kyd KBE.

Members are requested to 'save the date'.

March 9 - Commonwealth Day
March 17 - St Patrick's Day (in Northern Ireland)
April 9 - His Majesty The King’s Wedding Anniversary​
April 23 - St George's Day (in England)
​May 6 - Coronation Day
May 9 - Anniversary of the Liberation of the Island
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.

Vicarious trauma remains a key issue in the legal sector, and LawCare are running this session again for anyone who missed it last year.

This interactive session is delivered by Mary Jackson, a counsellor and former solicitor with significant experience in delivering training on this topic. Whilst touching on the basics of vicarious trauma this training will be an opportunity for attendees to discuss and share their experiences of vicarious trauma in a supportive setting.

📅 Thursday 19 March 2026

⌚ 12:00 to 13:15

The training costs £35 per person.

Please note that this session will not be recorded. After the session they will provide a PDF containing all key resources and links discussed with attendees.

Further details can be found here.

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.

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

A letter has been issued by 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 is also being sent to all Senior Partners.

To secure places please reply as soon as possible.

The training will be held at the Hotel de France.

Those interested in undertaking the Jersey Law Course as a route to qualification as a Jersey Advocate or Jersey Solicitor are invited to attend an information event at the Société Jersiaise, Pier Road, Saint Helier on 11th March 2026. The session will commence at 12.30pm and finish by no later than 1.30pm.

Following a short presentation there will be an opportunity to speak with representatives of the Institute of Law and The Law Society of Jersey.

All enquiries in relation to the Jersey Law Course should be directed to Advocate Claire Davies at claire.davies@iol.ac.je.

We are happy to share with you a list of some upcoming IBA webinars. Please click on the below session titles for more details and to register online.   

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18 Mar 2026, 1200 - 1300 GMT
  
Data centres and the energy sector: emerging risks and reliability challenges
   
A webinar presented by the IBA Power Law Committee and supported by the Energy, Environment, Natural Resources and Infrastructure Law Section (SEERIL)
   
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26 Mar 2026, 1500 - 1600 GMT
  
Courts, codes and clouds: AI’s impact on legal work, from chambers to corporate counsel
   
A webinar presented by the IBA SPPI AI Working Group
   
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A complete list of upcoming IBA events can be found here.

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.

Applications are invited for the position of Solicitor General, which falls vacant in March 2026.

The Solicitor General (‘SG’) is a Crown appointment and supports the work of the Attorney General in all legal matters as chief law officer of the Island of Jersey.

The SG also deputises for the Attorney General (‘AG’) in matters pertaining to his role and acts as AG in his absence from the Island or otherwise.  The work is varied and complex and spans a broad range of legal advisory functions to the Crown, the States Assembly, Ministers, Scrutiny Panels and other public bodies, and to assist States Members in the exercise of their public functions.

The SG supports the AG who has responsibility for leading the Law Officers’ Department in the delivery of its key services as a non-ministerial department in the public sector.

Requirements

Candidates for this role must meet the following criteria:

•  Qualified Jersey Advocate or Solicitor
•  Comprehensive knowledge of the laws of Jersey
•  Comprehensive knowledge of the practice and procedure of the Courts of Jersey
•  High level of professional achievement in a broad range of legal activity.

A full candidate brief is available here.

We actively seek to recruit people from different backgrounds, with diverse perspectives. This creates a richer, more varied environment, where you’re exposed to, and can contribute to, new ideas, new ways of thinking and new opportunities, to develop an exciting and rewarding career.

Further details are available on request from Steve Cartwright MBE, Bailiff’s Chambers, Royal Court House, Royal Square, St. Helier (telephone 01534 441107 or e-mail at s.cartwright@courts.je). 

Letters of application should be submitted to His Excellency, the Lieutenant-Governor, at Government House, for the attention of Justin Oldridge, either by email to j.oldridge@gov.je or via post to Government House, St Saviour JE2 7GH by 5.00pm on 13 March 2026.

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.

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

Guidance Note GN05 - CPD Eligible Activities

Guidance Note GN06 - CPD Waivers and Sanctions

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

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.

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 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.