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

This issue includes details of the vacancy for the appointment of Deputy Viscount.

News from the Law Society includes the reminder that reservations are now being taken for the Law Society's annual dinner on Friday 18 September 2026 - please note that bookings close on 28 August so act now to avoid disappointment!   We include information regarding the forthcoming Public Law Children Panel refresher training, and about the recently published Practice Direction relating to Applications for an Administration Orders and Procedures for Administration Order Searches (RC26/02).

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.

The Viscount is the executive officer of the courts in Jersey and is seeking to appointment a Deputy to assist with the wide variety of functions and responsibilities of that office and to help lead and manage the Viscount’s Department.

The Viscount’s main duties are court enforcement, seizure and confiscation of assets, insolvency and bankruptcy services, delegations, associated regulatory functions, selecting and managing juries and the functions of coroner for Jersey.

The vacancy has arisen for the position of Deputy Viscount, consequent on the appointment of the current job holder to a new position.

To be considered for this role you will need:

• To be qualified as a Jersey lawyer with a wide general background and experience in order to understand and be capable of fulfilling the various duties of the Viscount and the areas of work and functions of the Department.
• Knowledge of and experience in most or all of the following areas: court processes and enforcement, asset seizure and asset management, coronial matters, delegations, commercial and corporate matters including insolvency and bankruptcy.
• Wide leadership capability, management experience, energy and resilience.
• Financial and budgetary acumen and experience.
• To be able to exercise creative and original thought to resolve problems arising in novel situations and be comfortable having ownership of significant decision-making processes.
• Be able to manage and integrate major, complex and diverse functions.

In recent years, the main role of the Deputy Viscount has been as de facto Coroner for the Island.  While that work will still form an important part of the role of the Deputy Viscount, it is anticipated that the successful candidate will be able to truly deputise for the Viscount, leading, supervising and carrying out work in all areas of the Department.

Application/Interview process and timelines

To apply formally for the Deputy Viscount role, please send a copy of your CV and a supporting statement clearly expressing your motivation for applying and how you meet the stated requirements of the position.

A full candidate brief is available here.

Applications should be emailed to Mark Harris at m.harris@courts.je no later than 5pm on Monday 14th September 2026.

If you are selected for final interview, these are likely to take place in early October 2026.

Interviews will be conducted by the following panel members:

•  A representative from the Jersey Appointments Commission
•  The Viscount
•  The Judicial Greffier
•  An independent member from the Jersey public service

The interviews will be carried out with reference to the Job Description and Personal Specification and how well the Panel feels each candidate can demonstrate that they have the necessary competencies and attributes, as demonstrated in the application and the interview, to undertake the office of Deputy Viscount of the Royal Court of Jersey.

After discussion between all Panel members, voting Panel members will score each candidate. Candidates will be scored on the basis of whether the Panel feels each candidate has exceeded, met or not met the requirements of the post.

Once the successful candidate has been selected, they will be invited to accept the post.

This appointment is made by the Viscount, subject to the consent of the Bailiff, pursuant to the Departments of Judiciary and Legislature (Jersey) Law 1965.

Any further enquiries should be directed to Mark Harris, Viscount, Viscount’s Department, Morier House, Halkett Place, St Helier at m.harris@courts.je or 01534 441402.

As previously advised, Advocate Mike Preston's three-year term of office as Bâtonnier will come to an end in September 2026.  Advocate Preston does not intend to seek re-election.

In accordance with Article 33 of The Law Society of Jersey Law 2005, ordinary members who are advocates are required, every three years, to elect one of their number as the Bâtonnier, to be their head and to oversee the interests of the Bar.

Following the opening of nominations for this honorary role, we have received a nomination in respect of Advocate Simon Thomas.

Any further nominations, which should be received by close of business today (21 August), should be sent to Neville Benbow at ceo@jerseylawsociety.je.

The nomination form can be found here.

In the absence of any further nominations, Advocate Thomas will become Bâtonnier, subject to a formal election, which will be convened in the week commencing 14 September 2026, with the appointment becoming effective after the Assise d’Héritage. 

In the event that one or more further nomination are received, a ballot amongst members of the Bar will be held.

Jersey Legacy Week will take place from 7–13 September 2026, alongside organisations across the UK marking Remember A Charity Week.

This year’s campaign, Leave a Better Tomorrow, aims to raise awareness of the important role that gifts in Wills can play in supporting local charities and helping to shape Jersey’s future.

The involvement of Jersey’s legal profession is an important part of the campaign. Solicitors and other professional advisers are often in a unique position to raise the option of charitable giving as part of appropriate conversations around Wills, estates and long-term planning.

Firms are encouraged to support Jersey Legacy Week by:

• raising awareness of charitable gifts in Wills with clients where appropriate
• sharing the campaign through social media, websites and newsletters
• downloading and using the Jersey Legacy Week poster and campaign materials
• sharing relevant stories, guidance or expertise
• helping make conversations about charitable giving in Wills feel more normal and accessible

The wider campaign is being coordinated through Beth Gallichan, Chair of the Jersey Fundraising Forum, working alongside the Association of Jersey Charities, IslandKind, Jersey Community Foundation and organisations across the charitable and professional sectors.

Local charities will also be sharing stories throughout the week to demonstrate how past generosity has shaped Jersey and what future legacy gifts could make possible.

Campaign materials, including the Jersey Legacy Week poster, can be downloaded from the Association of Jersey Charities website:
www.jerseycharities.org/jersey-legacy-week

A gift in your Will can make a lasting difference.

Will you leave a better tomorrow?

#JerseyLegacyWeek

Following the recent passing of Advocate Beverley Lacey (Banks), friends and colleagues wishing to attend Beverley's funeral are advised that it will be held at Gouray Church at 11:00am on Thursday 10 September 2026.

The Steering Group of the JFJC have requested that we share the following with all professionals and organisations who work within children and family court proceedings or have clients who come into contact with family court. Please note that Children and Young People’s Services will not have this survey shared with them as there is already a development plan about trauma-informed practice underway in this area.

Trauma-informed practice survey

The Jersey Family Justice Council are looking at how to improve Family Court proceedings for everyone, by introducing trauma-informed practice.

Trauma-informed practice aims to recognise the very significant negative impact trauma has on individuals, and to respond by creating safe, trusting, collaborative working relationships which empower and encourage positive choice.

A vital part of this is making sure that all staff feel supported and confident in their work. This survey asks some initial questions about how you feel, and any supports you find useful. It then asks some questions about your understanding of trauma-informed practice, and what you feel children and adults might experience when they are involved in family court proceedings.

If your work brings you into any kind of contact with children and families court proceedings, we should be grateful if you could take the time to fill this brief survey in.

All feedback will remain anonymous. It will be collated and discussed by the Jersey Family Justice Council and used as the basis for planning our next steps.

Trauma-informed practice survey – Fill in form

Members of the Public Law Children Panel are reminded that a key element of the re-accreditation of members of the Panel is the attendance at a one-day refresher training course.

As previously advised, this training, which is mandatory for panel members, will take place on Wednesday 9 September 2026.  The training will be held at the Institute of Law.  

All panel members have been contacted individually in relation to the training.

Members are reminded that a new Practice Direction relating to Applications for an Administration Order and Procedure for Administration Order Searches (RC26/02) has been published.

A) Applications for an Administration Order

1. Part 20B of the Companies (Jersey) Law 1991 (the “Law”) provides that certain parties may apply to the Royal Court for an Administration Order in relation to a Jersey incorporated company (the “Application”).

2. Article 143F states that an application for an administration order must be made in the form approved by the court and must be accompanied by an affidavit verifying the content of the form.

3. The Court therefore stipulates that the Application must be commenced by Representation and be accompanied by an affidavit verifying the content of the Representation.

4. The Representation must state clearly in its title that it is a ‘Representation for an Administration Order pursuant to Part 20B of the Companies (Jersey) Law 1991’.

5. The affidavit must disclose the facts and circumstances relevant to the application and, amongst other relevant matters, must:

(a) verify the accuracy of the content of the Representation;

(b) explain the status of the applicant and the person swearing the affidavit and the means of knowledge of the matters to which the affidavit relates.

(c) if the applicant is a creditor, state:

• the creditor has a liquidated claim against the debtor company for not less than the prescribed minimum liquidated sum specified in Article 9 of the Companies (General Provisions) (Jersey) Order 2002;

• the amount of the said claim;

• that to the best of the creditor’s knowledge it is not subject to a genuine dispute and arguable defence or counterclaim;

• that the claim has not been paid; and

• that to the best of the creditor’s knowledge and belief the debtor company is insolvent, or likely to become insolvent, but has realisable assets, and specify the grounds on which the creditor believes the debtor company to be insolvent, or likely to become insolvent.

(d) provide details of the notice of the Application given to those persons set out at Article 143F of the Law and in any associated Order (or detail the exceptional circumstances which are said to justify not giving such notice);

(e) provide the name and contact details of the administrator(s) that the applicant proposes be appointed to conduct the administration of the company, with evidence that the said administrator(s) consent(s) to act if so appointed and of their registration number on the Register of Approved Liquidators and Administrators.

(f) set out or exhibit confirmation supported by evidence that, in the opinion of the proposed administrator(s), the purpose or purposes of the administration as set out in Article 143D(2), is or are reasonably likely to be achieved;

(g) set out such comments from the proposed administrator and other parties as are known to the applicant in respect of the alternatives to placing the company in administration (including maintaining the status quo), and the benefits of granting an administration order instead;

(h) so far as is known to the Applicant, provide details of the financial situation of the company (it being the case that the court must be satisfied that the company is, or is likely to become, insolvent), to include information, to the best of the person swearing the affidavit’s knowledge and belief, of the company’s assets and liabilities, details of any security known or believed to be held by creditors of the company, information on existing legal proceedings or insolvency proceedings, and the main activities of the company and their location;

(i) any other matters that would, in the applicant’s opinion, assist the court in deciding whether to make such an order.

6. The Representation and supporting documents must be provided to the Bailiff’s Chambers and the Judicial Greffe by no later than 5pm on the Tuesday immediately preceding the Friday upon which the application will be heard by the Royal Court, and an electronic version must contemporaneously be filed electronically with JGRcourtdocuments@courts.je.

B) Procedure for Administration Order Searches

1. Anyone wishing to request a search of the Court’s records to ascertain the existence or otherwise of an Application under Part 20B against a specific entity may do so by applying to the Judicial Greffe by email to CWUApplications@courts.je.

2. Search requests must set out in the subject line “Administration Search”.

3. A search request can be specifically in relation to a Part 20B application or may be added to a request for a search in relation to a Creditor’s Winding Up.

4. The Judicial Greffe will need to have received the email applications by no later than midnight to be able to reply to the search during the following working day.

5. Applications by email should clearly state the name of the party requesting the search and the full name of the entity against whom the search is requested. The application must also confirm that the applicant assumes responsibility for the costs incurred in undertaking the search.

6. Searches will be charged in accordance with the rate for Searches Au Greffe as set out in the Item 37(a) of the Schedule to the Stamp Duties and Fees (Jersey) Law 1998, as amended.

This Practice Direction is effective immediately.

Click Administration Order to view/download the Practice Direction

Click Courts to view all Practice Directions.

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, have now been issued 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.

With effect from 1st August, 2026, the Intellectual Property Registries will no longer be managed by the Judicial Greffe.

The new Primary Intellectual Property Registries will now be located at the Jersey Financial Services Commission.

Please see the JFSC website here. 

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

The Channel Islands Financial Ombudsman (CIFO) has published their latest report on their complaint activity.

During the 2nd quarter of 2026, CIFO received 202 complaints and opened 107 new cases. Over this period, CIFO closed 102 cases, reflecting their ongoing commitment to resolving complaints in a timely manner.

Resolution statistics

• 22% of complaints were determined by Ombudsman decision

• 31% of complaints were successfully settled

• 39% of complaints were outside of CIFO's mandate

• 8% of complaints were withdrawn by the complainant  

• 29% of resolved complaints were upheld

Further details and the full report can be found 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.

This year's Assise d’Héritage, at which all Advocates are expected to renew their oath, will be held on Friday 18 September 2026.

The practical arrangements for this year's Assise will be advised shortly.

​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.

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

Jersey Courts - Practice Directions

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.