... 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, the forthcoming election of Bâtonnier, as well as notice of the Bailiff's invitation for applications for vacancies on the Youth Court Panel. We also remind interested persons that the deadline for applications for the Jersey Law Course commencing in October 2026 is 11 September 2026.

Information regarding the funeral arrangements next week for the late Advocate Beverley Lacey is set out below.

News from the Law Society includes details of arrangements for the Assise d'Héritage on Friday 18 September 2026, and a reminder that the Law Society's annual dinner will take place, for those who have been lucky enough to secure a place, that evening.

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 after this year's Assise d’Héritage.  

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.

As a consequence of only one nomination being confirmed, Advocate Simon Thomas will become Bâtonnier, subject to a formal election, which will take place at 5:30pm on Thursday 17 September 2026, in the Old Library of the Royal Court.

The appointment will take effect from 19 September 2026.

Members of the Bar wishing to attend are requested to confirm their attendance to Neville Benbow at ceo@jerseylawsociety.je by 5:00pm on Tuesday 15 September 2026.

The Bailiff invites applications for three vacancies on the Youth Court Panel.

The Jersey Youth Court deals with criminal cases involving children and young people under the age of 18 and is an important part of Jersey's criminal justice system. The Court is made up of a Magistrate sitting with two members drawn from the Youth Court Panel. Together, they play a vital role in reaching fair and balanced decisions affecting the lives of young people.

This is a unique opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the lives of young people and to the administration of justice in Jersey.

Who are we looking for?

We are seeking individuals of integrity, fairness and sound judgement who can carefully consider information, work collaboratively, and reach reasoned decisions.

No formal qualifications or previous court experience are required. Training and ongoing support will be provided.

We welcome applications from people of all ages, backgrounds and professions. A diverse Youth Court Panel helps ensure that the Court benefits from a broad range of perspectives and experiences that reflect the community it serves.

Applicants should understand, or be willing to learn about, the challenges facing young people in Jersey and possess a broad awareness of contemporary youth culture.

The role

Youth Court Panel members sit alongside a Magistrate to hear cases involving children and young people and contribute to the Court's decision-making process.

The role is voluntary and designed to fit alongside existing professional and personal commitments. Panel members are generally asked to sit in Court approximately once every six to eight weeks, usually for a morning, although additional sittings may occasionally be required.

Why join the Youth Court Panel?

Serving on the Youth Court Panel offers a rewarding opportunity to:

• make a positive difference to the lives of young people

• support fair and effective justice in Jersey

• contribute to decisions that can influence future outcomes for young people

• work alongside Magistrates and fellow Panel members

• gain valuable insight into Jersey's criminal justice system

The work is both challenging and rewarding, requiring careful consideration of the interests of young people, victims and the wider community, while supporting accountability, rehabilitation and positive future outcomes.

Find out more

Prospective applicants will have an opportunity to meet the Magistrates and current Youth Court Panel members in September. Details are available on enquiry.

If you are interested in applying and would like to find out more, please contact the Magistrate's Court Greffier, Advocate Kate Ferbrache, at k.ferbrache@courts.je.

Key dates

Closing date for applications: 30 September 2026

Interviews: 7-8 October 2026

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.

This year’s Assise d’Héritage will take place on Friday 18 September 2026.

Due to the number of advocates expected to attend on that day there will be two sittings as follows:

• The Court will sit at 11:00am when the Seigneurs will make their comparence to the Crown as franc tenant and advocates will be able to renew their oaths. The court ceremony will last approximately 45 minutes, and will be followed by a church service and His Majesty’s Receiver General will host a reception in Church House following the service.

• The Court will also sit at 2:00pm and advocates will be able to renew their oaths. This ceremony will last approximately 30 minutes.

A video link to the States Chamber will be provided at both sittings to ensure that everyone attending the sittings is able to be seated.

For those advocates who advise, via their firm, that they are out of the Island on 18 September 2026, there are two opportunities for them to renew their oath at 9:00am on Wednesday 14 October 2026 and 9:00am on Wednesday 11 November 2026.

Only in exceptional circumstances will Advocates be able to renew their oath other than on 18 September 2026, or one of the two slip dates. Any such requests must be made in writing to the Bailiff via the Bailiff’s Judicial Secretary.

The Bailiff has invited Advocates to indicate which sitting they would prefer to attend on 18 September 2026, although it will be necessary for the 11:00am sitting to be well attended in any event. Advocates should write to the Bailiff’s Judicial Secretary at r.traisnel@courts.je.

To assist it would be helpful, where appropriate, if one person from each law firm (or department in the case of the Law Officers’ Department) could communicate the sitting preferences (for the Assise and slip date attendance) for their firm’s / department’s advocates to the Bailiff’s Judicial Secretary at r.traisnel@courts.je.

All responses must be received by 12:00 noon on Friday 11 September 2026.

Members are reminded that The Law Society of Jersey's Annual Dinner celebrating the Opening of the Legal Year is being held at L'Horizon Hotel, St Brelade on Friday 18 September 2026.

The dinner is again being held on the same day as the Assise d'Héritage, and will be attended by members of the Court.

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

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

Nine candidates completed their Advocates and Solicitors Examinations in the latest June / July exam sitting.

The successful candidates, to whom we offer our congratulations on their achievement, are:

Caitlin Bruce (Ogier)
Michael Davies (Appleby Global)
Adam Fellows (Harneys)
Aaron Foster (Ogier)
Sally Meggitt-Smith (Carey Olsen)
Michal Smigla (Law Officers’ Department)
Laura Sones (Appleby Global)
Stephan Venter (Mourant)
Clare Woodhouse (Viberts)

Applications for admission as Advocates or Solicitors will be considered by the Court in due course.

In 2025, the process for Will Searches was changed, with the introduction of a Standard Will Search template and a Master Circulation list of firms who hold Wills.

Under this process, Will searches are only sent to firms who have confirmed that they hold Wills and will respond to all requests received within 7 working days.

As part of a regular process review, and prior to the issue of an updating communication, we will shortly be writing to all Will-holding firms to ensure that (a) the firm continues to hold Wills and (b) the contact details held for search requests are correct. 

Any additional firms (including those established in the last year) who now hold Wills or have commenced the holding of Wills are requested to (a) confirm this position and (b) provide contact details for Will search purposes to Jonathan Bale at manager@jerseylawsociety.je by 18 September 2026.

Members are reminded of the importance, on a regular basis, of familiarising themselves with the provisions of the Law Society's Code of Conduct, which includes a number of requirements and obligations which are binding on members.

It is the responsibility of members to ensure that they act in accordance with the Principles and Rules in the Code of Conduct at all times.

An important element of the Code relates to members' obligations of practice, including their duty to co-operate with the Law Society, provide requested information promptly, their duty not to obstruct complaints and, in respect of sole practitioners, to have in place proper arrangements in the event of the practitioner's absence of incapacity. These provisions are detailed in Rule 12, key elements of which are outlined below:

R.12.1 Duty to co-operate with the Law Society

All members must:

a) co-operate with the Law Society by responding to proper and reasonable requests for information in an open, honest and timely manner;

b) promptly notify the Law Society of any changes to relevant information about the member, the firm or employees;

c) not deceive or mislead the Law Society;

d) report to the Law Society if convicted of any offence, other than a minor traffic offence;

e) report to the Law Society any disciplinary sanction (including private rebuke or censure) imposed by another regulator (in Jersey or elsewhere);

f) engage with the Law Society in relation to any matters of a disciplinary nature and co-operate with any reasonable requests or directions and in the conduct of disciplinary proceedings;

g) promptly notify the Law Society where their firm is in financial difficulties or at a not negligible risk of being unable to meet its financial obligations; and

h) subject to the completion of any internal process or reporting, within his/her firm, in respect of such matters, advise the Law Society where they have good reason to doubt the professional integrity, or fitness to practise, of a member or legally qualified employee of their firm, without prejudice to any restrictions on disclosure provided by statute.

R.12.2 Provision of information and production of documents

A member must promptly (within 14 days or as otherwise determined) comply with any proper request or notice (which must be in writing) served on the member or firm by the Law Society or the Committee of the Law Society to produce documents, information and explanations relating to the firm, for the purpose of ascertaining whether a member or firm is complying with or has complied with any rules, codes (including these Rules and this Code) or mandatory guidance made or issued by the Law Society or the Committee of the Law Society or which is necessary to deal with any issues of potential misconduct.

R.12.4 Obstruction of complaints

Members must not:

a) attempt to hinder or prevent a person who wishes to report their conduct  to the Law Society from doing so;

b) take any action or enter into an agreement which would attempt to preclude the Law Society from investigating any complaint made to the Law Society which alleges misconduct;

c) offer any incentive to a complainant to withdraw a complaint;

d) victimise a person for reporting their conduct to the Law Society; or

e) issue, or threaten to issue, defamation proceedings pending the resolution of a complaint to the Law Society, unless malice can be properly alleged.

R.12.5 Sole practitioners

Members who are sole practitioners must make proper arrangements in the event of their illness, death, absence or other incapacity to protect their clients, and their clients' money and assets held by, or to, the order of the sole practitioner.

Click Code of Conduct to view or download the full Code.

Any queries in relation to the Code of Conduct and its application should be directed, in the first instance, to Jonathan Bale on 613950 or email 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.

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.

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 remain 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

Court users are reminded that in anticipation of retirement of Kathy Harries as Secretary to the Master, the email address for communications with the Master has changed to master@courts.je.

Kathy has asked us to convey her thanks to everyone in the legal profession, the judiciary and the court service for their support over the past 27 years.

Kathy's full message can be found here.

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.