Offshore law: becoming a solicitor in Jersey
If you want to practise as a qualified solicitor in Jersey, you’ll need to follow a process similar to that required by firms in England and Wales. However, some aspects of Channel Islands law are different from law on the mainland, so the path to qualification is different too – in particular, you’ll need to study for professional exams while working in a solicitors’ firm.
There are residence restrictions in place in Jersey that prevent all and sundry from moving there: generally only local people and ‘essentially employed’ people can buy or lease property, so relocating to Jersey is not an option for everyone. The States of Jersey government can provide more information about housing and residence on the island.
Starting out
In Jersey the boundaries between solicitors and barristers are not as clearly defined as they are in England and Wales. For example, Jersey barristers (called advocates) have rights of audience to appear before the Royal Court of Jersey but in reality are often more involved in the kind client-focused work solicitors on the mainland do.
In Jersey the boundaries between solicitors and barristers are not as clearly defined as they are in England and Wales
To become a solicitor (also know as an ecrivain) in Jersey you’ll need to complete either a law degree or a non-law degree followed by the common professional examination (CPE) or graduate diploma in law (GDL). Like your counterparts on the mainland, you’ll then need to study the legal practice course (LPC).
At this point you can begin the Jersey-specific part of the process. You’ll need to study for two years for the Jersey Qualifying Exam while working in a solicitor’s or advocate’s office. The qualifying exams cover areas of law that differ in Jersey (for example, contract and property) and some of the questions may be in French.
Once you’ve qualified as a solicitor in Jersey it’s likely you’ll continue working at a local firm. All locally-qualified lawyers with fewer than 15 years’ experience must take on legal aid cases in Jersey, which means that young solicitors tend to stay with firms during this time rather than set up on their own.
Other routes
Some English law firms have offices in Jersey and advise only on English law. In addition, there may be opportunities for lawyers and law graduates within the many finance companies operating in Jersey.
