Skip navigation

Jersey Advocate and Solicitor applications

For admission as an advocate or solicitor, an application must be made in writing to the Attorney General, as per Article 8 of the Advocates and Solicitors (Jersey) Law 1997 (the "Law”). 

If the Attorney General is satisfied that a candidate meets the criteria set out in the Law, the Attorney General or the Solicitor General will move conclusions to that effect to the Superior Number of the Royal Court.

Templates for the covering letters can be found in the links below. Candidates should complete the template letter according to the route they intend to follow and send the completed letter to the Attorney General together with the documents detailed below.

This guidance on how to apply for admission as an advocate or solicitor is intended to complement the Law. Where there is any conflict between this guidance and the Law (and underlying subordinate legislation), the legislation shall prevail.

Applying for admission as an advocate or solicitor

Advocate Route 1

If you are not currently admitted as a Jersey solicitor/écrivain and you are seeking admission as an advocate, you must apply under Advocate Route 1.

If you are applying for admission as an advocate under Advocate Route 1, you need to provide the following documentation in support of your application (Articles 3(2) and 4A of the Law): 

  1. a certified copy of your passport or driving licence;
  2. a certified copy of evidence demonstrating that you have passed the qualifying exams for being admitted as a barrister or solicitor in England & Wales (or equivalent profession in another specified jurisdiction). This can be evidenced by either:
    1. a certificate establishing that you have passed the Legal Practice Course/Law Society Finals or the Bar Vocational Course/Bar Professional Training Course;
    2. a certificate showing that you have been admitted to an Inn of Court or as a solicitor of the senior courts of England and Wales;
    3. a current and valid practising certificate; or
    4. if you have passed such other examinations or assessments from other specified jurisdictions (Scotland, Northern Ireland, New Zealand or Australia) as specified under the Advocates (Specified Examinations and Assessments) Rules 2013, then you will need to produce certified evidence that you have passed such exams, or that you have been admitted or are currently certified to practice in those jurisdictions; 
  3. a certified copy of a certificate from the Deputy Bailiff confirming that you have passed the local qualifying examination; and
  4. a letter from your employer (and/or any former employers if required) confirming that you have been employed in a legal role in an advocate’s or solicitor’s office in Jersey, the Judicial Greffe or the Law Officers’ Department for a period(s) totalling two years out of the four years immediately preceding the date your application will be considered by the Superior Number. In order to be able to qualify you must have either worked full time for a period(s) totalling at least two years in the last four year window or worked part time and completed the equivalent of at least two years’ full time in that period.

 Please ensure that the letter from your office:

  • is signed by an advocate or solicitor of the Royal Court;
  • specifies the role that you have been employed in;
  • confirms that you have been employed on a contractual full time basis (at least 32 hours a week) or if part time then please provide a full breakdown of your contractual hours;
  • confirms the period of employment with that office (whether continuing or not);
  • provides full details, if applicable, of any absence from the office for a period exceeding six calendar weeks during the last four years, other than leave provided to study for the qualifying examination; and
  • provides details, if applicable, of any time spent in an overseas office of a Jersey advocate’s or solicitor’s office during the last four years and whether or not you were engaged predominantly in matters of Jersey law.

Please note that any letters signed by a non Jersey lawyer (eg human resources officer) or which do not provide the details above will not be accepted and may cause your application to be delayed.

If you have completed the necessary two years in a relevant office but not within the prescribed window period of four years, you may apply to the Attorney General for an extension of the window period, which the Attorney General is empowered to do if there are exceptional circumstances and you would otherwise be caused hardship if the window period was not extended.

Should any of the above documents be in a different name (eg a maiden name) please also provide certified evidence of your change of name (eg if changed by reason of marriage, a marriage certificate shall suffice). It is permissible for example for advocates to be admitted in either their maiden or married name, the choice is theirs but this must be the name that the advocate intends to practise under.

Applications for admission as a Jersey Advocate Route 1

Timing

Applications should be made promptly and should be received by the Law Officers’ Department no later than four weeks prior to the application date unless exceptional circumstances apply. Failure to meet this requirement may result in your application being delayed and you having to wait until the next available swearing-in.

Questions

For further guidance contact enquiries@lawofficers.je.

 

Issued: January 2021

Reviewed: 20 August 2025