Jersey Law Course

Becoming an Advocate or Solicitor/ Écrivain in Jersey

Six core modules

One additional module

Study guides

On-island tuition

Part-time study options

The course was established in 2009 to provide structured tuition leading to the qualifying examinations for Advocates or Solicitor/Écrivain in Jersey. Most students taking the course do so while working in a Jersey law office.

The course consists of six core modules and three optional modules (one to be selected). The whole course can be taken in two or three years.

Each module consists of two or three intensive study days (to include revision tuition), access to a study guide and to a virtual learning environment. Visiting Professors and Adjunct Lawyers deliver the lectures.

There are two semesters. The first runs from September to December; the second from January to May. Examinations take place in late June and early July; a second examination period is held in September for resits.

Please be aware that we do not run all the modules every year, you can see the running order of the modules on the modules section.

Becoming a Solicitor/Écrivain or Advocate in Jersey

Entry to the legal profession in Jersey is governed by the Advocates and Écrivain (Jersey) Law 1997 and the rules made under it. Specific questions about eligibility to qualify as a Jersey lawyer should be addressed to the Deputy Bailiff’s Office (not the Institute of Law). The Law Society of Jersey is the professional body for both advocates and solicitors.

In outline, to qualify as an Advocate and be called to the Bar in Jersey you must have:

  • passed the Bar Training Course or any course validated for admission as a Solicitor in England and Wales (or similar professional courses in Scotland or Northern Ireland);
  • enrolled on the Jersey Law Course and passed the Jersey law examinations;
  • and two years’ practical experience in a Jersey law office.

To qualify as a Solicitor/Écrivain in Jersey you have must have:

  • obtained a recognised law degree or a Graduate Diploma in Law (a one-year ‘conversion course’ for non-law graduates);
  • enrolled on the Jersey Law Course and passed the Jersey law examinations; and
  • three years’ practical experience in a Jersey law office.

There are other requirements and routes to qualification set out in the Advocates and Solicitors (Jersey) Law 1997. Many law firms offer bursaries to support students during the process of qualification. Law firms also offer employment opportunities for lawyers qualified in other jurisdictions and for legal assistants without formal legal qualifications.

Everyone who will be eligible to be called to the Bar or admitted as a Solicitor/Écrivain in Jersey is guaranteed a place on the Jersey Law Course.

What do our students think?

"The Institute of Law has been incredibly supportive to me throughout my student journey. The lecturers and administrative team have always been very welcoming, making the Institute a place I would look forward to attending for both lectures, and study time in the library."
Daisy Bovingdon
Daisy BovingdonAdvocate of the Royal Court

Key information

Duration:

2 year full time course, 3 year part time course and individual modules

Fees for students commencing in 2024/2025:

  • 2 year course – £14,650. To be paid in two equal instalments of £7,325, the first instalment being before the start of the first year and second instalment before the start of the second year.
  • 3 year course/individual modules – £2370 per module (applies regardless of original start date).

Application deadline:

15 September 2024

Examination fees:

  • The Deputy Bailiff may charge an exam fee for each sitting (for room and invigilation) depending on the circumstances – this is not reflected in the Institute’s invoice and has to be paid separately. For an ordinary sitting there is no charge.
  • The Institute exam fee (for exam paper and marking) is included in the main fees for your first attempt. Any re-sit incurs a fee of £175 payable to the Institute of Law.

If you have any queries about the course, please email: administration@lawinstitute.ac.je

Answers to frequently asked questions about the Jersey Law Course are here. 

 

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Jersey Law Course Modules

The syllabus for each module is issued by the Bailiff. Candidates taking the course in order to qualify as a Jersey advocate or solicitor must take six core modules:
  • Jersey Legal System and Constitutional Law
  • Civil and Criminal Procedure
  • Contract Law
  • Law of Security Interests and Bankruptcy
  • Law of Immovable Property
  • Testate and Intestate Succession

In addition, candidates must take one of these optional modules:

  • Company Law
  • Family Law
  • Trusts Law
  • Jersey Legal System & Constitutional Law
  • Testate & Intestate succession
  • Security & Bankruptcy
  • Civil & Criminal Procedures and Ethics
  • Contract Legal French classes (if required)**
  • Jersey Legal System & Constitutional Law
  • Law of Immovable Property
  • Contract Law
  • Option: Company Law
  • Option: Family Law
  • Option: Trust Law

Frequently
Asked
Questions

Everything you need to know about Jersey Law Course.
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Jersey Law Course Study Guides

The Jersey Law Course study guides are updated every year.
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Jersey Law Course Examination

Everything you need to know about taking the Jersey Law Course examinations. Find out more