Aspiring Advocates to receive bursary boon from Bar Council
Bursary Description
The Guernsey Bar Council and Law Guernsey LBG have launched a new Bursary Scheme which aims to help aspiring Advocates receive their Guernsey qualifications, particularly those focusing on criminal and family law.
The initiative aims to address a growing need for legal aid services on the island.
The scheme targets individuals who have already qualified as a solicitor or barrister in the UK (typically England and Wales), but who would like to qualify as a Guernsey Advocate, especially if they plan to work in areas often covered by the Guernsey Legal Aid Scheme.
A successful applicant for the bursary will receive payments for two years covering the course fees and materials for Guernsey Bar and Caen courses, and the payment of Guernsey Bar exam fees.
To be able to apply, applicants have to be supported by a law firm and supervisor committed to legal aid work, and successful recipients are expected to work primarily in criminal or family law for at least two years post-qualification, and participate in the Duty Advocate Scheme.
According to Marcus Leese, Bâtonnier, and Henry Simpson, Law Guernsey, the scheme will help alleviate financial barriers to qualification and strengthen essential legal services, especially as demand for legal aid in family and criminal law is rising.
Mr Marcus Leese, Bâtonnier, said: “Guernsey Advocates already make a huge contribution to the legal aid system through not only their time and expertise, but also the taxes they pay which help to fund the system. This bursary scheme is an additional step and a further practical expression of the longstanding commitment of the Bar Council and all Advocates to ensuring that everyone in Guernsey has access to justice.
He continued: “We recognise the mounting pressure on legal aid provision and are doing more than ever before to help address it.”
Mr Simpson added: “Qualifying as a Guernsey Advocate is both demanding and rewarding, but cost should not be a barrier. This scheme, developed in partnership with the Bar Council, provides meaningful financial support for those committed to public service through law. By enabling more advocates to practise in under-resourced yet vital areas, we help to strengthen the profession and promote access to justice.”
Applications are open now and must be submitted by the end of July.