The Law Society of Jersey Disciplinary Panel: Re-Appointment of Lay Members
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STATES OF JERSEY
THE LAW SOCIETY OF JERSEY DISCIPLINARY PANEL: RE- APPOINTMENT OF LAY MEMBERS
Presented to the States on 29th October 2025 by the Minister for Justice and Home Affairs
STATES GREFFE
2025 R.153
2
REPORT
Background
The Law Society of Jersey Law 2005 ("the 2005 Law") came into force on 1st January 2007, in order to provide for the administration and disciplinary control of advocates and solicitors of the Royal Court. It was amended with effect from 2nd August 2018 to provide for the recognition of legal services bodies, and to extend disciplinary control to legal services bodies.
One of the principal objectives of the Society is to promote high standards of professional conduct among practitioners, and to this end, the Law makes provision for the appointment of a Disciplinary Panel to consider and adjudicate upon complaints against members of the legal profession and legal services bodies.
In accordance with Article 18(1) of the 2005 Law, the Disciplinary Panel shall consist of "not less than 7 and not more than 15 fit and proper persons as lay members". The Panel also includes "not less than 7 and not more than 10 ordinary members of the Law Society". Complaints against legal practitioners are submitted to the President of the Law Society and, in those cases where the President is satisfied that a complaint establishes a prima facie case of misconduct, the matter will be referred to a disciplinary committee.
Notwithstanding the above provisions, the current workload of the Disciplinary Panel suggests that fewer than 7 lay members are needed, such that it is intended that, on the next occasion on which the 2005 Law is amended, it will be proposed to reduce the minimum number of lay members to 5, with a maximum of 10.
It is proposed to advertise for new lay members in early 2026, with a view to appointing a further two or three lay members during the course of 2026.
Lay members of the Disciplinary Panel are appointed by the States for a 5 year term of office and are eligible to be reappointed for a second term of 4 years, subject to the approval of the States.
There are currently seven lay members who were appointed as detailed below: Under R.4.2020, Approved on 3 February 2020
Mrs. Mary Curtis
Ms. Sara Gascoigne
Mr. Nick Cameron
Under R.93-2024, Approved on 19 June 2024
Mr Clive de la Cour
Mr Peter Derrick
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Mrs Anne King Mr Paul Leary
However, it has been identified that the reappointment of two members of the Disciplinary Panel, whose first term of office expired on 3 February 2025, was overlooked such that there is a need to regularise the position.
While three members of the Disciplinary Panel were originally appointed on 3 February 2020 (under R4.2020), one of these, Mr Nick Cameron, has now permanently relocated to Scotland, such that it is not appropriate to seek his reappointment to the panel.
Re-appointment of lay members to the Disciplinary Panel
In light of the above, it is proposed to reappoint Mrs Mary Curtis and Ms Sara Gascoigne for a further period of 4 years (from 3 February 2025) to expire on 3 February 2029, in accordance with the maximum permitted period for lay member terms, as approved by the Appointments Commission.
Recommendation
The Justice and Home Affairs Minister is grateful that these individuals, with their blend of skills and experience, are committed to continuing to undertake this time-consuming and complex work in an honorary capacity.
In accordance with Article 18(3A) of the 2005 Law, the Justice and Home Affairs Minister hereby provides notice to the States Assembly of her intention to make these re-appointments, to expire on 3 February 2029.
A further Ministerial Decision will be made to confirm the re-appointments. Financial and staffing implications
Administrative support to the Disciplinary Panel is provided by The Law Society of Jersey.
The lay members work in an honorary capacity and, therefore, there are no financial or staffing implications for the Government of Jersey.
R.153/2025