(iii) the enactment of legislation or the review or reform of existing laws; and F. To do everything that is reasonably, incidental or conducive to the attainment of those objects. Professional Principles Members of the Society are required to adhere to The Law Society’s Code of Conduct2, the key tenets of which are captured in five ‘professional principles’ governing expected behaviour and conduct. Professional Principles Act with independence and integrity Maintain proper standards of work Act in the best interests of clients Comply with duty to the court Maintain confidentiality Who we are and what we do The Law Society of Jersey is the representative body of Advocates and Ecrivains of the Royal Court. It was incorporated, with effect from 1 January 2007, under The Law Society of Jersey Law 2005, as, amongst other things, the statutory regulatory body for Advocates and Solicitors of the Royal Court. The Society has a dual role in representing the interests of, and supporting, its members, while regulating activity in the public interest. Regulation is currently based on adherence to key professional principles within a Code of Conduct, with enforcement through statutory-based disciplinary procedures. No formal supervision of compliance with standards or authorisation of practitioners is currently undertaken, with breaches of the Code of Conduct generally identified through complaints and reporting failures (e.g. Continuing Professional Development compliance). No regulatory visits to firms or individuals are made by the Society. As such, the regulatory regime may be considered to be ‘light touch’, with a reliance on self-certification and matters brought to the attention of the Society. Regulation of adherence by law firms to Anti Money Laundering provisions (which includes a visit/inspection programme) is currently undertaken by the Jersey Financial Services Commission. Full or partial assumption of this responsibility, which is expected during the course of this business plan, may, amongst other actions, necessitate the implementation of a robust visit programme by the Society. Membership of the Society is divided into Ordinary Members, Retired Members and Associate Members. All Advocates and Solicitors of the Royal Court who practise Jersey Law, other than Crown Officers and qualified Jersey lawyers employed by the
Jersey. recommendations for revisions/reform. Consider jurisdictional best practice on professional standards. To finalise and implement effective and compliant system for oversight/governance of all AML and related Regulation, in liaison with JFSC and other stakeholders Review regulatory approach to consider whether it is sufficiently robust to stand up to scrutiny (compared to approaches in other comparable jurisdictions) To review complaints process (non misconduct related) to consider effectiveness of fee complaints process (notably re adjudications) and management of service complaints, including consideration of mediation processes, in the public interest (while being fair to practitioners). Priority Actions Activities and deliverables 2014 – 2015 Implement revised disciplinary process Review Code of Conduct Commence AML supervision review process 2015 – 2016 Examine scope of supervision of lawyers/firms and practising certificate regime Review complaints process (non misconduct) Implement agreed AML supervision regime 2016 – 2017 Review efficacy of disciplinary regime To communicate effectively with the Society’s internal and external stakeholders and to encourage participation in the business of the Society by those stakeholders. Regular communication (newsletter, website, meetings) to members to improve membership knowledge of and participation in the Society’s activities. Review approach re timing/location of general meetings of Society and methods of representation at general meetings Further develop website and content to enhance member and public awareness. Develop content to include member-only accessible archive information. To review branding/identity for the Society Consider the establishment of programme of events to engage membership and to focus on issues of importance to legal profession in Jersey Develop communications strategies/protocol for media enquiries Priority Actions Activities and deliverables 2014 – 2015 Continue to enhance member/public communications Further develop/populate website Develop and implement media strategy 2015 – 2016 Consider development of events to enhance membership engagement Review meeting protocols and Bye Laws 2016 – 2017 Review adequacy of communications infrastructure and effect improvements To consider legislation promulgated by the government of the Island of Jersey and to lobby for appropriate and necessary amendment to protect the interests of the To establish standing committees relating to particular areas of law or practice to proactively promote or consider proposed legislation before it is passed whether referred to the Society for consultation or otherwise Proactive approach to, and encouragement of, consultations and States propositions to provide views of profession on key issues (of relevance to profession).