Solicitors in Guernsey: Differences between lawyers in Guernsey and those in England & Wales
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When seeking legal advice or representation in Guernsey, it’s important to understand the unique nature of the legal profession on the island.
Unlike in England and Wales, where lawyers are generally divided into solicitors and barristers, Guernsey has its own distinct legal profession in which locally qualified lawyers are known as advocates.
What is an advocate in Guernsey?
In Guernsey, an advocate combines the roles typically associated with both solicitors and barristers in the English legal system. The full title is “Advocate of the Royal Court,” emphasising their qualification to appear before the Royal Court of Guernsey.
This is a significant aspect of their role, as, they do not need to rely on another professional (such as a barrister) for court appearances.
The role of an advocate is comprehensive, encompassing the full spectrum of legal services, from advising clients on complex legal matters to representing them in court.
Advocates are members of The Guernsey Bar.
What is a solicitor in England & Wales?
Solicitors in England and Wales, on the other hand, are legal professionals who typically manage legal transactions, provide advice and prepare cases for barristers who then present them in court.
However, they cannot appear in higher courts unless they qualify as solicitor-advocates.
The scope of their practice: Advocates Vs Solicitors
Advocates in Guernsey
Advocates provide a wide range of legal services, including drafting legal documents, advising on international financial transactions and appearing in court for both minor and major cases. Their role is akin to a combination of a solicitor’s and a barrister’s duties.
Advocates have the exclusive right to appear in all Guernsey courts, from the Magistrate’s Court to the Royal Court. This is a significant aspect of their role, as they do not need to rely on another professional for court appearances.
Solicitors in England & Wales
Solicitors generally focus on advisory and transactional work. They often specialise in specific areas of law, such as family law, conveyancing or corporate law, but would typically instruct a barrister for complex court proceedings.
Solicitors in England & Wales can appear in lower courts, but generally, it is barristers who represent clients in higher courts. Solicitors must undergo additional training and qualification to appear in higher courts as solicitor-advocates.
The title of lawyer can be used for solicitors & barristers in England & Wales and advocates in Guernsey
The term “lawyer” is a generic term that applies to legal professionals across different jurisdictions, including both barristers or solicitors in England & Wales and advocates in Guernsey. While the roles and qualifications may differ, all are fully qualified legal practitioners within their respective legal systems.
Babbé is a firm of lawyers in Guernsey
Babbé is an independent Guernsey-based law firm, providing excellent dispute resolution, regulatory, corporate and other transactional legal services.
Our firm is widely recognised for the depth of experience of our advocates and has a consistent track record acting on leading and landmark cases in Guernsey. We provide our clients with whom we have formed partnerships built over a century of practice, with an integrated and seamless service.
We are approachable and accessible, and have the skills, expertise and scale to handle the most demanding, complex and innovative instructions.
You can learn more about our firm at About Us or view or view our areas of expertise at Our Services.
If you would like to speak to us about a legal matter, Contact Us to speak with an advocate.