Posted: 18/03/2013
The Law Society of Jersey, the statutory regulatory body for Advocates and Solicitors of the Royal Court of Jersey, achieved two firsts this month with the appointment of its first full time Chief Executive Officer and the establishment of an office for the Society in St Helier.
The Law Society, which was established in 1899, has appointed Neville Benbow (pictured) as its new CEO, in succession to Jane Martin, a former partner of Crill Canavan. At the same time, it has opened an office at Maxwell Chambers in La Colomberie, the first time in its history that it has had its own premises.
Neville Benbow joins the Law Society after a successful financial services career with HSBC. In addition to responsibility for the effective day to day management of the Law Society, Mr Benbow will be responsible for developing and implementing its strategic business plan, which includes a review of how legal aid is funded and improvements in the disciplinary process for Jersey Advocates and Solicitors. He also is responsible for raising public awareness of the role and contribution of the Law Society and its members to Jersey.
Commenting on his appointment, Neville Benbow said: “Few people realise the extent and value of the contribution of Jersey lawyers to the Jersey economy and community as a whole. In addition to the business they help bring to the island, lawyers in Jersey provide the Island's Legal Aid system through the provision of free or subsidised legal services to those who are eligible.“
“Having a permanent base for the Society is also an important step forward, providing public access to the Law Society as well as improving public awareness of what we do and the difference we make.”
Advocate Timothy Hanson, President of the Law Society said: “It is important for us to have an effective medium through which the voice of the legal profession in Jersey is heard. The Law Society has an important role to play in regulating and protecting the interests of its members, while promoting high standards of professional conduct amongst lawyers. In Neville Benbow we have a dynamic Chief Executive, with extensive business knowledge acquired outside the legal profession, who will help us meet our objectives. Having a physical location makes clear our commitment to sound, effective administration and an aspiration to achieve more than perhaps we have been able to do in the past.”