The Guernsey Bar Council and the Institute of Law Guernsey have confirmed that their bursary will continue to support law students in the island.

Returning for its second year, the scheme will continue as both of its recipients have completed their bar exams and will be formally called to the Guernsey Bar at the beginning of September.

Simon Gittins, one of last year’s recipients, said: “Access to justice belongs to everyone in Guernsey: it is the core principle that underpins the rule of law, ensuring that everyone can exercise and protect their fundamental rights and freedoms with the benefit of legal advice and representation.

He said it was good to see the goals were being invested in, “enabling aspiring advocates to bring our previous experience to bear in helping others.”

Number 10 Advocates has supported the scheme and played an integral part in enabling both candidates to progress through it.

The lawyers benefitting from the bursary scheme will join the pool of advocates available for publicly funded legal cases in Guernsey.

A spokesperson said this would help alleviate the strain that from increasing demand for representation in family and criminal cases.

The scheme is for those who have already qualified as a solicitor or barrister in the United Kingdom and are looking to qualify as a Guernsey Advocate.

It’s part of the Guernsey Bar’s commitment to promoting access to justice and its proactive approach to reducing resourcing gaps.

Applicants must be a firm of Advocated and have a supervisor committed to legally aided work. Recipients are expected to practise mostly in criminal or family law for two years after qualifying and to be part of the Duty Advocate Scheme, representing people at the Police Station and Magistrates’ Court.

Recipients of the bursary will receive a cash payment for two years, course fees and materials paid for and exam entrance fees paid for.

John Barclay, from the Institute of Law Guernsey, said: “The route to qualification as a Guernsey advocate is demanding, but financial pressure should not stand in the way of talented candidates who are committed to public service.

“The bursary scheme gives practical support to the next generation of Advocates and helps strengthen access to legal representation in areas where the need is greatest.”

The deadline is 31 July and full details can be found on the Guernsey Bar Council’s website.