"Unprecedented" third term for island's Bâtonnier

Thursday 27 June 2019

A local lawyer has been elected to represent the island's advocates for the third term in a row, following a re-election that has been described as "unprecedented" in recent years.

David Cadin, Bedell Cristin's Managing Partner and a Crown Advocate known for his work in litigation, has been Bâtonnier since 2013, having served two three-year terms.

His re-election to serve a third term of one year by the Advocates of the Jersey Bar was described as unprecedented in recent years.

As Bâtonnier, Mr Cadin is Head of the Jersey Bar, has responsibility for Legal Aid in Jersey and acts as the link between the legal profession and the court.

Pictured: The Bâtonnier represents the island's lawyers, and is elected by them.

He also has the privilege of making speeches on behalf of the whole profession at notable occasions such as the Assise d'Héritage and the appointment of a new Bailiff - as will happen later this year when the Deputy Bailiff succeeds Sir William Bailhache.

This term, he will also have to sit on the new Legal Aid Guidelines Committee, which will be responsible for delivering a legal aid scheme that is fit for purpose following criticism of the current arrangements by members of the legal profession.

“There are significant changes on the horizon in terms of legal aid, so the next year will represent a challenge as we strive to achieve a set of guidelines that work for everyone," Mr Cadin said.

“Serving as Bâtonnier is, and has been, a great honour, and I look forward to continuing the work that I have done on a broad range of issues over the next year.”