Bailiff appoints new Assistant Magistrate

Wednesday 08 March 2023

An Advocate with an "intimate knowledge of law" has been appointed as the island's next Assistant Magistrate.

Advocate Adam Clarke, who is currently Judicial Greffier, will replace Advocate Peter Harris who will be retiring after 14 years in the role this June.

Advocate Clarke attended Victoria College before Bournemouth University and then the University of the West of England.

He was admitted to the Bar as a Jersey Advocate in January 2000, and worked in general practice in several local law firms before becoming a Managing Partner at Le Gallais and Luce.

In 2018, he became Judicial Greffier, taking over from Paul Matthews when he retired.

Pictured: The Magistrate's Court.

The Bailiff, Sir Timothy Le Cocq, chaired the interview panel, which included Magistrate Mrs Bridget Shaw, Prison Governor Susie Richardson and Mr Simon Nash of the Jersey Appointments Commission.

"I am very pleased to announce the appointment of Advocate Clarke as the Assistant Magistrate after a competitive open recruitment process," the Bailiff commented.

"Since being called to the bar in 2000, Advocate Clarke has successfully occupied high-profile roles in both private and public sectors in Jersey, most recently as Judicial Greffier since 2018.

"With this broad background and his intimate knowledge of law, I am confident he will be both successful in his new role and ably support the Magistrate as they continue to modernise court processes through the use of technology and ensure access to justice at the Magistrate's Court."

Pictured: The Bailiff, who chaired the interview panel, said Advocate Adam Clarke would support the Magistrate in modernising court processes.

Advocate Clarke added: "I am honoured to have been appointed to this important role.

"The judicial work of the Magistrate's Court, both in criminal and civil matters, is an essential part of the justice system in Jersey.

"As attendance in the Magistrate's, Youth or Petty Debts Court is often someone's first experience within the courts in Jersey, these courts play an essential part in maintaining the highest confidence in the courts - both for those involved in the proceedings and for the public at large.

"I look forward to joining the team and to playing my part in driving the work of the Magistrate's Court forward."