Why a local law firm?
When I first came to work in Jersey 10 years ago, I was struck by the number of law firms that were willing to provide legal services for the local marketplace. All this has now changed.
Several local law firms have reached further and further into the global market for legal services. Some have even merged or been taken over by firms that have no roots in the island. Even some of the distinctive Jersey names have disappeared. At the same time, there have been a proliferation of small law firms who serve a niche market and therefore do not truly offer the full range of private client services.
Jersey is an outstandingly successful community with a high proportion of residents with greater than average means. It boasts a very colourful and sophisticated mix of people, all of whom lead busy and active lives. There is therefore undoubtedly a niche for firms which focus on being truly local and primarily provide legal advice to people who live and work in here.
I believe that to do that effectively firms must do more than merely understand and practise law. In order to provide a first class service to the community it is essential to be involved in island life, to be influencing the law making process and to be providing the legal services that local people require.
A full service local law firm should support the whole community, providing excellent legal advice to both those that are wealthy in our island as well as those who require legal aid. It should also offer the complete range of legal services that an individual may require as they go through their life: for many people that ’legal life cycle’ will begin when purchasing a property; it might continue with a relationship contract and perhaps family law services if your relationship breaks down; your law firm could guide you through starting a business; when you wish to make your will, the same firm should be able to deal with that for you effectively; finally, if you are unfortunate enough to get involved in a civil or criminal dispute, then again the firm you trust should be there to advise and assist.
The business model for Viberts – Jersey Lawyers is focused upon servicing the demand I’ve described. We are one of the few firms which have eschewed the lure of expanding our corporate provision to focus instead upon providing the full range of services to private clients.
Furthermore, our partners continue to play a part in shaping local law: Advocate David Le Quesne chairs the Jersey Employment Tribunal; Advocate Charles Thacker is currently the Batonnier (the head of the Jersey Bar); recently Zoë Blomfield was instrumental in introducing collaborative family law into Jersey; Advocate James Lawrence is at the forefront of the debate in respect of property ownership in the island; and I currently sit on both the Institute of Directors committee and the Appointments Commission.
The lawyers at Viberts also believe that it is essential that we become involved in issues that matter to local people. Advocate Christopher Scholefield is well known for his involvement in planning and environmental issues and I have campaigned on family related issues for a number of years. It is vital for the development of our community that lawyers contribute to the debates that matter to the island and Viberts are the most active of the law firms in this respect.
Jersey’s financial services industry is competing in a global arena. The strength of our professional services infrastructure contributes greatly to its profitability and the appeal of the island to overseas investors. All islanders should welcome that and the ongoing success of our largest law firms. Nevertheless, the adequate provision of legal services to Jersey people is no less important.
Where we live is precious to all of us and most of us, at some point in our lives, will require the services of a local lawyer. There must continue to be firms focused on the needs of our community and able to offer legal advice tailored to an individual’s every need.