Manx advocates training system 'out of date and insufficient'

Report into Island's legal services makes 32 recommendations for change

The training system for Manx advocates is out of date and insufficient according to a review of the Island's legal services.

Lord Garnier has made 32 recommendations for change following an independent review of the legal profession, which will be considered by Tynwald next month.

Lord Garnier's report follows on from findings previously published by the Constitutional and Legal Affairs and Justice Committee and included a review of the Isle of Man Law Society's role, standards within the profession and the process of becoming a Manx advocate.

Lord Garnier agreed with the committee that the process for training advocates is out of date but says the Law Society is already taking steps to change this.

He adds that the route to joining the legal profession needs to be more straightforward and would benefit from a wider cohort.

Both the committee and Lord Garnier examined the Law Society's dual role as regulator and representative body within the industry, with Lord Garnier suggesting immediate consideration be given to reforming the society.

A publication of a code of conduct for advocates and reforms to the Advocates Disciplinary Tribunal are among the other changes put forward.

Justice and Home Affairs Minister Jane Poole-Wilson will ask for Tynwald support for her department to publish an implementation plan in conjunction with the Law Society by February next year, and to call upon the society to progress Lord Garnier's recommendations in full.

You can find the Isle of Man Law Society's response HERE.