Aspiring advocates complete their Caen placement on-island
GUERNSEY’S historic legal links with Caen in Normandy have been maintained through the pandemic via the power of video conferencing.
Obtaining the Certificat d’Etudes Juridiques Francaises et Normandes is a prerequisite to being admitted as an advocate of the Royal Court of Guernsey.
Those studying usually attend classes at the University of Caen each September to obtain the qualification.
However, for the past two years, travelling to France has not been a realistic or viable option for those studying.
In response, law firm Carey Olsen offered the use of its video conferencing facilities to the Institute of Law Guernsey.
With the support of other local law firms, those studying have been able to complete their Caen placement on-island as a group.
‘As we came out of the first lockdown last year, but with many restrictions still in place, it became abundantly clear that aspirants would not be able to go over to France to study,’ said Russell Clark, managing partner at Carey Olsen in Guernsey.
‘This was incredibly unfortunate. It is an important part of an aspirant’s education to go to Normandy, study in French and absorb the cultural significance of the Duchy of which we once formed part, and that has played such an important role in the development of Guernsey law.
‘Nevertheless, we recognised, together with the Institute of Law Guernsey, that we had to be adaptable and find an alternative offering for those already committed to studying.
‘Likewise this year, while the coronavirus considerations were perhaps slightly less, we appreciated that we could continue to offer a successful remote learning experience from Carey House after what we established at such short notice just 12 months prior.’
William Simpson, a director at the Institute of Law Guernsey, added: ‘Our laws differ from English law and a proper understanding begins with the course offered by the University of Caen. Delivering the course remotely has ensured that the Guernsey Bar continues to respond to the demand for more qualified advocates. We are very grateful to Carey Olsen and to the university for their help again this year.’
The University of Caen and lecturer Sophie Poirey have also embraced the remote learning model.
The 17 aspirants taking part in the current round of remote learning for the Certificat d’Etudes Juridiques Françaises et Normandes includes representation from Bedell Cristin, Carey Olsen, Collas Crill, Ferbrache & Farrell, Mourant, Ogier, the States of Guernsey and Walkers.
