This morning, Ferbrache & Farrell LLP’s Advocates Peter Ferbrache, Gavin Farrell, Alastair Hargreaves, Robert Breckon, Robin Gist and Alison Antill took part in the important, annual event of the Court of Chief Pleas. This ancient Court is attended by (amongst others) His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor, the Judiciary, legal representatives of the King, Advocates, and Seigneurs owing suit to the Court.
In recent times, it has become a Court dealing largely with ceremonial matters and convenes at the start of the legal year (the Michaelmas sitting). The formal roll call takes place throughout the morning, and includes various reports given to the Court of matters of public importance. Those attending were able to witness the Oath of Office of a Jurat of the Royal Court being administered to Ms Kay Parnwell, who was recently elected to the office of Juré-Juisticier de la Cour Royale by the States of Election on 25th September 2024.
Sir Richard McMahon, Bailiff, emphasised the importance of maintaining tradition and celebrating anniversaries, whilst adapting to modern changes in the way we work.
A ceremonial dinner follows later today, and is an opportunity for a cross section of those attending the Court to relax in more informal surroundings.