Jessica Roland Becomes Guernsey's First Female Bailiff

Jessica Roland has been appointed as the first female Bailiff of Guernsey and her appointment is approved by King Charles III, this is a historic moment for the legal and civic institutions of the Channel Island. Roland will take over at the end of August, replacing Sir Richard McMahon, who announced his retirement in May after being Bailiff for six years. She will be the 91st to fill the role, and the first woman to serve in the post in over 700 years.

Currently the Deputy Bailiff, Jessica Roland was the first female to be appointed to the role in May 2020. The appointment of her as Bailiff is another landmark for Guernsey's judicial history and marks a trend towards women in senior roles in law on the Channel Islands.

Jessica will be serving one of the highest constitutional roles in Guernsey as Bailiff. Twofold duties: Judicial, civic and parliamentary. She shall preside over proceedings in the Royal Court, be a judge in the Royal Court and the Court of Appeal and be President of the Court of Appeal. She will also preside over debates in the States of Guernsey, be an official representative of the island at official civic and judicial functions, and host members of the Royal Family and other dignitaries on official visits.

The office of Bailiff has existed since the 13th century, and has formed a vital part of the constitutional system of Guernsey for over 700 years. The position of the Bailiff has changed over the years, but the Bailiff is still the pivot of the island's civic life and is the chief judicial officer of the island, and has a major role in ensuring the independence of the judiciary and in the conduct of parliamentary proceedings.

Jessica was born and brought up in Guernsey where she studied at Forest Primary School and Grammar School for Girls before studying at a variety of colleges in Wales, England and France. In 1997 she qualified as a solicitor in the United Kingdom and in the years that followed returned to Guernsey where she qualified as an advocate. Prior to her entry into the judiciary, she had a strong practice and was managing partner of a local law firm.

Key Highlights:

• Jessica Roland will become Guernsey’s first female Bailiff, a historic first in over 700 years
• She is set to replace Sir Richard McMahon at the end of August after his six-year tenure
• The role is one of Guernsey’s most important, combining judicial, civic, and parliamentary duties

In a statement following her appointment, Roland said she was "extraordinary" to be appointed Guernsey's Chief Judge. She said her appointment was evidence of the opportunities afforded to those who are determined and have confidence in themselves today in Guernsey, rather than background. Her remarks have been interpreted as an encouraging message for women looking to make careers in law and public service.

Richard McMahon, who will be replaced by Roland, has been Bailiff since May 2020. In his office he managed the Royal Court and performed the main civic and constitutional functions on the island. His tenure at the end of August will mark the end of six years in office, setting the stage for a new era in Guernsey's judicial history.

Roland's confirmation is seen as a historic occasion for the island and marks a move towards an increased gender balance in top roles at the highest level, while maintaining one of the island's most enduring constitutional positions.