Judge Brian Barker KC during a 2023 review of legal services on St Helena praised the ole of the lay advocate:
“The lay advocate system is a tradition in the islands where highly regarded members of he community have rights of advocacy and can be asked to advise and sometimes represent St Helenians in both criminal and civil matters … Their community knowledge often allows them to resolve issues without the need to come to court.”
If you think you could be a lay advocate or would like some more information, please contact the Public Solicitor’s Office on 00290 23008 or the Public Solicitor on walter.scott@publicsolicitor.com and you will be supplied with more information.
As self-employed advisors, lay advocates are supported in their important role by the Public Solicitor’s Office but are independent of the PSO and enjoy the freedom of setting their own hours and working at their own pace.
The role is challenging and can be very busy. Lay advocates need to be available to attend the police station (often out of hours) and court for criminal matters.
The role is financially regarded through the Legal Assistance Fund depending on experience and hours worked per month. Full details can be made available on request.
If you are interested in the role, please send a Letter of Interest outlining why you think you would make a good lay advocate to walter.scott@publicsolicitor.com by no later than the 23 October 2026.