COMMERCE and Employment has appointed a commercial lawyer. Jarrod Cowley-Grimmond, 36, has come to the island having previously been employed as a barrister-at-law in Queensland, Australia, where he practised commercial law.

Before that he worked for Crown Law in Queensland, where his duties included providing legal advice for the Crown Solicitor, the Solicitor-General and the Attorney General.

He also prepared ministerial correspondence on behalf of the Solicitor-General, the Attorney General and the Governor of Queensland.

In his new position, Mr Cowley-Grimmond will oversee the preparation of legislation, particularly in relation to issues regarding the development of the finance industry.

‘The appointment of a commercial lawyer is an important step forward in ensuring that Guernsey has the most appropriate legislation, which is vital for the continued economic prosperity of the island,’ said minister Deputy Stuart Falla.

‘We are very pleased indeed that Jarrod Cowley-Grimmond has taken up this role as he brings with him a wealth of expertise in commercial law from his previous employment, which includes working both in private practice and for the Crown.

‘Importantly, from his time with the latter, he is familiar with comparing legislation across a multitude of jurisdictions and assessing the implications of implementation to the business community.’

Mr Cowley-Grimmond’s received an Australia Day public service award for services to the people of Queensland as a result of his involvement in a Royal Commission into the public health system.

He obtained a BA degree in economics at the University of Queensland, and a Bachelor of Laws with honours and a Master of Laws at the Queensland University of Technology.