Oliver Helfrich named as new Attorney General

Oliver Helfrich has been appointed by the King as the Isle of Man's next Attorney General, the government's most senior legal adviser.

He succeeds Walter Wannenburgh, who is retiring after four years in the job.

Helfrich, who recently represented the Attorney General's office in the Summerland inquests appeal, said he felt "extremely privileged" to take up the position and understood the "importance of this role" and the "responsibility it carries".

He will be sworn in at Government House in January 2027.

Lieutenant Governor Sir John Lorimer said Helfrich brought "extensive legal expertise" and "a longstanding commitment to public service."

Born in Germany and raised in Northamptonshire, Helfrich qualified as a solicitor in 2002 and moved to the Isle of Man the following year.

He became a Manx Advocate in 2006.

Helfrich spent five years as a civil advocate in the Attorney General's Chambers before leading the dispute resolution practice at Humphrey & Helfrich Advocates.

He represented the Attorney General's office during the appeal for fresh inquests by survivors and bereaved families of the 1973 Summerland fire, which killed 50 people.

The High Court dismissed the appeal in July, though campaigners said they intended to pursue the case further.

On taking up the role as Attorney General, Helfrich said: "I feel extremely privileged to have been appointed as His Majesty's Attorney General for the Isle of Man.

"Having previously served in the Attorney General's Chambers and spent many years advising public bodies across the Island, I understand the importance of this role and the responsibility it carries.

"I look forward to serving the Island and working with colleagues across government and the legal profession in the years ahead."

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