Annual Conference 2024 Programme
Online Registration Closed Due To Popular Demand
If you would like to be added to our waiting list please email CPD@lawscot.org.uk. Registration to attend in-person on Day 4 is still available.
The conference will take place from Monday 28 through to Thursday 31 October. The first three days are morning sessions hosted entirely online, while for Thursday’s full day programme you’ll have the option to join online or attend in person at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre.
As sessions are confirmed, we'll add them to this page, so please check regularly for updates.
Day 1: A Thriving and Inclusive Profession
Monday 28 October | 10am - 12:30pm | Online only
10:00 - 10:05 Welcome and Housekeeping
Conference Chair
David Lee
10:05 - 10:10 Welcome and Introduction to Day 1
10:10 - 10:50 Fostering a Supportive Working Environment For All
Plenary
- How do we cultivate a true sense of support in a hybrid atmosphere?
- How do we demonstrate inclusion, embrace and encourage diversity and create a sense of belonging in the workplace?
- How do we avoid inclusion ‘box ticking’ exercises?
- Guide to creating a wellbeing strategy – why it matters and what benefits will it bring to your business?
- 4 day working week – working smarter not harder?
Chair
Kenny Robertson
5 Speakers
10:50 - 11:00 Comfort Break and Transition to Breakout Rooms
11:00 - 11:40 Breakout Sessions
Social Mobility: Surviving or Thriving
Breakout 1
- Why a whole system approach to social mobility is needed?
Panelist
Lindsay Jack
Panelist
Ayanda Ngobeni
2 Speakers
Neurodiversity and Flourishing in the Profession
Breakout 2
- Introduction to neurodiversity
- Explore why neurodiversity matters in the legal sector
- Understand the common barriers faced by neurominority groups in the workplace
- Apply approaches that promote neuroinclusive practices for both clients and colleagues
Navigating Race Anxiety
Breakout 3
- What is race anxiety?
- What is the ‘fear of difference’ and how do we overcome this?
- The impact of failing to have potentially difficult conversations
- Cultural sensitivity
11:40 - 11:45 Transition back to Plenary
11:45 - 12:25 Women in the Law Panel Discussion – Is Representation Enough?
Plenary
- How far have we come? Where are we now? Where are we going?
- Beyond the numbers: Quality of representation
- Intersectionality in representation
- High levels of attrition before reaching senior positions. What are the factors driving this attrition and how can the profession better support women’s long-term careers?
- How can men in the profession support the advancement of women? What role do they play in fostering a more inclusive work environment?
Chair
Susan Murray
Panelist
Cordella Bart-Stewart OBE
Panelist
Seonaid Stevenson-McCabe
Panelist
Elaine Motion
Panelist
Rupa Mooker
Panelist
Professor Maria Fletcher
6 Speakers
12:25 - 12:30 Close of Day 1 from Chair
Conference Chair
David Lee
Day 2: A Modern and Robust Legal System
Tuesday 29 October | 10am - 12:30pm | Online only
10:00 - 10:05 Welcome and Introduction to Day 2
Conference Chair
David Lee
10:05 - 10:50 A Trauma-Informed Legal System
Plenary
- Current developments in Scottish legal landscape about trauma-informed practice/justice workforce
- How can we practice is a way that recognises the impact of trauma, does no further harm and supports recovery by those affected by trauma
Chair
Liliana Torres Jimenez
4 Speakers
10:50 - 11:35 The Rule of Law: Defending the Separation of Powers
Plenary
- Discuss recent developments which have impacted the separation of powers between Parliament and the judiciary
- Examine parliamentary privilege in the context of the Scottish Parliament and how this affects Parliament’s relationship with the courts
Chair
Michael P. Clancy OBE,WS
Panelist
Christine O'Neill KC
Panelist
Professor Stephen Tierney
3 Speakers
11:35 - 11:45 Comfort Break and Transition to Breakout Rooms
11:45 - 12:25 Breakout Sessions
Dirty Money and the Rule of Law
Breakout 1: supported by our AML strategic partner, Amiqus
- How does dirty money undermine the rule of law in the United Kingdom? Why is the United Kingdom an attractive target for money laundering e.g. through Strategic Litigation Against Public Participation?
- What are the “lawful but awful” practices that enable dirty money to enter the United Kingdom? How should legal professionals act to uphold their professional integrity?
- How are malevolent actors misusing legal structures and services?
Chair
Gregor Angus
3 Speakers
Using AI to Improve the Administration of Justice
Breakout 2
- What are the key opportunities for using AI in the justice system?
- How do we navigate the risks? Do we need new frameworks to help us? Whose responsibility is it?
- How important is the human element in decision-making? Could or should decision makers in the justice system (e.g. police, judges or juries) be replaced by AI)?
Chair
Paul Mosson
2 Speakers
Why Cyber Security is still the Elephant in the Room?
Breakout 3: Supported by our cyber security strategic partner, Mitigo
- Learn how to protect your firm against the latest cyber threats
- Identify the common vulnerabilities that could expose your firm to cyber crime
- Learn to safeguard your firm against cyber-attacks, using real-life examples from current incidents
- Explore the role of cyber response services in minimising the impact of security breaches
The Human Cost of Money Laundering: The challenge for the legal sector
Breakout 4: sponsored by property searches scotland
- The global cost and devastating human impact of money laundering
- How money laundering fuels organised crime and terrorism and the threats to our society
- What the role of the legal sector is when it comes to safeguarding
- The rules and regulations we must abide by to stay ahead of the game
12:25 - 12:30 Close of Day 2 from Chair
Conference Chair
David Lee
Day 3: An Innovative and Sustainable Future
Wednesday 30 October |10am - 12:30pm | Online only
10:00 - 10:10 Welcome and Introduction to Day 3
Conference Chair
Beth Anderson
10:10 - 10:50 Sustainable Businesses and Talent Retention Panel Discussion
Plenary
- Attracting, recruiting and retaining top talent
- Understanding and leveraging motivations and ambitions
- How can businesses align their values and practices with the priorities of the new generation entering the workforce?
- Best practice for creating a robust succession plan
Panelist
Scott Foster
Panelist
Nadine Stanton
Chair
Beth Anderson
3 Speakers
10:50 - 11:00 Comfort Break
11:00 - 11:40 Sustainability – Opportunities and Obstacles
Plenary
- What are the benefits for an organisation in adopting eco-conscious work practices?
- LSS Climate Action Hub – the role of the Law Society in helping you combat climate change
- What is climate fatigue and how is it affecting organisations?
Chair
Paul Gostelow
4 Speakers
11:40 - 12:30 Your Newest Colleague: AI
Plenary
- How can we successfully incorporate AI into our legal work environments?
- Using technological advancements to improve and protect your business
- How can AI improve services and production for clients?
- What opportunities does AI present for improving work culture/environments?
Chair
Ally Thomson
4 Speakers
Day 4: Keynote speakers and panel discussions
31 October | 9am - 5pm | Online or In-person
Day 4 will be held at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre and also streamed live to online attendees.
09:30 - 09:40 Welcome and Introduction to Day 4
Conference Chair
Rona Dougall
10:00 - 10:30 The Independence of the Legal Profession: A European Perspective
Keynote Address
Keynote Speaker
Pierre-Dominique Schupp
10:30 - 11:10 In Conversation with the Advocate General for Scotland
Plenary
Chair
Michael P. Clancy OBE,WS
2 Speakers
11:10 - 11:50 Comfort Break, Networking and Exhibition
11:50 - 12:40 Breakout Rooms
The Use of Tech To Take the Productivity Leap
Breakout 1: Sponsored by LawWare and Denovo
- AI: Where are we and where are we going ?
- How can we use existing and emerging tech to create an output that works for your firm?
- Introducing our fifth panel member: Chat GPT
- ‘New tech’ – how can we keep up?
Chair
Ally Thomson
4 Speakers
Financial Benchmarking: Key Trends Shaping Scotland’s Legal Sector
Breakout 2: Sponsored by AAB
- In-depth financial review of the Scottish legal sector
- Unveil key insights from the review, highlighting their significance
- Provide actionable strategies to transform the financial performance of your legal practice
- Whether you're looking to optimise profitability or drive sustainable growth, this session promises valuable takeaways to help you stay ahead in the competitive legal landscape
- The Financial Benchmark report has been produced by AAB in conjunction with the Law Society of Scotland
The Client Centred Legal Firm
Breakout 3: Sponsored by ReviewSolicitors and Lex Reception
- 2025 legal prediction ‘clients will prize the quality of their experience over their legal know how’. How do we improve the overall client experience?
- The commitment to accessibility in accessing legal services – how can we build a truly inclusive legal profession?
- How can we use technology to improve service delivery?
5 Speakers
12:40 - 13:30 Lunch, Networking and Exhibition
13:45 - 14:10 The AI Advantage: Is it time to say goodbye to repetitive work?
Plenary: Sponsored by Wordsmith AI
14:10 - 14:50 The PRO Journey
Plenary: SPONSORED BY LOCKTON
Keynote Speaker
Rachel Corsie
Chair
David Lee
2 Speakers
14:50 - 15:10 Comfort Break, Networking and Exhibition
15:10 - 15:50 Breakout Rooms - Essential Career Skills
Strategic Leadership - Who Needs It
Breakout 4
- This session will discuss the strategic gap and debate if, why and how we should be strategic in our future business planning. We will also consider the power of unlocking creativity when generating strategic options, and consider structured approaches for evaluating potential future pathways
Mastering your Professional Presence
Breakout 5
- A practical session for professionals, at any point in their career, to learn how to refine their brand within the legal sector
- How does one strengthen a pre-established presence in an industry or begin to cultivate one?
- What ethical considerations and standards must be considered and abided by in growing one's professional presence?
- Which strategies can you apply to the real-world to effectively implement learnings from this session?
Treading Your Own Path: Inspiring Careers
Breakout 6
- Gain a broad perspective on the different career pathways within the legal sector
- Reflect on your own professional development and consider which opportunities are available to you
- Engage with a panel of experts representing a diverse range of career pathways
Panel Host
Olivia Moore
5 Speakers
15:50 - 16:00 Transition to Plenary
Additional
Main Sponsor
Wordsmith AI
A secure AI toolkit for lawyers