Annual Conference 2024 Programme
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
- Overview of the key findings of the Profile of the Profession Survey 2023 and changes since the 2018 survey in relation to hybrid working and mental wellbeing
- Hybrid working: The benefits, the pitfalls and making it work for you and your firm
Panel Host
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
Panelist
Lindsay Jack
Panelist
Paul Cook
Panelist
Ayanda Ngobeni
3 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
Panelist
Nelly Whaley
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?
- Profile of the Profession Survey 2023: Is Representation Enough?
Panel Host
Susan Murray
Panelist
Seonaid Stevenson-McCabe
Panelist
Elaine Motion
Panelist
Rupa Mooker
Panelist
Professor Maria Fletcher
5 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 - 10:10 Welcome and Introduction to Day 2
Conference Chair
David Lee
10:10 - 10:50 A People Focused Legal System
Plenary
- Introduction to the contemporary issues affecting the legal system as seen by our expert panel of professionals from across the legal sector
- Discuss the possible solutions for the key issues affecting civil justice, administrative justice, human rights, legal practice and the structure of our legal system
Panel Host
Liliana Torres Jimenez
3 Speakers
10:50 - 10:55 Comfort Break
10:55 - 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 the constitutional arrangement between Westminster and Holyrood, and consider the significance of the recent decision to invoke Section 35 of the Scotland Act 1998
Panelist
Christine O'Neill KC
Panelist
Professor Stephen Tierney
Panel Host
Michael P. Clancy OBE,WS
3 Speakers
11:35 - 11:45 Transition to Breakout Rooms
11:45 - 12:25 Breakout Sessions
Dirty Money and the Rule of Law
Breakout 1
- How does dirty money undermine the rule of law in the United Kingdom? Why is the United Kingdom an attractive target for money laundering?
- Is there a need for greater transparency over the beneficial ownership of corporate structures and trusts? Could this be implemented in Britain’s overseas territories?
- What is the best practice for lawyers with concerns over the use of complex corporate structures (for example, for purchasing property)?
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)?
Why Cyber Security is still the Elephant in the Room?
Breakout 3
- 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
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
2 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?
Panel Host
Paul Gostelow
Panelist
Alastair Morrison
Panelist
Mark Cruickshank
3 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?
3 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 Taking Stock of Justice Amid Political Change
Plenary
Panel Host
Michael P. Clancy OBE,WS
2 Speakers
11:10 - 11:20 Questions and Discussion
11:20 - 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 Denovo and LawWare
Chair
Ally Thomson
4 Speakers
Title to be confirmed
Breakout 2: Sponsored by Lockton
The Client Centred Legal Firm
Breakout 3: Sponsored by Review Solicitors and Lex Reception
3 Speakers
12:40 - 13:30 Lunch, Networking and Exhibition
13:45 - 14:10 Wordsmith AI
Plenary
14:50 - 15:10 Comfort Break, Networking and Exhibition
15:10 - 15:50 Breakout Rooms - Essential Career Skills
15:50 - 16:00 Transition to Plenary
Additional
Main Sponsor
Wordsmith AI
A secure AI toolkit for lawyers