Big names for Society's big date

“Law in Scotland” is shaping up to be the key event in this year’s legal calendar as it sets to bring together the entire legal community as part of the Law Society of Scotland’s 60th anniversary.

The conference, on 8 and 9 May at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre, will showcase the achievements of those working in law and examine the role that law has at the heart of civic Scotland and in serving the Scottish public and business.

It will offer a whole range of talks and seminars, from current debate on the future of the legal profession and the services lawyers provide, to changes in black letter law, ensuring that practitioners can be fully informed on their area of expertise.

The keynote address on Friday morning will come from Baroness Scotland QC, the Attorney General.

Richard Henderson, President of the Society, will open the conference. He said: “The Society’s 60th year comes at a time of significant change in law, including the creation of the Scottish Legal Complaints Commission which opened its doors on 1 October, and the Scottish Government’s Legal Profession Bill which is set to radically alter Scotland’s legal services market by creating the potential for solicitors to work in partnership with non-solicitors or let other organisations provide legal services.

“The current economic downturn has had an enormous impact on many people working in law; however it is important to remember the hard work and talent that there is in Scotland. The conference presents an opportunity to celebrate the contribution of individuals working in law, as well as to bring together members from across the spectrum of legal professions. Holding a conference marking the 60th year of the Society seemed the ideal arena to look at law, not just here but in a wider international context – the role it plays, those whom it serves and the challenges the future will bring.”

The conference will feature a number of high profile speakers over both days. In addition to the address from Baroness Scotland, Lord Gill, Lord Bonomy, Kenny MacAskill and Richard Susskind will also make presentations.

Charlotta Cederqvist, business development manager at the Society, says the conference will have something to offer to everyone working in law. “We have designed the programme to reflect the diversity of law in Scotland today, and aim to create a forum which will stimulate debate and really get delegates thinking about the future of legal services in Scotland and internationally.

“At the moment one of the key issues, and certainly one affecting the majority of our members, is the downturn in the economy, and part of the programme has been structured to give good, practical business advice.”

“Of course having the opportunity to gain all-important CPD credits, network and meet up with friends and colleagues is also key, and there will be a special 60th anniversary drinks reception on Friday evening.”

The programme is split into four streams: Rule of Law, Business & Economy, Law in the Community and Leadership & Development.Rule of Law sessions will include discussion on specialist judiciary; dispute resolution – arbitration, mediation or litigation?; criminal law; and there will be a presentation from Brigadier Mackay on law in conflict situations which looks at his experiences in Afghanistan.

Business & Economy presentations will include advising clients in financial distress; how to protect your clients and firm from threats posed by money laundering and organised crime; managing business risk; and retaining clients and advice on effective marketing and business development in difficult times.

There are also sessions on access to justice, family law, conveyancing, and licensing, as part of Law in the Community.

Leadership and Development sessions will look at leadership in difficult times, change management, and redundancies and flexible working. Sessions will also focus on the future of the profession with a speaker from the SYLA.

Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill will take to the stage on Saturday morning with the Society’s new CEO Lorna Jack and author Richard Susskind for a panel debate on delivering legal services. There will be further focus on alternative business structures, while Stephen Gold of Irwin Mitchell looks into developing business. Other sessions include family law, employment law, procurement for legal services in the public sector, and advising vulnerable adults or those with incapacity.

James Oliver, relationship director, RBS Commercial Banking, Professionals Sector, main sponsors of the conference said: “We’re delighted to be sponsoring the Society’s 60th anniversary conference. The conference is an important date in the diaries of legal professionals around Scotland and I’m very much looking forward to the 2009 event.”

Tickets for both days cost £272 + VAT (early bird discount rate, valid until 28 February). For further information and updates on the Law in Scotland conference log on to www.lawscot.org.uk/update/ Event.aspx?e=303 . CPD: 11 points.