Conference keeps getting better

Top law officers head the speakers at the Society’s Law in Scotland conference on 8 and 9 May.

The Attorney General, Baroness Scotland QC, and Elish Angiolini QC, Lord Advocate, will open the event with what promise to be stimulating keynote addresses on different aspects of the rule of law, chaired by Lord Cullen.

Other high profile sessions include a review of the civil court system by Lord Gill, a panel debate on the delivery of legal services with Kenny MacAskill MSP, a report on the international criminal court by Lord Bonomy, and an address on the future of legal services by author Richard Susskind.

Three-time Olympic silver medallist and former law student at Edinburgh University, Katherine Grainger is to make a guest appearance on Saturday 9 May, talking to delegates about her Olympic success and how she combines it with her legal studies. She is currently studying for a PhD in law at King’s College London.

A number of accredited specialists will attend the conference during Friday 8 May to offer advice in their areas of expertise in an informal environment – an opportunity for delegates to access skills across 11 practice areas from agriculture to medical negligence.

The President, Richard Henderson said: “Law in Scotland offers a really wide ranging and exciting programme for solicitors and others within the legal sector. The programme was devised to bring together lawyers from different disciplines and sectors of the entire legal profession, and it reflects the diversity of law in Scotland today.”

The programme is split into four streams. Rule of Law covers the judiciary, dispute resolution, criminal law, and law in conflict situations such as Afghanistan.

Business & Economy takes in money laundering and organised crime, managing business risk, retaining clients, and marketing and business development.

Law in the Community looks at practice areas such as family law, conveyancing and licensing.

Leadership and Development sessions will discuss leadership in difficult times, change management, redundancies and flexible working, and the future of the profession with a speaker from the SYLA.

The panel debate on delivering legal services takes place on the Saturday morning. Other sessions then include developing business; consumer credit; employment law; an interactive session on generating business; and advising vulnerable adults or those with incapacity.

James Oliver, a relationship director with RBS, 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 this year’s event.”

For further information, updates and booking, see www.lawscot.org.uk/update/Event.aspx?e=303.
CPD: 11 points.

Exhibition – with a difference

In late 2007 I put a little piece in the Journal to see if there were any other lawyer artists around. I had around 15 replies from all sectors of the profession. I was surprised not only by the numbers but the quality and range of their work.

There are beautiful drawings and paintings of the female form; fine silverware; striking figurative drawings; breathtaking floral art; superb acrylic landscapes, and more. The standard of work is very high indeed among all the artists.

Initially we planned to put on an exhibition in 2008, but the credit crunch hindered the project. However at the Society’s suggestion we now have the perfect platform – our own annual conference, with a splendid showing space at the EICC and a captive audience. We are grateful to the Society too for its financial support for the show.

A substantial proportion of the price from each work sold is going to a range of charities, so even in these trying times we hope that visitors to the show will regard investment as having a multiplicity of benefits – as well as being great fun!

“Welcome home” curtain raiser

The Society and Scottish Government are hosting a reception in the Great Hall at Edinburgh Castle to celebrate the law and legal profession at home and abroad.

The event, on 7 May, marks the Society’s 60th anniversary and Homecoming Scotland 2009, a series of events to encourage those with Scottish roots to revisit their homeland.

The President, Richard Henderson, and the Justice Secretary, Kenny MacAskill will act as the official hosts.

Richard Henderson has written to 120 overseas solicitors to invite them “home” to the reception. It takes place on the eve of the Law in Scotland conference, and will bring together lawyers, politicians, business people and representatives from Scotland, the UK and overseas.

Registers – an exclusive preview

The conference will also feature the exclusive preview of a unique exhibit, part of Homecoming Scotland 2009. Commissioned by Registers of Scotland, it tells the story of the birth, and growth, of a city using state-of-the-art graphics and projection methods. The exhibit goes on public display in Glasgow in the summer.

Sheenagh Adams, managing director of Registers of Scotland, said: “I can think of no better introduction to the place that land and property plays in all our lives than this fascinating exhibit.

“I hope that many of those visiting Scotland during Homecoming Scotland 2009 will visit the exhibition when it is in Glasgow to learn more about the city of their ancestors… it’s amazing what you can find out about your ancestors through our publicly accessible records.”