Back together again!

For the first time in three years, solicitors will be able to meet up at the Law Society of Scotland’s Annual Conference, which is returning as an in-person event next month.

Friday 21 October is the day, and the Edinburgh International Conference Centre is the venue, for presentations on key themes including the challenges facing the profession, the rule of law and the opportunity for lawyers to be “Disruptors for Good”.

Joining remotely is still an option, but coming along on the day offers the most complete experience and the best networking opportunities.

Lord Advocate Dorothy Bain QC is this year’s opening keynote speaker; and following her address, a panel of distinguished guests, chaired by the Society’s Michael Clancy, will tackle professional ethics, the rule of law and international conflict. Michael will be joined by Sir Howard Morrison QC, a former judge of the International Criminal Court where he served as President of the Appeals Division, and Frances McMenamin QC from the Faculty of Advocates.

The morning breakout sessions (described below) come next, and attention then turns to trainees, with an expert panel from both in-house and private practice giving their opinions and advice on training. You’ll hear from Susannah Donaldson of Pinsent Masons, Iain Miller of Kingsley Napley, Christopher Weir of Scottish Social Services Council and Philip Hall of NatWest.

After lunch, regulation is on the menu with the Society’s Executive Director of Regulation, Rachel Wood exploring how to regulate in a constantly changing environment with a former judge of the Utah Supreme Court, Constandinos Himonas.

Paul Mosson, Executive Director of Member Services and Engagement, and Aisling O’Connell, Technology and Innovation Policy Lead at the Legal Services Board, will round out the day’s main sessions, discussing the value of cooperation in legal tech between different jurisdictions.

Breakout sessions will give attendees the option to choose in the morning programme between neurodiversity in the law, and leadership in building an inclusive future; and in the afternoon, between in-house lawyers driving critical business needs, and strategic litigation as a tool for strengthening the rule of law.

In the venue, there will be plenty of opportunity to network with colleagues, sponsors and exhibitors. Main conference sponsor and Law Society of Scotland strategic partner St James’ Place will be on hand to chat about wealth management.

Diane McGiffen, the Society’s chief executive, is keenly looking forward to her first Annual Conference. “It’s great that we’ve got the opportunity to bring the profession together at our flagship event. I’m very much looking forward to chatting with members and hearing from our speakers on a wide range of important and topical subjects”, she commented.

Free places at the conference are on offer to several membership groups. Unemployed members and Fellows of the Society are eligible to join for free, in-person or online. Legal aid solicitors and law students get free access to join remotely.