Law Society of Scotland annual conference: For the greater good

Scotland’s most senior judge, the Right Honorable Lord President of the Court of Session, Lord Carloway, will make the opening keynote address at this year’s Law Society of Scotland annual conference.

The overarching theme of the conference is ‘Leading legal excellence: for the greater good’ and Lord Carloway will reflect on a range of associated topics, including the benefits of recent court reforms and key areas still in need of development to maintain a Scottish justice system which is both efficient and accessible to members of the public.

Scotland’s chief public prosecutor, the Lord Advocate Right Honorable James Wolffe QC, and Phillip Rodney, Chair of commercial law firm Burness Paull, will discuss looking for new opportunities and ‘doing the undoable’.

Patrick Stewart, Scottish solicitor and Director of Legal and Business Affairs at Manchester United, will join Law Society Chief Executive, Lorna Jack, and author and executive coach, Thomas Chalmers, on a panel looking at the key to leadership and unlocking potential in high-performing teams.

Scottish solicitor and former Society past president, Austin Lafferty, will interview Olympic gold medallist, Dame Katherine Grainger, to understand her motivation, drive and world-class performances.

Graham Matthews, President of the Law Society of Scotland, said: “I am genuinely excited by the ambition and substance of this year’s agenda and I am delighted to have the opportunity to remind our members of the many great reasons for working in the legal profession.

“Issues around Brexit and the rule of law and business and technology will also be covered and we have an excellent range of speakers. The programme comprises lecture-style events, panel discussions and, for the first time, a series of fringe events. These will explore in more detail topics discussed elsewhere in the programme, such as crowdfunding, technology and research into firms’ financial health and performance in the legal market.

“Whether delegates are working in-house or in private practice, are managing partners or at the earliest stages of their career, the sheer variety of subject matter means that there is something for everyone.”

‘Leading Legal Excellence: For the greater good’ will be held at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre on Tuesday 19 September, 2017.