Spotlight on Brexit at Law in Scotland conference

The consequences of leaving the European Union, Scotland’s international role in promoting the rule of law and what judges discuss behind the scenes are among the topics that will feature at this year’s flagship Law Society of Scotland conference.

The theme of the Law in Scotland event shares its name with the Society’s recently launched five-year strategy, Leading Legal Excellence.

The Edinburgh conference, to be held at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre on Friday, 2 October, includes a number of high-profile speakers and features a wide-ranging programme of sessions.

Law Society President Christine McLintock said the theme reflects the ambitious new direction taken by the organisation.

She explained: “Our five-year strategy, Leading Legal Excellence, aims to expand the range of services we offer to solicitors and deliver the highest possible professional standards, while growing our membership base by opening our doors to other legal professionals.

“Also in the bold new strategy, we set a mission of being a world-class organisation, extending our global presence by striving to ensure that members have internationally recognised qualifications.

“The strategy has been drawn up in response to the rapid change taking place in the legal sector and marketplace. To meet the ever-changing needs of clients and employers and confront the challenges of the digital era, the legal profession – and the Society – must adapt, innovate, modernise, take risks and grasp new opportunities.

“With an outstanding line-up of keynote speakers and a wide range of streamed sessions, the Law in Scotland conference provides us all with an opportunity to explore these vital issues.”

Keith Ruddock, General Counsel and Company Secretary of the Weir Group, and Professor David Bell, from the University of Stirling, will examine the practical consequences for businesses of a vote to leave the European Union.

A referendum on the possibility of the UK exiting the EU, sometimes referred to as a Brexit, is due to take place before the end of 2017. The vote and its consequences are likely to remain major issues in the coming months.

Keynote speakers at the conference include Lord Hodge, one of the two Scottish Justices on the UK Supreme Court, who will look at the role of solicitors – and their legal excellence – in presenting cases to the court, while also giving some insights into how Justices debate a case after they rise.

Sir Jeffrey Jowell QC, founding Director of the Bingham Centre for the Rule of Law, will develop the theme of Scotland’s international role, examining the country’s contribution to the rule of law abroad.

Karl Chapman, the Chief Executive of Riverview Law, will discuss his experience of entering the market under the alternative business structure reforms south of the border, while writer and performance expert Rasmus Ankersen will highlight issues around leadership and high performance. 

For more information go to www.lawscot.org.uk/events/law-in-scotland-2015/.

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Please contact Val McEwan on 0131 226 888. Email: valeriemcewan@lawscot.org.uk