Conference looks for profession to evolve

Law in Scotland, the Society’s award-winning conference, will this year focus on the theme “evolution or extinction”.

Taking place in Glasgow on 23 and 24 September, the event will explore the best ways to meet future challenges.

The Society’s special general meeting will be held at 4pm on the first day, followed by an informal networking event with guest speaker Roy Sheppard, an expert on building business relationships. The full conference takes place the following day.

Conference streams are aimed at different sectors of the solicitors’ profession, for instance offering tips on how sole practitioners can negotiate with their banks, and outlining the advantages and pitfalls of new business models for big firms.

A session looking at the question of whether courts work in the public interest is aimed at those with a particular interest in the rule of law.

Sarah Prior, the Society’s head of Update Conference and Events, said: “Given the theme, the conference will focus on how to ensure firms are future-proofed through best practice, finance and innovation.

“Building on the success of previous Law in Scotland events, we have again lined up a range of excellent speakers, and the streams will cater for the diverse interests that exist in the profession.”
Keynote speakers include: Professor Richard Susskind, who will discuss the future of lawyers; New York-based consultant Bruce MacEwen (see interview on p 14), who will explore themes in his new book Growth Is Dead: Now What?, a copy of which will be given to delegates; and Ros Taylor, from the Ros Taylor Group, who will deliver a session on how business needs effective leaders.

The conference will also include a legal profession-themed exhibition, and the opportunity to attend round table sessions on IT, careers, and reducing costs in your offices.

Members can register for early bird rates on the Society’s website. Subsidised rates are available for trainees and those registered as unemployed with the Society.