Faculty to feature at Commonwealth Law Conference

The eyes of the Commonwealth will focus once more on Glasgow, as delegates gather for one of the major events of the international legal calendar.

The Law Society of Scotland successfully bid to bring the Commonwealth Law Conference 2015 to Glasgow. They are confident their choice of venue will prove as successful as the city's hosting of the Commonwealth Games last year.

Lawyers from many of the 52 Commonwealth states are expected to travel to Scotland from all around the globe. For members of the Faculty of Advocates who are participating, it will be a much shorter journey along the M8.

The Dean of Faculty, James Wolffe, QC, is to chair a discussion on international human rights treaty obligations, and speak in a session on the right to a fair trial and the duty of the state to fund competent representation for all accused.

Laura Dunlop, QC, is a speaker in a debate which asks: "Does mental illness render the death penalty inexecutable? How does the law support the vulnerable?"

Andrew Stewart, QC, will be in the chair for the topic: "Mobility of the Legal Profession - Qualifications and Practice in Multi-Jurisdictions."

Mr Wolffe said: "Scotland and Scotland's legal profession have always been outward-looking and world-welcoming. The Commonwealth Law Conference is a great opportunity for us to show legal colleagues from across the Commonwealth family of nations what Glasgow and Scotland have to offer. At the same time, we have much to gain from sharing knowledge and experience about a wide range of subjects with judges and lawyers from around the globe."

The event Is being staged by the Commonwealth Lawyers Association (CLA) in partnership with the Law Society of Scotland, at the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre from 12-16 April.

Mark Stephens, President, CLA, said the association was excited to be holding its 19th biennial conference in the historic city of Glasgow, describing it as a "truly unique event".

He added: "The theme of the 2015 conference will reflect the issues surrounding our globalised world and the challenges or opportunities this presents for lawyers, with particular emphasis on commerce and the rule of law. As always, the conference presentations will focus on current trends in corporate and commercial law; the legal profession; the rule of law, and other contemporary legal topics."

He promised an "innovative" programme of educational, social and networking events which would ensure that "all those who attend the conference will have an opportunity to conduct business, meet colleagues from different jurisdictions, exchange experiences, and renew and build friendships that will continue long after the closing ceremony."

To register, go to http://www.clc2015.co.uk/register