Four Jurisdictions Conference 2026 comes to Edinburgh

MEMBERS of the judiciary and the independent referral bars in Scotland, England and Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland will gather at the Four Jurisdictions Conference 2026 in May.

The annual event rotates between Belfast, Dublin, Edinburgh and London. The 2026 conference will be hosted by the Faculty of Advocates in Edinburgh from Friday 15 May to Sunday 17 May.

It offers attendees the opportunity to explore shared legal challenges, exchange cross‑jurisdictional perspectives and strengthen professional connections.

“The conference is an excellent way of bringing together colleagues from the Faculty of Advocates, Middle Temple, and the Bars of Ireland and Northern Ireland,” said Dean of Faculty Roddy Dunlop KC.

 

“This year’s event in Edinburgh, with a reception at the Castle and black-tie dinner at Parliament House, looks set to be a memorable occasion featuring a host of excellent speakers and some extremely interesting topics,” he added.

The Four Jurisdictions Conference opens on the evening of Friday 15 May with a drinks reception at Edinburgh Castle where delegates can meet colleagues in one of Scotland’s most iconic settings.

On Saturday 16 May, the conference programme begins in the Mackenzie Building in Edinburgh with an opening keynote from the Lord President and Lord Justice General of Scotland, The Right Hon Lord Pentland. This will be followed by a series of topical and thought‑provoking sessions.

A panel discussion on juryless trials will feature contributions from Claire Davies KC, Michael Bowman SC, Tony Graham KC and Ciaran Murphy KC. It will be followed by a session on cross‑jurisdictional challenges in Family Law, where participants will include HHJ Khatun Sapnara, Ms Justice Nuala Jackson, Lynda Brabender KC and The Rt Hon Dame Siobhan Keegan, Lady Chief Justice of Northern Ireland.

The afternoon programme features a session on the regulation of social media with Felicity McMahon, Barrister, Ms Justice Eileen Roberts, Dean of the Faculty of Advocates Roddy Dunlop KC, and Peter Girvan, BL.

This will be followed by a Junior Bar session with speakers Skye Blackshaw, Judicial Assistant at the Court of Appeal, Tanya Smith, BL and Ayla Iridag, Advocate.

A gala dinner will be held in Parliament Hall on Saturday evening.

On Sunday Claire Mitchell KC and Zoe Venditozzi will explore their Witches of Scotland campaign to secure justice for those accused under Scotland’s historic witchcraft laws.

The Four Jurisdictions Conference is a long‑established forum for collaboration and discussion among these legal communities, offering rich opportunities for learning, debate and professional networking.

For further information contact 4JConference@advocates.org.uk