Welcome to the Four Jurisdictions' Conference 2026
The Four Jurisdictions Conference 2026 will take place in Edinburgh from 15 to 17 May.
The Conference brings together barristers, advocates, and members of the judiciary from the Bars of Ireland, England & Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, providing a forum for meaningful engagement across the four jurisdictions.
The programme is designed to encourage dialogue on issues of shared importance to the profession, including the independence of the Bar, the operation and funding of legal aid systems, and wider priorities such as diversity, regulation, and the continued development and promotion of the profession.
The Conference will open with a welcome drinks reception on Friday, 15 May at Edinburgh Castle, situated on Castlehill, Edinburgh, offering attendees the opportunity to meet and connect in a historic setting.
On Saturday, 16 May, the Conference will continue with four panel sessions held in the Mackenzie Building, situated just off the Royal Mile. Below are the scheduled sessions:
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Juryless Trials
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Family Law Cross Jurisdictional Challenges
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Regulation of Social Media
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Junior Bar Session
These sessions will feature leading judges and practitioners from across the four jurisdictions and will be followed by a Gala Dinner in Parliament Hall, bringing the day’s events to a close.
On Sunday, 17 May, the conference will finalise with a talk from Claire Mitchell KC and Zoe Venditozzi, co-founders of the Witches of Scotland campaign and leading voices in uncovering the history of ‘witch’ trials in Scotland, as they explore the legal, cultural, and human legacy of one of the most significant, and troubling, episodes in Scotland’s judicial history. Drawing on their research, advocacy, and insights from their recent book How to Kill a Witch, they will discuss how the campaign has reshaped public understanding of this topic, invited broader engagement with Scotland’s legal heritage, and why these stories continue to resonate so powerfully with contemporary audiences.
Dress Code - Gala Dinner: Black Tie Optional
Accessibility and Inclusion
We are committed to ensuring that the Conference is accessible and inclusive for all participants. Attendees are encouraged, where comfortable, to notify us of any accessibility requirements so that appropriate arrangements can be made to support full participation throughout the event.
Email: [email protected] to discuss your needs.
Please note this event is at capacity and registration is now closed.
