2026 Annual Colloquium - The Young Lawyer in the Third Millenium
CONTENTS
Future Lawyer Conference 2026 — The Young Lawyer in the Third Millennium
> Foreword — The Rt Hon Lord Justice McCloskey
> Welcome to Belfast
> Why Belfast?
> Sponsors
> Conference Programme
> Evening & Weekend Highlights
> Access to Law
> Conference Venues, Registration & Rates
> Accommodation in Belfast
> Join Us — Membership Application
FOREWORD BY THE RT HON LORD JUSTICE McCLOSKEY
I welcome all of you with great pleasure to this conference. I extend a particular welcome to those who have travelled from further afield, particularly from France, England, Wales and Scotland. We, your hosts, receive you warmly.
The Franco-British Lawyers’ Society, under whose auspices this event is being held, also extends a warm welcome to all non-members. It is our firm hope that you will know a great deal more about theSociety by the end of the event.
The FBLS is a registered charity and operates on a non-profit-making basis. Established some 30 years ago, it brings together judges, lawyers, academics, law students and trainees from France and the United Kingdom. Through conferences, seminars, educational activities and professional exchanges,the Society promotes comparative legal discussion, strengthens relationships between the French and British legal communities and advances understanding of French law and the laws of the United Kingdom.
The Society' s annual activities place a strong emphasis on law students and trainees. One of the aims of this October' s event is to give that work a stronger and lasting foundation in Northern Ireland. The Society plans to hold at least one annual careers event for law students and young lawyers in this jurisdiction, while the AI-themed moot will become an annual fixture and will include a prize.
The Society would be delighted to welcome new members, thereby strengthening our Northern Irish connection and section. Membership offers excellent value for money, as well as an opportunity to support the objectives and activities of this registered charity.
Law students, trainee lawyers and young lawyers are front and centre of this event. We look forward particularly to their participation and to welcoming them as new members.
The Society is particularly grateful for the generous support, both financial and kind, provided by
certain law firms and other agencies. This is fully detailed in the confidence brochure.
I wish each of you an enjoyable, fulfilling and memorable sojourn in Northern Ireland.
Bernard McCloskey
WELCOME TO BELFAST
Belfast provides a distinctive and inspiring setting for this year' s conference. As a city shaped by history, resilience and transformation, it offers a meaningful backdrop for discussion about the future of the legal profession.
Northern Ireland' s legal landscape is internationally recognised for peacebuilding, constitutional law and human rights, and the city today combines global firms, thrivingindigenous practices and two world-class law schools at Queen' s University Belfast and Ulster University.
Over the course of the conference, delegates will explore key issues facing the profession today, including artificial intelligence, legal technology, access to justice, cross-border collaboration, professional ethics and theevolving role of young lawyers.
We are delighted to host delegates from across jurisdictions and to showcase Belfast as a vibrant, welcoming and forward-looking legal city. We look forward to welcoming you to what promises to be an engaging, thought provoking and memorable conference.
WHY BELFAST?
A Unique Legal & Constitutional Context
The Good Friday Agreement is internationally recognised as a landmark legal and political achievement, establishing a unique constitutional framework in Northern Ireland — promoting peace, cross-border cooperation and human rights, and influencing comparative constitutional law and transitional justice discussions globally.
A Hub for Legal Education & Thought Leadership
Northern Ireland is home to Queen' s University Belfast and Ulster University, both with renowned law schools. Queen' s is a Russell Group institution known for excellence in human rights law, criminology and transitional justice.
A Thriving Legal Sector — Global & Home-Grown
Belfast is one of the fastest-growing legal hubs in the UK, having attracted a significant number of law firms with an international profile.
A Welcoming Legal Community
Northern Ireland offers a strong legal community with support from the Law Society of Northern Ireland, The Bar of Northern Ireland, The Institute of Professional Legal Studies and influential figures from academia and practice — from senior judges to young solicitors.
Vibrant, Accessible & Safe
Belfast is a vibrant, cosmopolitan, safe and welcoming destination with excellent connectivity to the UK, Europe and beyond, with a strong track record of hosting high-profile legal events including the Commonwealth Lawyers Association Conference 2022.
SPONSORS
HERBERT SMITH FREEHILLS KRAMER
DONNELLY & WALL, SOLICITORS AND NOTARIES PUBLIC
OGLETREE DEAKINS
O'REILLY STEWART, SOLICITORS
dwf
LAW SOCIETY OF NORTHERN IRELAND
THE BAR OF NORTHERN IRELAND
TOURISM NORTHERN IRELAND
BELFAST CITY COUNCIL
QUEEN'S UNIVERSITY BELFAST, INSTITUTE OF PROFESSIONAL LEGAL STUDIES
ULSTER UNIVERSITY
QUEEN'S UNIVERSITY BELFAST, SCHOOL OF LAW
CONFERENCE PROGRAMME
THURSDAY 15 OCTOBER 2026 — ULSTER UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF LAW
16:30 The Inaugural Franco – British HFS Kramer Inter – Varsity AI Moot
leading moot teams from Ulster University (UU) and Queen's University Belfast (QUB).
18:30 approx. Drinks Reception & Networking — drinks and pizza, sponsored by UU School of Law and QUB School of Law.
20:00 Dinner — The Academy Restaurant, UU. Approx. £45 per person.
FRIDAY 16 OCTOBER 2026 — BELFAST CITY HALL
09:15 Welcome Address — The Rt Hon Lord Justice McCloskey
SESSION 1 — ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN THE LAW · 09:30–12:10
Moderator: Lady Mary Arden
09:30 “Should Judges Use AI? Lessons from the Hercules Project” — John Keers, Centre for Legal Technology, Ulster University
09:50 “AI: A Judicial Perspective” — Mr Justice Humphreys, Northern Ireland Court of Judicature
10:10 “The French Experience” — M. Raphaël Dana, Barreau de Paris
10:30 “Building AI Guidance for Judges, with Judges” — Dr Tomás McInerney, QUB School of Law
10:50 Break — Tea & Coffee
Moderator: Frank O'Donoghue KC
11:10 “Artificial Authority: When AI Invents the Law” — Dr John McCord, Centre for Legal Technology, Ulster University
11:30 “Ethical Duties in an AI World” — Fiona McLeay, Chief Executive Officer and Commissioner, Legal Services Board, Victoria, Australia
11:50 Open Forum
SESSION 2 — CYBER CRIME · 12:10–13:10
Moderator: Denise Kiley KC
12:10 “Challenges and Difficulties in a Digital World” — Charles Gillan, Barrister-at-Law
12:30 “Cyber Crime in the Age of AI: The Evolving Threat Landscape” — Detective Superintendent Paul Woods, Head of PSNI Cyber, Digital Forensics and Economic Crime
12:50 “Crime in the Digital Age: What Every Young Barrister Needs to Know” — Bobbie Leigh Herdman, Barrister-at-Law
13:10 Lunch
SESSION 3 — THE YOUNG LAWYER TODAY AND TOMORROW · 14:00–16:15
Moderator: Shonagh Nelson, Barrister-at-Law
13:55 “The Future of the Legal Profession” — Lady Leeona Dorrian, Scottish Court of Session
14:15 “What Does AI Mean for the Lawyers of Today and Tomorrow?” — Jude Copeland, Cleaver Fulton Rankin
14:35 “Revisiting the leverage effect: Renewing the Pyramid Structure” — Olivier Chaduteau PhD
14:55 “From Student to Trainee: Building Meaningful Connections in Law” — Nicola Martin, Trainee Solicitor, Lindsays LLP
15:15 Comfort Break
15:30 · Moderator: Emma McIlveen, Barrister-at-Law
15:30 “Mooting: AI Pitfalls and Benefits” — Cerys Kennedy, Barrister-at-Law, and Sarah Gallan, Barrister-at-Law
15:50 “Same Profession, Different World: A Cross-Generational Conversation” — Inter-Generational Panel: Mr Justice McLaughlin, Shea Glasgow, Shannon Gawley, Michelle Cully, Tom Gyle and Olivia Jordan
16:10 Closing Remarks — Simon Horsington, Vice-President, FBLS
EVENING & WEEKEND HIGHLIGHTS
FRIDAY 16 OCTOBER · BELFAST CITY HALL
GALA DINNER
19:15 — Prosecco Reception with live Irish music & Irish dancing
20:00 — Dinner, three courses
Guest Speaker — Lady Mary Arden
Dress code: Black Tie / Smart Formal
SATURDAY 17 OCTOBER · OPTIONAL CULTURAL ACTIVITY
CRUMLIN ROAD GAOL TOUR
Join an escorted tour of Crumlin Road Gaol, one of Belfast's most historic landmarks.
Depart — Belfast City Hall, 09:45am
ACCESS TO LAW
Opening the profession to the next generation
A profession is only as strong as the breadth of people it draws upon. The Society supports widening
access to law and the legal profession, ensuring that talent, not background, determines who shapes the
professionʼs future. This conference has a particular focus on early-career lawyers, law students and
those from under-represented communities.
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH ULSTER UNIVERSITY
LLM in Access to Justice
Ulster University' s LLM in Access to Justice is a unique clinical legal education programme in Northern Ireland, with no directly comparable undergraduate or postgraduate course on the island of Ireland.
Through the Ulster University Law Clinic, students gain practical experience in legal advice, advocacy and client care, including tribunal representation and involvement in family law matters. The programme directly engages with unmet legal need, equality of arms and the practical barriers individuals face in accessing justice.
A distinctive clinical legal education programme placing students at the heart of advice, advocacy and access to justice.
STRENGTHENING JUSTICE SYSTEMS
Irish Rule of Law International (IRLI) works with legal professionals and justice institutions across jurisdictions to strengthen justice systems, promote human rights, and uphold the rule of law. Through partnership, expertise, and shared learning, we support fairer, more resilient justice systems.
CONFERENCE VENUES
ULSTER UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF LAW
Day 1 moot & reception. York Street, Belfast BT15 1ED
BELFAST CITY HALL
Day 2 sessions & Gala Dinner. Donegall
Square, Belfast BT1 5GS
CRUMLIN ROAD GAOL
Saturday tour. 53–55 Crumlin Road, Belfast BT14 6ST
REGISTRATION AND RATES
CONFERENCE ONLY 15–16 OCT
FBLS Member £95
Non-Member £110
Academics £60
Students / Pupil Barristers / IPLS Trainees / Apprentices FREE
Barristers / Solicitors up to 2 years' call FREE
Barristers / Solicitors 3-5 years' call £50
Speakers CONFERENCE FREE
CONFERENCE & GALA DINNER
FBLS Member £150
Non-Member £175
Students / Pupils / IPLS Trainees / Apprentices £40
GALA DINNER ONLY
FBLS Member £80
Non-Member £90
Academics £60
Law Students / IPLS Trainees / Apprentices £40
Solicitors & Barristers up to 3 years' call £55
All conference rates are inclusive of the Reception on 15 October, as well as refreshments and lunch on 16 October.
(OPTIONAL) THURSDAY DINNER - 15 OCTOBER - THE ACADEMY RESTAURANT, ULSTER UNIVERSITY
Dinner begins at 20:00. The approximate cost is £45 per person. Delegates should make their own booking directly with the restaurant by telephoning (028) 9536 7332 and asking for Matthew, the Manager.
(OPTIONAL) CULTURAL ACTIVITY – 17 OCTOBER – CRUMLIN ROAD GAOL ESCORTED TOUR
Depart Belfast City Hall: 09:45am · Return: 1:00pm · £30 per person, to include transport and refreshments.
REGISTER NOW FOLLOWING THE LINK:
Or scan the QR code:
ACCOMMODATION IN BELFAST
HOTEL STARS ESTIMATED BOOKING DETAILS / PROMO CODE
RATE FROM*
Fitzwilliam Hotel Belfast ★★★★★ £215
Contact Megan Best directly and mention the Franco – British Lawyers’ Society: [email protected]
DoubleTree by Hilton Belfast City Ten Square ★★★★ £173
DoubleTree by Hilton Belfast City Ten Square
Group code: TYL3MC https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/bfsbfdi-doubletree-belfast-city-ten-square/ Select 'Special Rates' and enter the code in the 'Group Code' section.
Holiday Inn Belfast City ★★★★ £152
City Centre Hotel: Holiday Inn Belfast City Centre
Conference Discount Link : Holiday Inn Express Hotel Belfast City - Queen's Quarter
Holiday Inn Express Belfast ★★★ £135
Holiday Inn Express Hotel Belfast City - Queen's Quarter
Click on each link above to learn more and book directly.
*Delegates are advised to quote “Future Lawyer Conference 2026” when booking directly with participating hotels. The rates below are indicative only and are subject to availability and confirmation by the hotel.
CATHOLIC CHAPLAINCY QUB
A place to belong. A place to think. A place to grow.
The Catholic Chaplaincy at Queen’s offers faith and pastoral support to students and staff across Belfast’s third-level institutions.
With a Chapel and garden at its heart, it is a place of encounter and dialogue — to explore life’s big questions and, for those who choose, to grow in the Christian faith.
Drop into Mosaic for some of the best coffee in South Belfast, home-baked treats, warm lunches and a friendly welcome.
Our new student residence, Ryan Hall, offers high-quality contemporary accommodation at the heart of Queen’s historic campus.
FIND OUT MORE AND BOOK RYAN HALL AT qubcatholic.org • @catholicchaplaincyqub
Not yet a member of the AJFB/FBLS ? Join us following the link:
https://ajfb-fbls.org/membership
FUTURE LAWYER CONFERENCE · BELFAST 2026
SEE YOU IN BELFAST
A city shaped by history.
A profession shaped by change.
A conference for the next generation of lawyers.
The Future Lawyer Conference 2026 will bring together young lawyers, judges, academics and practitioners to explore the challenges and opportunities facing the legal profession in the third millennium.
BELFAST · 15 – 16 OCTOBER 2026
#FutureLawyerBelfast2026