Conference programme

Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming legal practice, public administration and the justice system, presenting both opportunities and significant human rights challenges. This session will examine how AI is influencing access to justice, privacy, accountability and ethical obligations for lawyers. Panellists will discuss how the legal profession can embrace innovation while ensuring that AI remains transparent, fair, non-discriminatory and centred on the protection of fundamental rights.

Global labour mobility continues to shape economies and societies, creating opportunities while exposing migrant workers to exploitation, discrimination and modern slavery risks. This session will explore the legal rights of migrant workers in various jurisdictions alongside the obligations of employers to provide safe, lawful and equitable workplaces. Panellists will discuss immigration frameworks, workplace compliance, ethical recruitment, cross-border employment challenges and the role of lawyers in promoting fair and inclusive employment practices.

Environmental, social and governance expectations are reshaping corporate decision-making, placing human rights and climate risk at the centre of business strategy. This session will bring together experienced general counsel to discuss how organisations are managing legal, regulatory and reputational risks arising from climate change, supply chains, modern slavery and corporate human rights obligations. The discussion will explore practical approaches to governance and due diligence.

Workplace equality continues to evolve through legislative reform, judicial decisions and changing community expectations. This session will explore recent developments affecting women and LGBTQI+ employees, including discrimination protections, pay transparency, family and parental rights, workplace inclusion and employer obligations. Panellists will discuss emerging legal trends and practical measures organisations can adopt to foster respectful, equitable and inclusive workplaces worldwide.

This session will examine how different jurisdictions regulate harmful speech while preserving democratic freedoms, considering developments in online platforms, misinformation, discrimination laws and international human rights standards. Panellists will discuss where legal boundaries should be drawn and the responsibilities of governments, technology companies and civil society.

Corporate misconduct and workplace-related offences increasingly raise complex questions about accountability, proportionality and justice. This session will examine sentencing outcomes across both white-collar and blue-collar offending, considering cases involving corporate crime, workplace fatalities, environmental harm, corruption, labour exploitation and human rights abuses. Speakers will discuss how courts balance punishment, deterrence, rehabilitation and corporate responsibility in achieving just outcomes.

Lawyers and human rights defenders play a vital role in upholding the rule of law, yet they face threats including harassment, arbitrary detention, surveillance and violence. This session will explore international legal protections for human rights defenders, the independence of the legal profession, and practical strategies for safeguarding lawyers and civil society advocates. Speakers will consider the responsibilities of governments, bar associations and the international legal community in protecting those who defend the rights of others. 

The right to liberty and a fair trial are fundamental principles underpinning democratic legal systems. This session will explore current challenges relating to detention, pre-trial rights, prison conditions, procedural fairness and access to legal representation, drawing on international human rights standards and comparative legal approaches. Speakers will examine reforms aimed at improving criminal justice systems while protecting the rights and dignity of all individuals.

This session explores the future of legal services through the perspectives of lawyers at different stages of their careers. As the profession undergoes a rapid transformation driven by technology, evolving client expectations and changing business models, panellists will discuss the skills, leadership qualities and innovative approaches needed to succeed in a changing legal landscape. Drawing on the experiences of both established practitioners and emerging professionals, the discussion will provide practical insights into career development, legal technology, client service, networking, wellbeing and lifelong learning, equipping lawyers to thrive throughout every stage of their professional journey.