Cardiff & District Law Society (CDLS) will bring senior figures from across the region’s legal profession together this November for the return of its annual Partners & Directors Lunch.
The 2026 lunch will take place at The Ivy Cardiff on Wednesday 25 November, offering managing partners, directors and other senior legal leaders an opportunity to meet and share experiences in a relaxed setting.
First launched in 2014, the annual lunch was created to bring together managing partners, equity partners and directors from across the breadth of legal services in Cardiff and the surrounding region, providing a rare opportunity for those in senior leadership positions to connect with their peers.
Guests will be joined by CDLS President Emma Waddingham, Founder and Editor of Legal News Wales, and Vice President Julia Reynolds, Partner & Head of the Wales office, Leigh Day.
This year’s lunch is sponsored by Barclays and will include a fireside conversation with Stephen Ainsworth, Barclays Industry Director for the legal sector. Full discussion themes will be announced shortly.
Following the lunch, guests will also have the opportunity to attend the Cardiff & District Law Society Annual General Meeting 2026, including the election of Council members and the Society’s next President. The AGM is free to attend and will include informal networking over drinks.
What to expect
Guests will be welcomed with an arrival drink before enjoying a three-course lunch, accompanied by wine, at The Ivy Cardiff.
The event is designed to provide an informal environment for senior figures from across the profession to catch up, build relationships and discuss some of the issues facing legal businesses and leaders across the region.
Agenda
- 12:00: Arrival and glass of Ivy Cuvée
- 12:15: Welcome from Emma Waddingham, President of Cardiff & District Law Society
- 12:30: Fireside conversation with Stephen Ainsworth, Barclays Industry Director for the legal sector
- 13:15: Three-course lunch, followed by informal conversation and networking
- After lunch: Drinks at the bar ahead of the AGM
- 17:15: CDLS Annual General Meeting – central Cardiff venue TBA
Who should attend?
The lunch is open to Managing Partners, Directors and Partners working within legal practices across the Cardiff & District region.
CDLS welcomes senior leaders from across the profession, including Top 50, high street and boutique law firms, Alternative Business Structures and barristers’ chambers. Senior directors and leaders of in-house legal teams are also welcome to attend.
Tickets and booking
CDLS member tickets are £65 per person, with non-member tickets available for £75 per person.
Places can be booked via the CDLS registration form, here.
Payments must be made in full by 18 November 2026, with an invoice issued following booking. Refunds are available up to 14 working days before the event unless the booking can be replaced.
Guests should provide details of any dietary requirements when booking, or no later than 15 November 2026.
For event queries, contact the Cardiff & District Law Society Administrator at admin@cardifflaw.org.
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