The Legal Wales Foundation is delighted to announce that the Legal Wales Conference & Dinner 2026 will take place on Friday 9 October 2026 at the Cardiff Marriott Hotel.
Bringing together leaders from across the legal profession, government, academia and the judiciary, the Legal Wales Conference has become the foremost annual forum for exploring the issues shaping the future of law and justice in Wales.
Following another highly successful conference in 2025, this year’s event returns to Cardiff with an exceptional programme featuring senior members of the judiciary, influential policymakers, legal practitioners, academics and business leaders.
From constitutional change and judicial reform to leadership, diversity, tribunals and the future of the profession in Wales, delegates can expect a day of informed debate, practical insight and unrivalled networking, before concluding with the prestigious Legal Wales Conference Dinner.
Whether you work in private practice, the Bar, in-house, government, academia or support the legal profession, this is one of the most important legal events in Wales’ calendar.
An outstanding programme
The 2026 programme reflects some of the most significant issues currently facing the legal profession, justice system and wider Welsh public life.
This year’s Conference will explore the impact of the 2026 Welsh General Election, examine progress since the landmark Thomas Commission, consider reforms to the tribunals system, discuss the development of a more inclusive judiciary and examine the future direction of the legal profession in Wales.
Alongside keynote addresses from some of the UK’s most senior legal figures, delegates will have the opportunity to participate in specialist breakout sessions designed to encourage discussion, collaboration and practical learning.
Fringe events
A series of fringe events, hosted during the week of the Conference, are also highly recommended. These include:
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Thursday 8th October: An Evening with John Hyde: Lessons from the Post Office Scandal – the Cardiff launch of his new book ‘Indefensible: How Lawyers Failed to Stop the Post Office Scandal’ (One Central Square, Cardiff, 5pm.) Click here to book.
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SAVE THE DATE: Thursday 8th October: Franco-British Lawyers Society: Choosing the seat of arbitration – Control of costs in Arbitration and 3rd party financing. (Central Cardiff) More information coming soon, here.
- Saturday 10 October: Legal Wales x Cardiff ParkRun. More information on the Cardiff ParkRun event and taking part with the legal profession and LegalRunners will be shared soon.
Programme highlights
- Opening address from Jonathan Elystan Rees KC, chair, Legal Wales Foundation.
- A flagship panel chaired by The Lady Chief Justice, The Right Honourable the Baroness Carr of Walton-on-the-Hill, on the One Judiciary Programme and creating a more inclusive judiciary
- In conversation with Professor Laura McAllister – a post-election discussion examining the future political landscape in Wales
- A keynote from The Rt Hon Lord Justice Stephen Cobb, President of the Family Division
- A keynote from The Attorney General, Lord Hermer KC
- Presentation of the Sir Samuel Evans Prize 2026 recognising the best undergraduate law graduate at a Welsh law school
- The Legal Wales Conference Dinner, with after dinner speaker.
Further speakers – including the After Dinner Speaker – will be announced in due course
Breakout sessions
Alongside the main plenary sessions, delegates can tailor their day by choosing from a series of expert-led breakout discussions covering topics including:
- The Tribunal Reform Bill: panel discussion featuring Rt Hon Sir Gary Hickinbottom, President of the Welsh Tribunals
- Transforming Cardiff: transport, infrastructure and the legal profession – hosted by Browne Jacobson
- The future of the legal profession in Wales: a session on the business of law with Legal News Wales
- The Thomas Commission six years on – chaired by John Hyde, Law Society Gazette
- Equity of income and senior leadership for women in law
- Court of Protection developments
Each session will bring together leading practitioners, judges, policymakers and academics to provide practical insight and encourage meaningful discussion.
Why Attend?
- Hear from the UK’s most senior judiciary
- Explore the future of justice in Wales
- Build valuable professional connections
- Gain practical insight from expert breakout sessions
Who should attend?
The Legal Wales Conference welcomes delegates from across the legal community, including: solicitors, barristers, in-house legal teams, members of the judiciary, Welsh and UK Government representatives, academics, law students, legal technology and professional services providers, and professional bodies and membership organisations.
Venue
Cardiff Marriott Hotel, Mill Lane, Cardiff, CF10 1EZ – an accessible city-centre location for delegates travelling from across Wales and beyond.
Book your place
Bookings for the Legal Wales Conference & Dinner 2026 are now open. Click here to book.
Whether you’re attending the full conference and dinner, joining us for the conference only, or attending the evening dinner, early booking is recommended as places are limited.
Ticket options include:
- Combined Conference & Dinner Ticket *Early Bird Discount* (available until 31.07.26): £170
- Combined Conference & Dinner Ticket (from 01.08.26): £185
- Conference Only: £100
- Dinner Only: £85
Bookings are managed by the Legal Wales Foundation.
Following submission of your booking form, an invoice will be issued and your place confirmed upon receipt of payment. Click here to secure your place.
The Earlybird Combined Ticket Discount is available until midnight on the 31st July 2026.
Sponsors & exhibitors
Headline Sponsors: With thanks to Browne Jacobson and 30 Park Place – co-headline sponsors for this year’s event.
Further exhibitors and conference partners will be announced shortly.
Exhibition opportunities are still available in limited numbers for organisations wishing to showcase their services to Wales’ legal community.
Media Partner: The Legal Wales Conference & Dinner is proudly delivered in partnership with Legal News Wales, the Conference’s official media partner.
Contact
For remaining sponsorship, exhibition opportunities or general conference enquiries, please contact Emma Waddingham, Conference Director, here: editor@legalnewswales.com
