Public Law in 2026: One Day Symposium - Cornerstone Barristers

From AI in decision-making to the duty of candour and the future of judicial review, the challenges facing public lawyers have never been more complex. Hear from some of the UK's leading public law experts at Cornerstone Barristers' flagship annual conference and gain the insights you need for the year ahead.

Tickets are now available for Cornerstone Barristers Public Law in 2026 conference, our annual day-long symposium bringing together leading minds in public law.

We’re offering a 10% discount for readers of Local Government Lawyer. Use the following code at checkout: LGL10

What: Cornerstone Barristers Public Law in 2026 Conference

Where: Royal College of Surgeons, 38 Lincoln's Inn Fields, London, WC2A 3LY

When: Monday 29^th June 2026, 9am – 6pm

What to expect

This year’s conference will feature a comprehensive case law update, expert-led discussions on public law and judicial review with breakout sessions tailored for both claimants and defendants, and a keynote address from the Lord Justice of Appeal, LJ Dove.

The conference will include sessions on the following topics:

• AI and decision-making
• Hillsborough Law and the duty of candour
• Remedies (including suspended quashing orders)
• Refusing relief under s31 Senior Courts Act 1981
• Practice and procedure updates
• Discrimination law in Judicial Review challenges
• Article 6 ECHR and fair trial rights

View the full programme below.

Who should attend?

The event is ideal for anyone working in or advising on public law and judicial review – whether in central or local government, claimant practices, or the wider legal sector.

The day will conclude with a forward-looking panel discussion and a relaxed drinks reception – a great opportunity to network and reflect.

Highlights

• Keynote speaker – Lord Justice Dove, Lord Justice of Appeal
• Breakout sessions offering practical insights for both claimants and defendants
• Presentations by leading barristers in the field of public law
• Supplementary written material
• Refreshments and networking throughout the day

Secure your place

Tickets cost £165 + VAT.

Use the following code at checkout to secure a 10% discount on the tickets: LGL10

Feedback from delegates of Cornerstone conferences

“Focussed, knowledgeable speakers – a lot of information well presented”

“Truly impactful”

“The conference was great and extremely informative”

Programme

• 9.00  –  Registration and Refreshments
• 9:45  –  Welcome and Lisa Busch KC Memorial Lecture

We are delighted to be joined by Lord Justice Dove, the Lord Justice of Appeal, who will deliver this year’s keynote Lisa Busch KC Memorial Lecture.

• 10:15  –  Case Law Update

A round up of the most important case law developments from the past 12 months. With Lois Lane and Hannah Taylor.

• 10:45  –  Breakout Session 1

A: Practice and Procedures: Key updates – with Wayne Beglan and Clare Parry

B: Discrimination law in Judicial Review challenges – with Kelvin Rutledge KC, Michael Paget and Tara O’Leary

• 11:30  –  Refreshments
• 12:00  –  Decision making machines? The uses and abuses of AI in public law

What does the AI revolution mean for public law? In this session we will discuss the uses and abuses of AI in administrative decision-making, helping you to understand what the law does and does not allow when it comes to AI. With Matt Lewin and Rowan Clapp.

• 12:30  –  Duty of Candour and the “Hillsborough Law”

This session will focus on the practical operation of the duty of candour in judicial review, including common issues arising in disclosure, witness evidence and litigation conduct. It will also examine the proposed statutory duty under the Public Office (Accountability) Bill and its potential impact on how public authorities approach decision‑making. With Kuljit Bhogal KC and Simon Bell.

• 13:00  –  Lunch
• 14:00  –  Breakout Session 2

C: Remedies in Judicial Review: Developments in Quashing Orders and beyond – with Ryan Kohli and Riccardo Calzavara

D: The Reach of Article 6 in Civil Litigation: ECHR and fair trial rights – with Andrew Lane and Jeremy Ogilvie-Harris.

• 14:45  – Making A Difference? Refusing relief in Judicial Review

This talk examines section 31 of the Senior Courts Act 1981 with particular attention given to subsections (2A) and (2B), which provide that the court must refuse relief, and may not award damages, where “it appears to the court to be highly likely that the outcome for the applicant would not have been substantially different if the conduct complained of had not occurred”, unless the court considers that it is appropriate to grant relief for reasons of “exceptional public interest”. The session explores the interpretation and application of these provisions in recent case law. With Catherine Rowlands and Sarah Salmon.

• 15:15  –  Refreshments
• 15:30  –  Panel Discussion: A look ahead

Concluding conference, our illuminating panel discussion promises to be a thought-provoking journey into what the next year holds for public law, with our panel offering valuable insights and predictions. Panel includes Gerard Forlin KC and Estelle Dehon KC.

• 16:15  –  Networking reception

*Timings, speakers and content are subject to change